How to Write a Letter of Interest
How to Write a Letter of Interest
Before we get to the tips of writing a letter of interest, you might first of all want to know what it is and the details to be included in a well written letter of interest. A letter of interest is simply a letter sent to a company by an applicant in order to express interest as well as introduce the applicant’s qualification, experience and indicate their desire to work for the said company.
It is also commonly referred to as a letter of inquiry. It is mainly sent to companies who have not put-up vacancy placement on any job boards. A letter of interest is simply an applicant trying to figure out if an organization of interest would like to hire them.
A letter of interest should not be mistaken for a cover letter as a cover letter targets a particular job opening and why you believe that you are the best fit for such position while the letter of inquiry where you try to convince the company why they should bring you on board their team in any given position they consider you for.
The process of writing a letter of interest is like letting down a hook on a fishing line expecting a catch. Before writing a letter of interest, there are certain things you need to bear in mind.
- Write it like a formal letter: Ensure that you use the standard format for any professional formal letter.
- Ensure you are addressing the right people in your letter in terms of the name, email address and position of who you’re supposed to write to within your target company. For instance, it wouldn’t seem fair to address the hiring manager as ‘Sir’ if it turns out that the position is occupied by a woman.
- It is always right to find out as much as you can about a company before writing to them.
- Include details but keep it brief: write convincingly in a way that your target company would see the need to consider you for an employment opportunity in the future.
- Don’t include boring and unnecessary details but keep it short and straight to the point.
Details to be Included in your Letter of Interest
-
- Your name
- Your contact info
- Date
- Employer name
- Employer contact information
- Greeting/salutation
- Introductory paragraph
- Body of the letter
- Closing paragraph
- Signature
In your introductory paragraph, let the recipient know a bit about you, your reasons for writing and the type of position you’d be interested in.
Your next paragraph should be the one where you talk about your skills, qualifications and experience and the valuable contributions you would make in the company if given a shot. You can equally include your experiences and achievements in previous positions with other organizations.
The next paragraph is where you insert your “Call to Action” where you encourage the reader to reach out to you for additional information or an interview.
Lastly, close your letter with some words of appreciation for the time taken to read your letter
Sample of Letter of Interest
Below is a sample of a letter of interest to inspire you
Mike Fred
(234) 703-111-1111
example@gmail.com
September 3, 2022
Max and Paul LTD
22 North-West Hills Drive
Dear Mr. James A
My name is Mike Fred, and I am a budding marketer, who would like to inquire about the possibility of any job openings at Max and Paul Limited.
With a degree in marketing and a two-year experience in retail marketing, I have been able to gather the necessary strategies and skills needed in the world of modern-day retail marketing. I am strongly committed to expanding my knowledge and getting to work with a team that shares my drive for advancement, growth and passion for an effective delivery of service.
Along with this letter, my resume has been attached to further inform you of my skills, talents and experiences.
Thank you for the time taken to read my letter, looking forward to hearing back from you
Regards
Signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you Start a Formal Letter of Interest?
Your letter of interest must start with contact details. Your first paragraph must include an introduction to give the potential employer more insights on who you are. While your next paragraph consists of your skills and experiences.
Why Should I Write a Letter of Interest?
You should write a letter of inquiry, because according to research, about 80% of jobs go unadvertised. A letter of interest goes a long way to help you tap into the hidden job market.
What is the Common Letter of Interest mistakes to Avoid?
Not including your resume, not mentioning what you can do, be sure not to make your letter too long etc.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has given you more insights on how to craft a good letter of interest. When putting together your letter of interest, ensure to keep it real, brief, straight to the point and most importantly, keep it professional if you’re hoping for a response.