Updated January 11, 2024
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A job letter of intent is attached to a resume and serves as an introduction to the job and company for the applicant. The goal is to express genuine enthusiasm for the company’s mission while providing a clear representation of why the candidate would be well-suited for a position.
References of previous work experience and education are encouraged, as are why the applicant identifies with the company’s purpose and practices. For example, a letter of intent for a kitchen position at an organic restaurant might include admiration for the chef, a history of being an advocate for organic foods, sympathy for the restaurant’s cause, experience at previous like-businesses, and any culinary education or degrees the applicant may have received.
Job Letter of Intents – By Type
- to Continue Working
- Job/Department Transfer
- Intent to Hire (from an employer)
- Maternity Leave
- Nursing Position
- Physician Position
- Promotion (job)
- Resignation
- Retirement
- School Position
- Teaching Job
- Vacation
Cover Letter vs. Letter of Intent
A cover letter and a letter of intent serve very similar purposes but vary in their approach. Both are used to enhance a resume, provide an example of relevant skills and experiences, and show sincere interest in the company. The difference lies in the specificity of the interest; a cover letter is used to apply for an available position within a company, whereas a letter of intent is used, primarily, to show interest in working for the business in general. The skillset described in the LOI will include skills that could apply to a number of positions within the company. It is common that a letter of intent gets sent into newer companies that have a defined purpose but fewer defined roles.
Job Letter of Intent – Sample 1
JOB LETTER OF INTENT
Karen Clarke
34 Mulaney St, Pittsfield, MA 45378
karenclarke@berkshireeagle.com
(555) 678-9273
Date: March 23rd, 2014
Ron Bernstein
Editor in Chief
The Chicago Tribune
Dear Mr. Bernstein,
I am contacting you to express my sincere interest in working in the newsroom of the Chicago Tribune. I was born and raised in Chicago and have fond memories of my father reading the entirety of your paper every Sunday morning; a ritual he maintains to this day. Following my studies and professional success in Massachusetts, I have decided to return home to be closer to my family. I would consider it an honor to contribute to your esteemed publication should a position become available.
I studied journalism at Emerson College to which I received a full scholarship. I maintained a 3.75 GPA during my undergrad before mastering in journalism at the same institution. My success as a student enabled me to land a job as a reporter at The Berkshire Eagle where my natural curiosity and my ability to adapt under stressful conditions to meet deadlines quickly gained the attention of the editor in chief. He soon promoted me to the editorial assistant position and I was able to continue to exercise my organizational skills but learn further the intricacies of digital media and publishing. I demanded perfection of myself and my colleagues, and this enabled my superiors to promote me to news editor, a position at which I’ve been operating for the past 4 years.
I was able to thrive in the newsroom during my time at The Berkshire Eagle. The Chicago Tribune is an honorable publication; “an American Newspaper for Americans.” I believe that I can be of service to the news team and to my country should you give me the opportunity to work alongside your staff. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require more information.
Sincerely,
Karen Clarke
[Signature]
Job Letter of Intent – Sample 2
JOB LETTER OF INTENT
Geoffrey Calmer
92a-134 Street, Brooklyn, NY
gcalmer@yahoo.com, (555) 788-9234
Date: June 30th, 2019
Jean Bernard
Executive Chef
Europea
Dear Chef Bernard,
My name is Geoffrey Calmer, and I am writing to express my sincere interest in working in your kitchens at the esteemed Europea. I had the pleasure of dining at your establishment many years ago in my first year of culinary school, and it singlehandedly shifted my perspective on what it means to master the culinary arts. Your creativity, bravery, and mastery in the kitchen is something I have long desired to witness and learn from firsthand. I would consider it a genuine privilege to work under you in any capacity.
I graduated from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in 2006 and was able to secure a position as a commis chef at La Table D’Eugene. Under the guidance of Chef Richard Bieunais, I was educated as grillardin, garde manger, friturier, and finally, saucier. I consider my experience there invaluable as they approach their farm-to-table tasting menu with the same philosophy you employ at Europea. After my seven years at La Table D’Eugene, I returned to New York and secured a position as sous chef at Aquavit, where I worked under David Carousel for a total of four years. In this Michelin 2-star kitchen, I sharpened my skills as a leader and as a chef. I have been fortunate enough to learn from excellent and daring chefs, both of whom I sought out specifically to prepare myself for the chance to one day work at Europea.
It would be my distinct honor to be able to learn from you and cook in your kitchen. I believe I have honed my skills to a point where I can be of service to your restaurant. I am fully aware of the many years it takes to become to master the culinary arts, and I humbly ask for the chance to learn under your guidance. Please, do not hesitate to contact me at any time. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey Calmer
[Signature]
Job Letter of Intent – Sample 3
JOB LETTER OF INTENT
Mary-Anne Rose
734-86th St, Seattle, WA
marose@gmail.com
(555) 786-9263
Date: September 12th, 2017
Vincent Chang
Chief Marketing Officer
Organic Foods Co.
Dear Vincent,
My name is Mary-Anne Rose and I am writing you to submit my resume in hopes of joining your marketing team. Organic Foods Co.’s steady growth towards becoming the leading natural and organic grocery store in Washington State is in no small part to the marketing team. Their ability to garner sympathy for the company’s vision of a sustainable future for future generations is nothing short of miraculous, and I would love the opportunity to bring my expertise and growth to continue spreading your message.
I have 15 years of hands-on sales and marketing experience in a variety of positions. After receiving my bachelor’s degree from NYU majoring in marketing and environmental studies, I joined the marketing team at Farmigo. This successful startup’s mission was to connect farmers to community members and deliver fresh, organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables to consumers. From 2009-2012, we helped our local famers deliver their produce to over three thousand pick-up locations. Following my time with Farmigo, I took my talents to Starbucks where I was hired on as the marketing manager of the brand and marketing team. There, I lead the team in developing new marketing strategies and capabilities to deliver a connected and holistic brand experience. While I excelled at this position, and delivered successful campaigns for a number of new products, I longed to work for a company that shared my values and enabled me to apply the entirety of my education.
Due to my passion for your mission statement and my success in the field, I believe that I would be a perfect addition to your marketing team. Please contact me should you require more information.
Sincerely,
Mary-Anne Rose
[Signature]
How to Write a Job Letter of Intent
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Step 1 – Save The Job Letter Of Intent Template To Your Machine
This template, a correspondence which states your intention to gain employment, can be worked on as a PDF, Word, or ODT file by using the buttons under the image to access the desired file then downloading it for your use. When you are ready to issue this correspondence, locate it in the folder you saved it to, then open it.
Step 2 – Introduce This Letter With Your Return Address
The Potential Employer receiving this paperwork should be able to recognize its Sender immediately. This effect is easily achieved since there is a standard place to present one’s self as the Sender of a document. Locate the blank lines in the left and near the top. Use these to dispense your name and current mailing address. The Potential Employer will understand your self-report identifies the Sender and return address of this document because of its standard placement. 
Step 3 – Dispense The First Formal Date Of Your Intent
It will be considered crucial for your purpose to name a definitive “Date” when this letter is issued. This solidifies how recently your interest in the position was put forth. Some Job Seekers will postdate this line to account for the time it takes to be mailed. Many would say this is a logical choice of action but be cautioned against post-dating it too far in the future. 
Step 4 – Report The Address Of The Potential Employer
Now, as a matter of courtesy, document the Potential Employer’s mailing address as it appeared in the listing you are answering or on its company profile. The first line after the “Date” you supplied is reserved for the business name of the Potential Employer while the two that follow require this entity’s business address. 
Step 5 – Greet The Potential Employer
After identifying the business entity, the full name of the individual you are writing to should be used as the greeting of this letter. If you do not know the name of the Recipient then you may use the name of the department accepting applications or a generic phrase such as “Hiring Manager,” “Sir Or Madam,” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Make sure to include a title if it applies (i.e. Doctor, Judge, Principal, etc.). Note, avoid terms such as “Mrs.” or “Ms.” that indicate a marriage status unless you are completely sure it is an accurate greeting. Your greeting is the first impression upon a review so if you do not currently have the name of your Recipient, it is strongly recommended you make an effort to obtain it. 
Step 6 – Introduce Yourself and State Your Intention
The first paragraph should act as your introduction. Many suggest that a direct approach is the best one to take, especially, since many Reviewers will not wish to spend more than a predetermined amount of time reviewing each job inquiry. Therefore, the first paragraph should be brief, contain your full name, and deliver the topic of this letter as your intent. 
Step 7 – Discuss Your Career History And Education
The Employer will need to see a basic explanation of the skills and credentials qualifying you for the position you seek. Begin with a statement to describe the relevant skills for this position. Avoid any misrepresentation as this may cause significant obstacles. If you are not sure what the best skills you possess are, re-read the job description then relate your skillset to that job description. Do not list skills required by a job listing unless you possess them or have been exposed to the functions they relate to. 
Step 8 – Close Your Letter By Ensuring The Employer Can Contact You
The final paragraph should serve as a closing to the letter that is being completed. The final paragraph bears some importance since, now that you have the Potential Employer’s attention, you can give him or her alternate ends to contact you. This is especially useful if an Interviewer wishes to initiate contact with more immediate results. 
Step 9 – Prove Your Intent By Signature
This letter will need some proof that you are serious about your intention to obtain the desired position. Sign the “Signature” line following the closing phrase “Sincerely.” 
Step 10 – Attach Your Printed Name To Your Signature
Your full name should appear in print so there will be no question as to how you should be addressed during a return call or email. The “Print Name” line at the end of the signature section. 