Also referred to as an inquiry letter, you can send a letter of interest to as many organizations as you like. This letter is meant to express the writer’s interest in a specific job or a possible employment opportunity, in a particular organization.
To start off, you need to know that a letter of interest is exactly what it sounds like – it is a letter that expresses your interest to work with a specific organization. Otherwise known as a cover letter, a letter of interest indicates the writer’s interest in a particular job opening that has already been listed by a prospective employer (recipient of the letter).
Such a letter can also be written as an inquiry about a possible employment opportunity, even if a company is not looking to hire. Letters of interest are simple, short, concise, and to the point. You need not dictate the story of your life in these letters, but just your object of interest and your credentials (in brief, since your resume will do the talking in that regard).
Nowadays, letters of interest are more often than not mailed to a prospective employer. In the age of the Internet, it is often easy to get carried away where language is concerned. Ensure that the language that you use in the letter is always formal.
Letter of Interest Outline
| Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Date Name of Recruiter Salutation (Dear Mr./Ms. Last name), The first paragraph will show your interest in a particular organization or business. Tell them how you got to know about them and why would you like to join. Also mention that you would appreciate it if the organization would provide further details about themselves and any available opportunities. The second paragraph needs to be a bit more thorough; not necessarily lengthy. It should contain information about yourself, your educational qualifications, professional background, and achievements. Add the third paragraph to provide your contact information (telephone number and email address). Mention that your resume in attached to the letter (as an attachment in the email/as a printout), and when is the best time to reach you. The last paragraph is the conclusion. It should be confident, yet hopeful. Thank the addressee for considering your application. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name |
Before starting with the draft, you can go through the following tips and guidelines.
- Avoid writing lengthy letters with irrelevant information. A letter of interest should not be more than a single page.
- Give it a personal touch. Do research and find out who is the person to whom the letter should be addressed. Address the letter to that person, specifically.
- While it is important that you don’t brag about yourself too much, don’t feel shy to sell yourself. Let the reader know that you are a viable candidate.
- Do not have the same letter for all the applications that you send out. Personalize your letter for each application on the basis of the place you are applying at. This will connect to the reader better.
- Avoid repeating your resume. Many people cite their credentials (which are already there in the resume) in the letter of interest. Avoid doing that. Let the letter be your narration of why you are a good option for the position.
In short, the letter must be crisp and direct. Make sure to proofread the letter, so as to avoid spelling and grammatical errors. Be positive and try to convince the prospective employer that you are the perfect candidate for the position.