What Is a Letter of Intent

A letter of intent is a message you send to a company when you are interested in working there, even if there is no exact job posting that fits you right now.

It is sometimes called a letter of interest or inquiry letter. The goal is simple. Introduce yourself, explain why the company interests you, and show where your background may help.

Why a Letter of Intent Is Different

A cover letter responds to a specific job. A letter of intent starts a broader conversation.

Drexel University's guide to a general inquiry cover letter recommends explaining why you are interested in the organization and connecting your knowledge, skills, and abilities to its mission and goals.

Letter of Intent and Cover Letter Compared

Feature	Letter of Intent	Cover Letter
Purpose	Express interest in a company or department.	Apply for a specific open role.
Focus	Company goals and your broad value.	Job description and exact requirements.
Timing	Useful when there is no perfect posting.	Used when a job is posted.
Tone	Exploratory and professional.	Direct and role-specific.

Build Your Letter of Intent

Keep the letter focused. A busy reader should understand why you are writing within the first few lines.

1. Research the company

Review the company website, recent news, open roles, product pages, and leadership updates.

Input: Company website, recent news, and public job postings.
Output: A clear reason you are interested in that company.

2. Use a professional format

Use a standard business-letter format for an attachment. For email, use a clear subject line and put your contact details in the signature.

3. Start with a direct introduction

Name who you are and why you are writing. Focus on a department, business area, or type of work instead of forcing a job title that may not exist.

4. Highlight relevant strengths

Choose two or three examples that connect to the company.

Name a project where you improved a process.
Mention a result that fits the company's needs.
Explain how your background connects to the team or mission.

5. Close with a clear next step

Thank the reader and ask whether they would be open to a short conversation. Keep the follow-up polite.

Letter of Intent Example

Subject: Product Development Inquiry

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I have been following [Company Name]'s recent work in sustainable manufacturing, and I am interested in contributing to your product development team. My background in materials engineering and supplier coordination connects closely with the kind of work your team appears to be doing.

In my recent role at [Previous Company], I worked on projects that improved cost control and reduced material waste.

Reduced material waste by 22 percent over one fiscal year.
Helped test a biodegradable packaging option for a product update.
Coordinated with vendors to compare lower-waste material options.

I have attached my resume for context. I would welcome the chance to speak briefly if my background could be useful to your team.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Your LinkedIn Profile]

For a related Working Nomads article, read how to write a warm christmas message to remote employees tips before you decide your next step.

What to Read Next

Read how to address a cover letter with an example if you want a related next step on job search letters.
Use how to write a thank you note to a remote coworker for job seekers when you need more context before your next decision.