A letter of interest is a special kind of cover letter also known as an inquiry letter or prospecting letter. Likewise cover letter, it also helps you in finding employment. They only differ in terms of goals and timing. This document informs the potential employer about your professional background, capabilities, and accomplishments. It is a great way for you to express interest in working for.
Moreover, this letter should be drafted in such a way that ensures success. Before drafting the letter, search out as much as you can about the company you’re writing the letter.
What should be included in a letter of interest?
Your letter of interest should be unique and particularly written for the company you are interested in. This letter includes the following elements;
- Your name and contact information
- The date when you wrote the letter
- The employer’s name and their contact details
- A formal greeting
- An introductory paragraph
- 2 to 3 body paragraphs
- A closing paragraph
- Your signature
What is the difference between a letter of interest and a cover letter in terms of goals and timing?
In goals:
The difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest is the goal. A letter of interest aims is to explore potential job opportunities at a particular company. On the other hand, a cover letter helps you in reaching out to an employer when they are opened to hire. It is the part of an application submission for a certain job. Furthermore, it has a significant goal of helping you land an interview.
Timing:
At any point in your job search, you can send a letter of interest. You can use this letter to make yourself known to a hiring manager. On the other hand, a cover letter is used when applying for a specific job. When the employer is looking to fill a position, this letter is used to respond to a job posting.
Both a cover letter and a letter of interest provide you benefit in your job search. A letter of interest is an effective way to indicate your assertive and proactive qualities. A cover letter enables you to indicate an employer that you’re a qualified and capable candidate. It also shows that you deserve an interview for the job you have applied to.
How to write a letter of interest?
Let us discuss some tips for writing a letter of interest;
Demonstrate your genuine interest and enthusiasm:
Your letter should explain your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the job. Give a statement that how the job can help you to grow professionally. Then, mention that how the job and working in the company will benefit you and how you’ll contribute to the job and the company. In addition, include your interests, hobbies, talents or skills in order to support the company’s mission and values.
New establishments relevant to the company:
You should keep up to date with any new developments relevant to the company. In this way, you can build a reputation with the employer. It is also sensible thing to search out the latest developments related to the company and stating them in your letter. Bear in mind that it’s about the journey, not the destination and your effort will definitely notice by the people.
Address to a particular person:
You can see in the samples of letter of interest that it is addressed to a specific person. So, if you are serious about your job search, find out the person you need to direct your letter.
Send the company an original and signed letter:
You should send the company an original, signed letter of interest from you. Never send out photocopies of the letter. At the same time, if you’re sending out multiple letters then the mail merge feature of your word processor. Also, for each recipient, insert unique address and greeting. You should customize your letter according to the company you’re sending it to. In your closing, sign each letter when you have customized it.
Serve as an independent document:
Make sure that your letter of interest can stand alone as an independent document. For this, it must include sufficient information. However, you can also repeat some of the main information. You should mainly use your letter of interest to show your experience.
Keep a professional tone:
Since, it is a formal letter so you have to maintain a professional tone in your letter of interest. Your letter should pay attention to your skills and professional accomplishments and how you contribute to the company. It isn’t sensible to include irrelevant interests and hobbies.
Bring attention to your resume:
You should refer to your resume in your letter of interest for job. You can also refer readers to any other enclose documents.
Editing and proofreading:
Before send it out to potential employers, edit and proofread the letter of interest. You can also ask your friend or relative to proofread the document. In addition, ask a professional editor to do that job.
After sending the letter, follow up:
After you have sent the letter of interest, ensure that you follow up with the employer. In this way, you will highly enhance your opportunity of finding employment.
The format of letter of interest:
Commonly, a letter of interest consists of three paragraphs;
First paragraph:
In the first paragraph, indicate that why you are interested in the job you are applying for. Never start with ‘I’, state the source that prompted you to write the letter.
Second paragraph:
In the second paragraph, you should show your qualifications. Here you have to state that how you can be an asset to the company. You can also use this paragraph to direct the readers to your resume.
Third paragraph:
In the final paragraph, you should thank the person you’ve addressed the letter of interest. Inform the person that when you’ll contact him or her to follow up. Ask the person how they contact you.
Things to consider while drafting a letter of interest:
You have to draft your letter of interest appropriately if you want to get the interview that you dearly want. It is important to consider the following things while drafting your letter;
- No mistakes or typos
- The use of a plain business font
- Make use of only black ink color
- Make use of plain white paper
- A single page letter of interest
Do you really need this letter?
A letter of interest can make a positive difference in your employment search. Particularly for you, this can potentially lead to the creation of a new job. In addition, you get hired immediately due to this letter. This letter proves an effective way to start developing a professional relationship with an ideal employer. This encourages them to think of you in case a relevant opportunity comes along.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a letter of interest makes it easy for you to understand the things included in the letter. It is the best way to show your experience and credentials to an employer. When drafting a letter of interest, you should keep a letter of interest sample in front of you.
Faqs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Introduce yourself in the first paragraph of the letter in an interesting and motivational way. Specifies your key attributes and describes where and why you’re sending the letter.
Include a brief closing statement at the end of the letter that states a call to action for requesting a resume or an informational interview.
