How to Write a Letter of Intent (Samples and Pro Tips)

If you’re tired of waiting for the right job posting or sending out applications that get no response, a letter of intent (LOI) can put you ahead of the competition. Instead of reacting to job openings, an LOI allows you to introduce yourself to a company and position yourself for future opportunities even when no job is listed yet.

Why an LOI Matters

A well-crafted LOI can help you:

• Stand out in a competitive job market by making an impression before a role becomes available.
• Make a career shift by highlighting transferable skills in a new industry.
• Position yourself for an internal promotion by reinforcing past contributions.
• Target leadership roles by aligning your expertise with company goals.

However, sending a generic LOI won’t get results. To capture attention, your letter must be strategic, personalized, and results-driven.

This guide will show you how to write an LOI that gets noticed, with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and customizable templates for different career goals.

5 Steps to Writing an Intent Letter

A well-written LOI removes guesswork from your job application, increases your visibility, and ensures that your skills align with what employers actually need. Follow these five steps to fast-track your job search and open new doors.

1. Personalize: Address the Right Decision-Maker

Ditch the generic greeting and find the right person to address. Search LinkedIn, the company website, or job postings to identify the hiring manager. If a name isn’t available, address your letter to a department head or recruiter.

Instead of: “To Whom It May Concern”
Use: “Dear Hiring Manager for [Department/Role]”

Why This Matters: Hiring managers are more likely to engage with applicants who take the time to personalize their communication. A well-researched LOI shows initiative and attention to detail.

2. Craft a Strong Opening: Capture Attention Immediately

Your first sentence should grab attention by instantly connecting your experience with the company’s needs. Avoid generic intros like, “I am writing to express my interest…”

To make an impact:

• Start with a compelling hook.
• Mention a company goal or challenge.
• Tie your expertise to their needs.

Example:

“With over a decade of experience leading high-growth marketing teams, I was intrigued by [Company]’s expansion into digital platforms. My expertise in data-driven campaigns and customer engagement aligns well with this growth.”

Why This Works:

• It connects your expertise to the company’s initiatives.
• It avoids generic expressions.
• It creates curiosity, making the reader want to continue reading.

Expert Tip: Reference a company milestone (e.g., product launch, industry recognition) to demonstrate research and alignment.

3. Highlight Your Value: Show Impact, Not Just Experience

Hiring managers care about results, not just responsibilities. Instead of listing your years of experience, focus on measurable achievements and impact.

How to Make Your Value Stand Out:

• Use metrics: Instead of “Managed a sales team,” say “Led a 10-person sales team that increased revenue by 25%.”
• Showcase leadership & problem-solving: Highlight how you improved processes, reduced costs, or drove innovation.
• Align with company goals: If the company prioritizes customer experience, highlight how you improved retention rates.

Example for a Product Manager:

“At [Company], I led the launch of [Product], increasing customer retention by 30%. Given [Company You’re Applying To]’s focus on user engagement, I’d love to bring my experience in product innovation to your team.”

Why This Works:

• It focuses on measurable impact.
• It directly aligns with the company’s needs.
• It positions you as a problem solver.

Expert Tip: Always ask yourself, “What specific impact did I make?” This will help you write a stronger, more results-driven value proposition.

4. Format for Visibility: ATS & AI Optimization

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan applications. To ensure your LOI gets seen and read, follow these best practices:

• Use job-specific keywords from the job description.
• Avoid complex formatting (no tables, images, or excessive design elements).
• Submit it as a PDF or Word document (these are ATS-friendly formats).

Example:
If the job description emphasizes “cross-functional collaboration” and “strategic growth,” ensure these terms appear naturally in your letter.

Why This Matters:
A well-optimized LOI increases your chances of passing initial screenings and reaching a human recruiter.

5. Close with Impact: End with a Strong Call to Action

Most job seekers end their LOI passively, hoping for a response. Instead, take control of the next steps.

Checklist for a Strong Closing:

• Express enthusiasm: Reinforce your interest in the company and role.
• Request a conversation: Make it easy for the hiring manager to take action.
• Reinforce your value: Remind them why you would be a strong addition to their team.

Related: How to Follow Up on a Job Interview

Example:

“I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background in [key skill] and [key achievement] can contribute to [Company]’s success. Would you be available this week for a quick conversation?”

Why This Works:

• It creates urgency.
• It makes it easy for the recruiter to respond.
• It leaves a lasting impression.

If you’re interested in samples that can inspire and fast-track your LOI creation, we’ve put together templates that you can use.

LOI Samples & Customizable Templates

Below are customizable LOI templates tailored for different job search scenarios. Replace the placeholders with your specific details to craft a compelling letter aligned with your career goals.

Templates Included:

• Executives & Leaders LOI
• Career Changers LOI
• Internal Promotions LOI
• General Job Seekers LOI

LOI For Executives & Leaders: Demonstrating Strategic Expertise

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Interest in Leadership Opportunities at [Company Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

With over [X years] of experience in [industry], I have led high-performing teams that have achieved [specific result, e.g., “multimillion-dollar revenue growth” or “operational efficiency improvements”]. I am reaching out to express my interest in contributing my expertise in [specific skill, e.g., “strategic business development” or “scaling operations”] to [Company Name].

Throughout my career, I have successfully [mention a key achievement, e.g., “led a company-wide digital transformation that increased efficiency by 30%”]. My ability to drive [specific impact, e.g., “profitable growth” or “organizational change”] aligns with [Company Name]’s mission and future direction.

I would love the opportunity to discuss how my leadership and expertise can support [Company Name]’s continued success. Please let me know a convenient time to connect.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

LOI For Career Changers: Framing Transferable Skills Effectively

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Interest in Opportunities at [Company Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

As a [current job title] with a strong foundation in [current industry], I am eager to transition into [new industry] and apply my expertise in [transferable skill, e.g., “process improvement” or “data analytics”] to drive meaningful impact. I have followed [Company Name]’s work in [specific area] and admire its commitment to [mention company value or goal].

In my current role at [Company Name], I have successfully [mention a relevant achievement, e.g., “led a cross-functional team that reduced project turnaround time by 25%”]. This experience has honed my ability to [key skill, e.g., “optimize workflows” or “manage large-scale projects”], which I believe aligns well with the needs of [new industry].

I would love the opportunity to explore how my background and skills can contribute to [Company Name]’s success. Please let me know if we can schedule a conversation.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

LOI For Internal Promotions: Reinforcing Past Contributions

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Interest in [New Role] Opportunity

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I have truly valued my time at [Company Name] as a [current job title] and the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to [specific projects or company initiatives]. Given my experience and recent accomplishments, I am eager to take on a larger role within the company as [desired job title].

In my current role, I have successfully [mention key achievement, e.g., “implemented a new client onboarding process that improved retention by 20%”]. I am excited about the possibility of expanding my impact in [new role] and further supporting [Company Name]’s objectives in [specific department or area].

I’d love to discuss how I can bring even more value to the team in this capacity. Please let me know a convenient time to connect.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

For General Job Seekers: Expressing Long-Term Interest

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Interest in Opportunities at [Company Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’ve long admired [Company Name] for its innovation in [industry] and its commitment to [specific value, e.g., “customer-centric solutions” or “technological advancement”]. With my background in [relevant skill or industry], I would love to explore potential opportunities where my expertise could contribute to your team’s success.

In my role as [current job title] at [Company Name], I have developed a strong track record in [mention a skill or achievement, e.g., “optimizing business operations to increase efficiency by 15%”]. My experience aligns well with [Company Name]’s goals, and I am eager to bring my skills in [specific expertise] to your organization.

I’d love the opportunity to connect and discuss how my background could be a valuable asset to your team. Please let me know if there’s a time that works for you.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Take Action: Send Your Letter of Intent Today

Opportunities don’t always come from job postings. They come from strategic positioning. If you’re not leveraging this approach, you’re leaving potential career advancements on the table.

Be proactive. Craft an LOI and see what difference it can bring to your career path. Start now. Use these proven templates and explore open roles that align with your expertise, just like Devy.