A Guide to Formal Letter of Interest

A formal letter of interest is one of the most prevalent methods of job-searching. This is a fine line between asking someone for a job and telling them why you are perfect for the position. This type of letter is also a way to get an employer’s attention.

What Is a Formal Letter of Interest?

A formal letter of interest is a written request from job seekers to persuade companies to consider them for the position. It proves that you’re interested and enthusiastic about the job, qualified, and great at your chosen field.

A letter of interest expresses your desire to work for a company even if no job openings are advertised. It’s also known as a statement of interest or a letter of intent. These letters are written by students or apprentices who have completed their training and require mentor assistance.

Why Should You Write a Letter of Interest?

A letter of interest is one of the most effective ways of reaching out to employers and companies. Many employers and managers expect a letter of interest when they receive submissions to open job positions. If you are attending a job fair, you might be asked to compose a letter of interest.

To land the job you deserve and make your dream come true, you need to write a letter of interest. It should display your qualifications, experience, and why you want the particular job.

You don’t want to submit a generic cover letter that anyone could write. And you certainly don’t want to use the dictionary definition of a letter. These letters are more impactful when your letter is as personalized as you can make it.

How to Write a Letter of Interest?

A formal letter of interest is a written document that a potential employer sends over to inform you of their hiring process. It is a letter of intent between you and the hiring manager. It allows you to demonstrate your suitability for the work.

You need to convince the employer why you are the ideal candidate for the job before they do extensive interviews. For a detailed look at making a great impression on the hiring manager, read through the steps below.

1. Research your target company

Gather information about the company. Read up on the founder, how the company came to be, and its mission statement. Search for news articles and social media mentions. All this information will help you develop your target company profile before writing your letter of interest.

2. Use the proper format of the letter

To make your letter of interest impress the employer, keep your language professional. Writing a letter of interest can be daunting for people who haven’t done it before.

Remember to think about your strengths, skills, and experience and how they align with the position you are applying for. Make sure the letter is in an easy-to-read, balanced, and well-written format.

Begin with a subject line that draws the attention of the hiring manager and include your contact information and personal information, followed by:

• The date
• A polite greeting
• The first paragraph
• Body
• Final statement

3. Introduce yourself

Introduce yourself and explain how and where you found out about the organization and why you’re contacting the recruiting manager in the first paragraph. This letter is about expressing your interest as well.

It’s important to start with introductions: where you work, your title, and why you are interested in the position. A brief summary of what you’re looking for in the position and a testimonial about your skills and experience is preferred.

It’s also good to provide information about your education and what you did before.

4. Write about your strengths

It is important to mention your strengths in your letters of interest. To be hired, you need to let the employer know the specific reason you are advertising for a certain position.

In your letter of interest, focus on the skills that make you the best candidate for the position you are looking for. The body of your letter should focus on the abilities, qualities, and experience that distinguish you as a strong candidate.

You need to make a great first impression in this part by listing all of the important qualities you can contribute to the firm.

5. Close your letter

The closing of your letter should be brief and to the point. Use an “and finally” or a “sincerely” to finish your letter and display gratitude. Include a call to action, inviting the reader to contact you to learn more about your resume or schedule an informational interview.

Thank the reader for taking the time to read your message by clearly stating your interest in working for the organization. You will want to keep this paragraph short and sweet.

To Wrap Up

A formal letter of interest is the perfect way to build a relationship with a potential employer. Writing a letter of interest could also be the opening step to landing a job.

A letter of interest is a brief document sharing your qualifications and explaining why you would be a viable employee. If you want your foot in the door, make sure the letter is correct and professional. Remember always to send a cover letter and resume with your letter of interest.