Job searching can be stressful. Imagine this scenario: You have applied to over 50 different places, and you haven’t heard back from one. Discouragement sets in, and you feel like giving up. This is a common scenario among job seekers, but don’t lose hope. Sometimes the difference between a good application and a great one is simply a letter of interest. Here you will learn what a letter of interest is, what makes a good letter, tips for writing a good letter, and finally, a sample letter of interest.

What Is a Letter of Interest?

A letter of interest is a letter to the company or business who is hiring. It lets the company know that you’re interested in the job, it showcases your experience in that particular field, and it gives the company or business a feel for who you are as a person and what you could add to their organization.
Sending a letter of interest shows that you’re serious about pursuing the job. It’s a proactive move that everyone should take when applying for jobs. You can send a letter of interest to a company even if they don’t have an active job posting available. Sometimes sending a letter of interest opens the door for new job opportunities.

What Makes a Good Letter?

A good letter of interest should contain certain parts to make it great. Remember that the HR department of the job you are pursuing reads many letters of interest, every day, so yours needs to stand out. Here are some steps to make your letter of interest great!

Showcase What You Will Add to the Company

Before you do this, you must understand what exactly the company is looking for. Read the job description carefully and thoroughly. Then, decide how you can help meet the company’s needs. This is your time to show the company that you are exactly who they are looking for. If the company says they need a “dependable, hard working person who is proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint,” then describe yourself using the same language. Describe yourself as “dependable” and then give examples. Make sure you back up what you are saying with evidence about yourself to show, not tell, how you are perfect for the job.

Prove That You’re Perfect for the Position with Your Skills and Experience

After you describe yourself to the company, explain your skill set and the experience you have that will add to the company’s needs. The more experience you can list, the better. Don’t be shy about this. Sometimes it’s hard to write about yourself, but remember the competition may be intense, and you need to really bring out your best skills and experience that will help you land this job!

Request to Move to the Next Step in the Hiring Process

Again, don’t be shy! At the end of your letter, request to move to the next step of the hiring process. For example:

“My resume is attached, and my contact details are listed below. Please contact me at the number listed. I look forward to connecting with you.”

If you don’t state your call to action, then you won’t seem assertive, and the hiring manager may not contact you. Make sure you always include a call to action at the end of any letter of interest. It makes you seem confident, which will work in your favor.

Tips for Writing the Perfect Letter of Interest

Here are some tips for writing the perfect letter of interest:

Include your full name, your address, your email address, and your phone number at the bottom. If you have a website, include that too. The company will have a variety of ways to reach you, so the more information, the better. Make sure that your email address is a professional one. Don’t send a potential job an email address like hotmama18@yahoo.com. Even if you have to create a new email to sound professional, do it! Most companies communicate via email, so make sure yours is professional.

Include the Business or Company’s Address at the Top of the Page

This just shows that you have done your research and you know who they are. It makes your letter look professional. Under the date, type out their name and address. You can include their email address here too.

Include a Professional Greeting

Make sure that you greet your recipient appropriately and professionally. Don’t start with “hey” or “hi.” If you know the hiring manager’s first and last name, use them (Make sure you spell them correctly!) If you don’t, here are some ways you could greet your recipient.

• Dear First name Last name
• To Whom it May Concern
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear Sir or Madam
• Dear Human Resources Manager
• Dear Company Name Recruiter

Briefly Introduce Yourself in Your Opening Paragraph and Show How You Can Add to the Company

Briefly is the key here. Don’t go on and on about yourself because HR managers have a lot of letters to read. Instead, focus on how you can make your letter of interest stand out in fewer words. In the opening paragraph talk about what characteristics you have that will add to the company. Mention specific details from the job description so the HR manager will know you have read and understand it. Then, use a few examples. You say you’re dependable? Give an example of how you’re dependable. You say you’re creative? Give an example of how creative you are. Examples are great to include in your letter of interest.

Detail Your Qualifications and Experience in the Second Paragraph

Again, don’t go overboard. Be specific and show how your qualifications and experience match the job description. Be honest, too. If you have three years of experience in copywriting, don’t say you have five. Make sure that you only talk about the qualifications and experience that relate to the job for which you are applying. If you are applying for a copywriting job, you won’t need to mention that you worked at a gym while you put yourself through college.

Thank Them for Their Time, and Invite Them to Contact You Further

In the closing paragraph, thank the company for their time, and then invite them to take the next step of the hiring process. This usually means contacting you for an interview. Make sure you include all your contact information, so there should be no reason why they can’t get ahold of you. Write this part confidently as if you are expecting to hear back from them promptly. Confidence goes a long way when applying for a job.

Sign Your Letter With “Sincerely” or “Regards”

These are both professional ways to end a letter. If you are sending the letter in the mail, sign your letter above your typed name before you send it. If you are emailing it, include your first and last name and then your contact information.

A Professional Letter of Interest Example

A successful letter of interest looks like this:

Sara Parker
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
email@email.com
555-212-1234

Lois Dodson
Director, Human Resources
United International
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Dodson:

I recently read your job posting on Indeed.com, and I would like to send you a letter expressing my interest in this job. You described needing someone “dependable” and “reliable,” and I can prove that I am both dependable and reliable. I currently work as a copywriter, and in the last five years I have never missed a deadline. My editors consistently send me positive feedback, and I continue to do my best in showing that I am both dependable and reliable.

I have ten years of experience working as a freelance copy editor. I have over 15 clients who I write for, and all of them are pleased with my work. I write unique, creative copy for businesses who sell various items online, and my copywriting has proven successful for these businesses. One business went from being in debt to being very successful within two years. My copywriting helped this business get back in gear.

My resume is enclosed with this letter, so you can review my education, my work experience, and my achievements. I look forward to hearing from you for an interview. Please contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time.

Your Handwritten Signature (for a hard copy letter)

Sara Parker

Conclusion

Job searching can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Whatever you do, don’t give up or get discouraged. Sometimes it takes time to land a great job. If you are proactive and confident in your job search, you are more likely to land the job you want. Sending letters of interest to potential future employers shows that you are interested and shows what you will add to their company or business. Sure, it takes time, but it could mean the difference between getting the job or not. Follow these tips listed above, and you should land a job in no time. Be persistent, be consistent, and be patient.