How To Write A Letter Of Interest (With Tips And Sample)

Updated 14 May 2023

A letter of interest (LOI) is a valuable tool that showcases your skills and experience to potential employers before they advertise job openings. It also demonstrates your genuine interest in working for a specific company or in a particular role. An effective LOI can help you attract employers and prompt hiring managers to consider you for future opportunities. In this article, we explain 'What an LOI is?', list steps and tips for writing one, discuss the differences between an LOI and a cover letter and provide an example letter.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

What Is A Letter Of Interest?

A letter of interest, expression of interest or enquiry letter, is a document that expresses your interest in a specific job, company or opportunity that may not currently have an advertised opening. It serves as an introduction that highlights your skills, qualifications and reasons for seeking a job or partnership. This letter helps you establish a connection with the company and increases the possibility of future conversations or opportunities.

How To Write An LOI?

Consider the following steps on how to write an LOI:

1. Research the organisation or position

Before writing your LOI, conduct thorough research on the organisation or position that interests you. Visit the organisation's website, read about its mission, vision and values and familiarise yourself with its products or services. Browse through the company's social media accounts and read news articles about it to understand its accomplishments and the challenges it faces. This can help you customise your letter to the specific needs and requirements of the organisation.

2. Format the letter professionally

A professional letter can make a strong initial impact on a reader. Use a standard business letter format that includes the following:

Your name and contact information at the top of the page
The date
The recipient's name, title and contact information
A formal salutation

3. Write a strong opening paragraph

Use the opening paragraph to immediately capture the reader's attention and clarify the purpose of your letter. Introduce yourself by mentioning your current role or area of expertise and state the specific position or department that interests you. Also, mention how you discovered the opportunity, such as through a referral or a networking event.

4. Showcase your skills and accomplishments

In the body of the letter present your relevant skills, experiences and accomplishments by providing specific examples. Demonstrate how you have applied your skills in past roles and how they may benefit the organisation. Use quantifiable results or accomplishments whenever possible, as these provide strong evidence of your capabilities. Focus on your relevant qualifications and ensure your examples align with the organisation's operations.

5. Express enthusiasm and alignment

Demonstrate your passion for the organisation and its mission, vision or values by elaborating on why you are particularly keen on the position or department. Explain how your personal and career goals align with the company's objectives and culture to explain why you are a good fit. Establishing a connection with the reader can help differentiate you from other candidates.

6. Close with a call to action

In the closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the opportunity and propose a next step. Request an informational interview, a meeting or a phone call to discuss your qualifications in greater detail and provide your availability. Be polite, confident and assertive in your request and thank the reader for considering your interest.

7. Proofread and edit

Carefully proofread and edit your LOI for grammar, spelling, punctuation and formatting errors. An error-free letter gives a more positive impression. Consider reading the letter aloud to identify awkward phrasing or unclear sentences. If possible, ask a friend, family member or colleague to review your letter for clarity and conciseness.

Tips For Writing An LOI

Here are some useful tips to consider for writing an LOI:

Customise your language and tone. Write in a style that reflects the company's culture and values. If the organisation is formal, use a professional tone and if it is more casual, be more relaxed.
Highlight unique qualities. Mention any unique qualities or experiences that distinguish you from other candidates. This may be language skills, your educational background or relevant voluntary work.
Keep it concise. A good LOI is concise and no more than one page in length. Avoid including too much information or overly complex language, as this can detract from the main points you want to convey.
Demonstrate your knowledge. Show that you have conducted research by mentioning specific projects, initiatives or news relating to the organisation. This demonstrates a genuine interest and indicates that you are well-informed.
Be humble and genuine. Showcase your skills and experiences in a modest and genuine manner. Focus on how you can contribute to the organisation.
Use strong action verbs. Use action-oriented verbs to describe your accomplishments and experiences. This creates a more dynamic and engaging narrative, making your letter more compelling.
End with a memorable closing. Use your closing to leave a lasting impression on the reader. Express your gratitude for the employer's time and consideration and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Difference Between An LOI And A Cover Letter

An LOI and a cover letter are documents that candidates submit as part of job applications or business proposals, but they have distinct formats and purposes. The following are the key differences between the two:

Purpose

An LOI is a document that expresses your interest in working with a company, organisation or institution. Candidates often submit one when applying for jobs or internships or discussing partnerships or collaborations. An LOI may also be helpful in the early stages of a business agreement or acquisition, as it can outline the parties' intentions and initial terms. A cover letter is a document that accompanies a resume during the job application process. It briefly introduces you, elaborates on your qualifications and explains why you are suitable for the position.

Format and structure

An LOI is generally more concise and straightforward than a cover letter. It typically includes the sender's and the recipient's contact information, a brief introduction, a clear statement of intent, a summary of relevant experience or qualifications and a call to action. A cover letter is more narrative in nature and usually follows a specific format. It comprises the sender's and recipient's contact information, a formal salutation, an introductory paragraph, two or three body paragraphs that discuss the candidate's skills and experience, a concluding paragraph and a closing with the candidate's signature.

Tone and style

An LOI is typically more formal and business like in tone, as professionals often use them for business negotiations or collaborations. A cover letter is usually more personal and engaging. It aims to connect with the recipient and demonstrate your enthusiasm for a position.

Example LOI

The following is an example LOI that you can refer to when writing your own:

Aman Sharma
+91 5555555555 | aman.sharma@email.com | Mumbai, Maharashtra

06/04/2023

Dear Ms Agarwal,

I recently found an article in the Finance Times about the innovative projects TechSolutions has been implementing in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). As an experienced software engineer with a keen interest in AI, I am writing to express my interest in exploring potential job opportunities within your esteemed organisation.

With a bachelor's degree in computer science from the Indian Institutes of Technology, Delhi and over four years of experience at KCD Technologies, I have honed my skills in Python, machine learning algorithms and data analysis. At ABC Technologies, I led a team of six engineers in developing an AI-based recommendation system for e-commerce platforms, which resulted in a 25% increase in sales conversions for the company's clients.

I am particularly interested in TechSolution's commitment to using technology for social good. While at ABC Technologies, I volunteered to work on a pro bono project for a non-profit organisation. My colleagues and I developed an AI-powered app to improve healthcare access in rural areas of India. I believe my passion for leveraging technology to make a positive impact aligns well with TechSolution's values.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences can contribute to TechSolution's ongoing and future projects. I have attached my resume for your review and I would be grateful if we could arrange a meeting or a phone call at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for considering my interest in TechSolutions. I look forward to the possibility of working with your exceptional team.

Sincerely,

Aman Sharma