Imagine this: you’ve found your dream company. The essence of their work, the culture, the values - they all align perfectly with what you’re looking for. There’s just one tiny little problem. They’re not hiring. So, how do you get your foot in the door and make them notice you? Time to talk about a Letter of Interest.
A letter of interest (often called a “letter of intent”) is a proactive way to introduce yourself to a company, express your enthusiasm, and show that you’d be a perfect fit if and when a position becomes available. This article will walk you through how to craft a letter of interest that makes a strong impression, plus tips on using nPloy to find more opportunities.
What is a Letter of Interest?
A letter of interest is a way of introducing yourself to a company before a job opening even exists. Unlike a cover letter, which is typically tailored for a specific job application, a letter of interest shows your enthusiasm for the company as a whole, along with your skills, values, and what you could bring to the table.
Why are Letters of Interest a powerful tool when it comes to finding a new job
Companies receive tons of applications every time they post a job, which means they’re often sifting through hundreds of resumes. But if you make the first move and reach out when no position is listed, you can easily eliminate a lot of competition. There’s also another thing to consider - the “hidden job market”. According to Forbes, about 80% of jobs are not listed on job boards. In these cases, writing a letter of interest can open the door to the hidden job market, giving you an edge that few applicants think to leverage.
Challenges young professionals face when looking for a job
For many young professionals, the traditional application process feels like a black void - you send an application and then… nothing. Well, it can’t happen on nPloy, where you always have feedback and can track the status of your application, but that’s not the point. Young professionals may also find it hard to stand out when so many candidates have similar qualifications, plus they often get to compete with talents from all over the world when it comes to fully remote job opportunities.
If we have to wrap up some of the challenges young people face when entering the job market, here they are:
Lack of job openings
Your dream company isn’t always hiring.
Difficulty standing out among other candidates
With similar resumes, applicants can struggle to grab a recruiter’s attention.
Networking challenges
Without an “in,” you might never make that initial contact.
Best practices for writing a Letter of Interest
Writing a compelling letter of interest combines enthusiasm, research, and the ability to convey your value and unique skills. While it may feel daunting, a well-structured letter can set you apart from other candidates and make a lasting impression. We've compiled a list of actionable tips and best practices that will guide you in writing a standout letter of interest.
Research the company before writing a letter of interest
Make an effort and research the company, its culture and its goals. Find out what’s new in their industry or look up recent projects they’ve undertaken. Knowing this shows your enthusiasm and helps tailor your letter.
Personalise your opening
Avoid generic and cringey openings like “Dear Hiring Manager.” If you can find the name of someone in HR or a department lead, use it. Personal touches can make all the difference.
Showcase your value as a professional
Highlight a few key skills and experiences relevant to the company. If you’re a designer and you’re writing to a tech company, point out how your design skills align with the tech industry’s demand for user-centred design.
Express long-term interest
Companies want to invest in people who are genuinely interested in their growth. Emphasise how you see yourself growing with the company, contributing over time rather than just filling a role temporarily.
Keep it short, sweet and straight to the point
Make sure your letter is clear and to the point, ideally no more than one page. Recruiters appreciate brevity and clarity.
Now that you know the tips, writing a Letter of interest should be an easy task.
Conclusion
A well-crafted letter of interest can be your key to entering companies that aren’t even hiring yet, allowing you to demonstrate your enthusiasm and stand out.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a letter of interest and a cover letter?
A letter of interest is a general introduction to a company when no specific role is advertised, whereas a cover letter is aimed for a specific job opening.
How long should a letter of interest be?
Aim for a single page, focusing on your skills, passion for the company, and how you could add value.
Who should I address a letter of interest to?
Research the company’s website to find a relevant HR contact or department head. A personalised greeting goes a long way.
What should I include in a letter of interest?
Include a brief intro, why you’re interested in the company, and a few relevant skills or experiences. Make sure to wrap up with a call to action for further communication.
How can I follow up after sending a letter of interest?
Wait about two weeks, then send a polite follow-up email, reiterating your interest and asking if there’s an opportunity to discuss future openings.
