A letter of interest, also known as a prospecting letter or inquiry letter, is sent to prospective employers or organizations that may be hiring, but haven’t listed a specific job opening to apply for. Writing a letter of interest can be a great way to get your foot in the door with a company you are interested in and gain insight into their operations and job opportunities. It can also be used to inquire about internships, apprenticeships, or independent contractor opportunities.
What to Include in a Letter of Interest
A letter of interest should include information on why you are writing, what qualifications and skills you have, and how you learned about the potential job or organization. If you are writing to inquire about open positions, inquire about a job shadow opportunity, or inquire about other ways you can gain insight into the organization, be sure to mention it in your letter. Your letter should also include ways you can be contacted, such as your phone number, email address, or LinkedIn profile.
Formatting a Letter of Interest
When formatting a letter of interest, be sure to use a professional font and layout. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points, and the document should use single or 1.15 line spacing. Include your contact information at the top of the letter, followed by the date and the contact information for the employer. Begin your letter with a formal salutation, such as “Dear [Name of Recipient],” followed by at least three paragraphs of body text. End your letter with a formal closing, such as “Sincerely,” followed by your name.
Example of a Letter of Interest
A letter of interest should be tailored to the company and the specific opportunity. Below is an example of a letter of interest for a job shadow opportunity:
Dear [Name of Recipient],
I am writing to express my interest in a job shadow opportunity with [Company]. I am a recent graduate of [University], and I am currently looking for a career in [Field]. I believe that job shadowing with [Company] would be an excellent way to learn more about the field and gain insight into operations.
In addition to my educational background, I have a strong knowledge of [Programs] and [Software]. I am a highly motivated individual with great communication and organizational skills. I am confident that I can effectively contribute to the success of [Company] in any role.
I am available to discuss my qualifications and my interest in this opportunity at any time. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Letter of Interest
When writing a letter of interest, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
Research the Company: Before writing your letter, research the company and the industry. This will help you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the company in your letter.
Keep it Professional: Make sure your letter is professional and free of errors. Have a friend or colleague review your letter for typos and grammatical errors before you send it.
Follow Up: After you send your letter, follow up with the company. Make sure to follow up in a timely manner and be respectful of the company’s time.
Conclusion
A letter of interest is a great way to get your foot in the door with a company you are interested in. When writing a letter of interest, be sure to include information on why you are writing and what qualifications and skills you have. Make sure to use a professional font and layout, and be sure to have a friend or colleague review your letter for typos and grammatical errors before you send it. Finally, be sure to follow up with the company after you send your letter.
