Writing a letter of interest will allow the employer to take notice of the fact that you are showing interest in being hired for a particular opening in the company. Also, keep in mind that this could be your first chance at creating an impression. So you need to plan what you want to write in advance. This upcoming article will simplify it for you.
An interest letter is one that an individual would write to a prospective employer to let him know of one’s interest in a post in their organization. It is often known as a cover letter, a letter of intent, etc. This letter is read before a resume and hence, is in fact, the first impression on the prospective employer. As such, it needs to be in accordance to the job that one is applying for.
How to Draft a Letter of Interest
First line: You may begin the letter by providing your name and contact information — address, phone number and email address, if any — on the very first line. Leave a line space and mention the date.
Recipient’s Name and Details: The date will be again followed by a line space after which you will type the name, job position and contact details of the employer (receiver).
Subject: Before the salutation comes the subject line where you have to mention the purpose of the letter (in this case, expressing interest in an available post/promotion).
Salutation: Once that is done, keep another line space after which you use “Mr./Ms./Dear/Respected” along with the name. Give a line space where you will begin the body of the letter. Again each paragraphs will have a line space between them.
First paragraph: Coming to the paragraphs, firstly, a letter of intent ideally, will have three paragraphs. The first paragraph will be an introduction of yours. It will contain your name and educational qualification. You also need to verbalize your interest in the job in this paragraph.
Second paragraph: The second paragraph will contain information on how your skills and abilities will be of use to the organization. In turn, you also need to put down how working with the organization will help you. This will let the prospective employer know that you are looking for that particular job for a reason other than just a salary. You also need to put down your skills in a suggestive manner, not very directly. However, it should be just enough to let them know of your skills and have them curious about it. If you want to express interest in an available position in your company, then also we make use of an interest letter. Make use of this paragraph to explain what the promotion would mean to you, and how your qualifications match the available job requirements.
Third/Last paragraph: In your last paragraph you need to repeat your interest in the job. Make sure that your keenness shows in the letter; however, you can excuse the desperation. Also, give the employer details to contact you back in case your services are to be of any use to them. When you are expressing interest in an available promotion, then stress on your loyalty toward the company, stating how you have always kept the company’s best interest in mind, while putting in your efforts.
Closing: You can close your letter with “Sincerely”, followed by your signature and then put in your full name. Each of them will be typed on separate lines.
Enclosure: If you want to put in some document along with your letter, it is important for you to mention it just below your name. In this case, you would be attaching your updated resume or CV.
Sample Letter – Opening in a New Company
Here is a general example of how the flow of the letter can go:
| Romulous Wilson 56th Avenue, New York November 26, 2012 To, Subject: Application for an opportunity to work for your organization Dear Mr. Benson, The word in the market has been that your organization is in requirement for a new engineer. I would like to apply for this position in your esteemed organization. I am a graduate in Information and Technology and have also completed my Engineering honors. In addition to both these degrees, I have completed a post-graduate diploma in Computers and software. I have been working with Jensons and Maybels in Los Angeles, but had to move here for personal reasons. I strongly feel that my skills and qualifications would be of good use in your organization and it would be an honor for me to work with your organization. I am sure that my application and letter will not go unseen. I have attached my Resume along with this letter to furnish you with more details about me. Looking forward to hearing from you at the earliest, Sincerely, (Signature) Romulous Wilson Encl: As stated |
Sample Letter – Promotion in Your Company
| Jacob Malcolm 200 St. Charles Street, New Orleans, LA 44400 November 26, 2012 To, Subject: Application for a higher opportunity to work in your organization Respected Sir, This is in reference to the newly available position of Clinical Operations Manager. I have been working as assistant clinical researcher for three years now and I have successfully lived up to expectations of the management. I wish to take up more of a leadership role, and I feel that my 3-year experience with this company will pay off and help me excel. This position requires someone who skillfully manages day-to-day duties, and has effective time management skills, and I believe that I have proven the same as well, while working and handling additional tasks and responsibilities handed over to me, in other people’s absence. Also, I’m familiar with the duties and tasks, which I think serves as a plus point. I have enjoyed the responsibilities and challenges in this field, and I aim to grow further in this field, by continuing in this company as Clinical Operations Manager. My vision, as always, is to serve this company to the best of my abilities, even in the years to come. I have attached my CV along with this letter to provide you with more details about me. Awaiting a positive reply, Sincerely, (Signature) Jacob Malcolm Encl: As stated |
As you saw, the letter need not be very long or descriptive. While penning down this letter, remember that your resume or CV has to be attached to it. As such, that will give detailed information to your prospecting reader. Adhere to all letter writing rules and regulations while writing this letter.
Useful Tips
• Research thoroughly about the company and familiarize yourself with the company’s products and services when you are showing interest in an opening in that company.
• Your letter of interest is best aligned to the left of the page.
• Check for errors in spelling, grammar and be sure that you are typing in the correct addresses.
• Keep your letter short, making sure it gets over in one page.