If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through a company’s website and thinking, “This is where I want to work,” but then found no jobs advertised or none that matched your skills, you may still be in luck. You don’t have to wait aimlessly until a fitting job listing pops up—you can just write up a letter of interest.
A letter of interest, also known as a prospecting letter or statement of interest, is what you send to companies, schools, or communities that you want to join, even if they’re not actively seeking new employees or students. This is how you can display that “proactive” attitude that everyone’s always talking about.
But how do you go about writing a letter of interest? No worries—we’ll help you. Check out our guide to get your foot in the door first and land the role of your dreams.
Janine Lewis
123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345
[email protected]
123-456-7890
February 7, 2024
Mr. Alexander Rivera
Director, Human Resources
Roosevelt Elementary School
123 Pretend Rd.
Anycity, NY 54321
I am writing to express my interest in a teaching position at Roosevelt Elementary School. I was drawn by your Global Cultures project, where students explore different countries and traditions. As an educator with over 10 years of experience, I share the same unique student-centered approach that enables young children to thrive and discover themselves.
Following the completion of my master’s degree in Education, I joined the team at Sunnydale Elementary as a teaching assistant before being promoted to a full-time teaching position. I have been instrumental in developing an inclusive curriculum that supports diverse learning styles, enabling students with disabilities to excel and grow. My approach to education is to foster a creative, supportive learning environment that helps each child feel comfortable at all times.
Roosevelt Elementary School’s mission aligns with my core values as a teacher and I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I could contribute in a teaching role. Thank you for your consideration.
Prakhar Singh
123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345
[email protected]
123-456-7890
February 27, 2024
Dr. Helena Pendleton
Director of Admissions
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
123 Pretend Rd.
Anycity, NY 54321
Dear Dr. Pendleton,
I am reaching out to express my desire to join the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for the upcoming academic year. After reading about the groundbreaking study on personalized cancer therapy conducted by your institution, I became deeply fascinated by its innovative approach to medicine. As an aspiring physician who one day hopes to specialize in oncology, I cannot think of a better place to learn and grow.
During my undergraduate studies, I sought opportunities that aligned closely with Johns Hopkins’ ethos of integrating scientific inquiry with patient-centered care. One of my proudest achievements is the community health initiative that I spearheaded during an internship at a local clinic, increasing access to preventative care services in underserved areas.
Thank you for considering my letter of interest. I am eager to elaborate on my passion for medicine during an informational interview and how I can contribute to the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the incoming class of 2025.
Camilla Johansson
123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345
[email protected]
123-456-7890
Dr. Radimir Krupin
Director of Admissions
Harvard Law School
123 Pretend Rd.
Anycity, NY 54321
I am writing to apply for the upcoming class of 2025 at Harvard Law School. Having just completed my undergraduate degree in Political Science, bolstered by experience as a legal assistant, I am finally ready to fulfill my lifelong dream of studying at Harvard and contributing to your unparalleled commitment to legal excellence.
Following my mother’s career as a lawyer exposed me to the transformative power of the justice system at an early age. With a clear goal in mind, I refined my natural interest by involving myself in volunteer work for non-profit legal aid organizations. I am particularly inspired by Harvard Law School’s initiatives centered around public policy, which is an area where I hope to make a significant impact in my career.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my experiences, drive, and aspirations align with the values and goals of Harvard Law School. Thank you for your consideration.
Marina Thompson
123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345
[email protected]
123-456-7890
December 14, 2024
Ms. Angela Simmons
Recruitment Chair
Alpha Beta Gamma Sorority
University of Southern California
123 Pretend Rd.
Anycity, NY 54321
Dear Ms. Simmons,
I am reaching out to express my great enthusiasm for joining the Alpha Beta Gamma Sorority at the University of Southern California. I first learned of it through the yearly “Aid the Elderly” campaign, and I was immensely impressed by the sorority’s commitment to bettering the lives of seniors. As a freshman with a long-standing history of community service and a drive for personal growth, I would love to contribute to your mission.
My college journey is only just beginning, but have built a steady foundation of experience in various service projects and leadership positions during my high school years. I have been volunteering at the local animal shelter since I was 13, and this experience has instilled in me a sense of empathy for those less fortunate, which I know that your sorority shares in full.
I am excited about the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how I can contribute to the legacy and vibrant community of Alpha Beta Gamma. Thank you for your consideration.
Willem Van Buggenum
123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345
[email protected]
123-456-7890
January 23, 2024
Coach Denise Bowen
Athletic Director
University of California, Los Angeles
Athletics Department
123 Pretend Rd.
Anycity, NY 54321
Dear Coach Bowen,
I am thrilled to express my interest in being able to work with the track and field team at the University of California. The University’s rich history of producing Olympic athletes and fostering a culture of support and commitment has always been a source of inspiration for me. With a decade of coaching experience and a keen interest in performance analytics, I am ready to contribute to the Bruins’ legacy.
I honed my skills during a bachelor’s program in Physical Education followed by a master’s in Sports Science. During my career, I led the team to three consecutive regional championships and worked closely with my students on their athletic performance.
I would be immensely grateful for the opportunity to discuss how I could help further UCLA’s commitment to student-athlete success during an informational interview. Thank you for your consideration.
Willem Van Buggenum
Penelope Taylor
Quality Assurance Department
Google
123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345
[email protected]
123-456-7890
Mr. Colin Newman
Director of Product Development
Google
123 Pretend Rd.
Anycity, NY 54321
I am writing to express my interest in the Product Manager position within the Product Development Department. When I heard of Ms. Lee’s upcoming retirement, I instantly knew that the role aligned with my extensive background in quality assurance. I am eager to contribute my knowledge of our products, customer needs, and technological challenges to further Google’s leadership in the industry.
In my current role, I’ve spearheaded cross-departmental initiatives to streamline testing processes, leading to a 20% reduction in product defects and a significant improvement in launch timelines. Having been promoted three times in the past six years, I have been recognized for my drive and experience in user design, product planning, and market positioning.
I am confident that my background in quality assurance and my in-depth understanding of Google’s vision will be an asset to the Product Development team. I look forward to discussing my candidacy during an informational interview. Thank you for your consideration.
Laura Chen
123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345
[email protected]
123-456-7890
Ms. Elena Martinez
Internship Coordinator
Tesla
123 Pretend Rd.
Anycity, NY 54321
Dear Ms. Martinez,
As a junior majoring in Environmental Science at New York University, I would like to express my keen interest in the summer internship program in Tesla’s Renewable Energy Projects division. Throughout my studies, I have always been motivated by the urgency of climate change and its global impacts. Tesla’s groundbreaking work in this field spurred me to offer my commitment to environmental stewardship.
I have participated in over a dozen local sustainability initiatives, including a university-led project that focused on implementing solar-powered charging stations across the campus. Spearheading this initiative taught me more about the importance of reducing our carbon footprint, but also helped me develop my skills in leadership and analytics.
I cannot think of a better team of environmental experts to learn from than those within Tesla’s Renewable Energy Projects division. I am eager to discuss how my enthusiasm and background in environmental science can contribute to Tesla’s mission this summer. Thank you so much for your consideration.
Emanuel Kováč
Senior Analyst
Omnicom Group
123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345
[email protected]
123-456-7890
Ms. Eleni Antoniou
Vice President of Operations
Omnicom Group
123 Pretend Rd.
Anycity, NY 54321
Dear Ms. Antoniou,
I am reaching out to express my interest in the recently announced position of Director of Operations. In the past seven years, I have worked in three different departments at Omnicom Group, giving me a unique perspective and a deep understanding of our operational processes and client needs. I am eager to contribute my vast background and skills in data analysis and strategic planning to the success of our team.
My journey with Omnicom began in the Marketing Analytics Department, then moved on to the Digital Media Department, only to finally settle in the Operations Department as a senior analyst. I became intimately familiar with our product stack and honed my skills in operational analytics, process optimization, and strategic planning.
I believe that my background in operations, along with my proven track record of improving processes, positions me well to step into this leadership role. I would love to discuss how my skills align with this position during an interview. Thank you for your consideration.
Dr. Philip Crane
123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345
[email protected]
123-456-7890
Dr. Gregory Jesse
Residency Program Director
Cleveland Clinic
123 Pretend Rd.
Anycity, NY 54321
I am writing to express my interest in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic for the upcoming 2024-2025 cycle. Your institution’s Heart Transplant Program has been a source of my fascination and inspiration. Having studied it extensively during my cardiology rotation at Columbia University, I believe I am well-positioned to contribute to your world-class team of physicians who share my commitment to innovative medicine.
During my clinical rotations, I had the privilege to work in diverse healthcare settings. My rotation in internal medicine, during which I worked with excellent, driven physicians, taught me the importance of proper patient care and having an inquisitive mindset to get to the bottom of every ailment.
I am eager to bring my enthusiasm, academic curiosity, and tireless mindset to Cleveland Clinic this year. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Dr. Philip Crane
Jordan Michalski
123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345
[email protected]
123-456-7890
Ms. Valentina Newton
Program Manager
Stanford University
123 Pretend Rd.
Anycity, NY 54321
I hope this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to reaffirm my unwavering interest in Stanford University. As an applicant currently on the waitlist for entering the class of 2024, I remain deeply committed to pursuing my dream of learning from Stanford’s esteemed legal community.
In addition to affirming my interest, I wish to provide an update on my accomplishments. I have recently completed an internship with the District Attorney’s Office, where I had the privilege of observing courtroom proceedings and gaining first-hand knowledge of the justice system.
My wish to pursue a legal career that champions equity is solidified by Stanford University’s excellent and diverse program. I am hopeful for the opportunity to join the class of 2024. Thank you so much for your continued consideration.
If you thought that a letter of interest was like a cover letter in disguise, we can’t blame you—but it’s really not. It serves a different purpose, and, as any good cover letter generator would show you, it follows an entirely different format.
A letter of interest is your way of showing true enthusiasm. You’re pulling ahead of the crowd and finding opportunities for yourself where there may be none. It’s the easiest way to say that you truly care about a given company, internship, community, or institution.
There are lots of different types of letters of interest, each with a different format and required information. For instance, when applying for a promotion, you’ll highlight your career at that company. On the other hand, applying for an internship calls for a focus on your education and skills.
You write a cover letter in response to an existing opening, be it an internship or a job. A letter of interest, on the other hand, is kind of like throwing a dart at a board and hoping that it sticks.
Knowing how to write a cover letter is similar to knowing how to write a resume. You’ll discuss your skills and your background, and add some quantifiable metrics to make an impression. You know that the job exists, so all you need to do is to make the employer pick you for the opening.
In a letter of interest, you may not know whether the vacancy exists or if it’s open to you. Instead, you’re letting the recipient know something along the lines of, “Hey, I love this place, and I’m a great fit!”
It’s a targeted and proactive approach that shows you don’t want to work anywhere, you want to work there. That’s one way to cut the line!
Writing a letter of interest, or a prospecting letter, is a good idea in many circumstances.
Here’s why a letter of interest might be a good idea:
The good thing is that it’s almost never a bad idea to send one. Worst case scenario, you won’t get hired. Best case? They’ll know how much you care and pay more attention!
Unlike a personal statement, a letter of interest needs to be brief. Its sole purpose is to be attention-grabbing, so it can’t go on for too long.
Keep it concise at three paragraphs. Be highly professional and enthusiastic, and make sure that you’re only communicating key details.
A good way to stand out is to make a connection with the company, such as by including a relevant personal story.
This isn’t the right time to play a risky game—always use a professional, formal tone in your letter. Being eager is a huge plus, but joking or using colloquialisms is a no-no.
You’ll have to do some digging to familiarize yourself with the company’s culture, mission, and projects.
You’re already ahead of the curve by even sending this letter, so don’t lose that unique opportunity by not using the most powerful tool in your arsenal: opening with the recipient’s name. Try to find their name and address them directly.
You care about this company—that much is clear. Now, show this to the employer or admissions officer by researching their projects and what they might need. Even if your exact role isn’t currently open, perhaps there are other openings in the same department?
Pure enthusiasm will only get you so far. Throughout your letter of interest, emphasize your skills and your background to express why you’re the right fit. Discuss your career highlights and key abilities that align with the job.
It might be tricky, but make sure to stay on course throughout your cover letter. Keep it concise and reread every line to ensure that it sends the right message. Focus on just two or three of your greatest strengths—you can always list more skills in a resume.
Just like finding the right resume format is crucial, so is the way you format your letter of interest. You want it to be readable and follow a logical flow of information that drives the point home. The body of the letter should be no more than three paragraphs, so this is important!
Start by including your contact information, such as your name, email, phone number, and address. Do the same for the recipient’s information, but also add their job title, company, and their name. Lastly, don’t forget the date.
Briefly introduce yourself to let the recipient know who they’re dealing with. This goes beyond your name; it’s more about your current job or your experience. You could say, “As an engineer with 10 years of experience…” to get the ball rolling.
Letters of interest often come as a surprise, so it’s a good idea to mention this in the first line of your letter. Include the position you’re interested in and state your enthusiasm for the role. If you have a personal reason for this, such as an interest spurred by a particular project, mention it here!
This is something you should do throughout the letter—yes, even in the first paragraph. Right off the bat, drop a couple of reasons why your qualifications align perfectly with the company’s needs.
Use a paragraph or two to dive into your skills and experience. Talk about jobs, internships, or volunteer work, all depending on the type of letter of interest.
Seal the deal with a simple “I am eager to discuss how I can contribute to your company’s mission during an informational interview.”
Even writing the perfect letter of interest and sending it in at the most opportune time doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get the job. There are a few things that you can do to improve your chances of success, though.
There are some things that even the most perfect applicant cannot get away with. Steer clear of the following:
Start with deep research. Read up on the company or the school, find the name of the recipient, and identify what the role might demand. Next, express why your qualifications make you the perfect fit.
What is a letter of interest?A letter of interest serves as an introduction to a potential employer except you’re not responding to any specific job posting. It’s similar to writing a cover letter to accompany a job application, but is sent when there are no fitting job openings and you’re interested in working for the company or institution regardless.
How to start a letter of interest?Begin by addressing the recipient by name. Follow that up with a strong introduction that tells them who you are and why you’re interested in working with them.
Is a letter of interest the same as a cover letter?No, not at all. A cover letter is an important part of the job application process; you send it in when you know there’s a job that’s waiting for you. A letter of interest is something you send even if there are no job openings right now, but you like the company.
How long should a letter of interest be?Your letter of interest needs to fit a single page, so keep it concise. Apart from the contact info, the greeting, and the signoff, you shouldn’t go over three paragraphs.
