How to Write a Letter of Interest (Examples + Tips)
Distribute My Resume5 min read. Updated on September 13, 2022
Table of contents
Table of contents
Table of contents
Table of contents
How to write a letter of interest that gets noticed
What do you do when you’re interested in working for a specific company but there’s no job posting? You’re not out of options. A strong letter of interest can help you get on their radar before a position even opens up.
This kind of letter isn’t just about chasing a job. It’s about starting a conversation. When it’s done right, it shows initiative, curiosity, and value – and it puts you ahead of the people who wait around for a job board alert.
But don’t confuse it with a cover letter. They’re similar, but they serve very different purposes.
Letter of interest vs. cover letter
A letter of interest is used when there’s no open job but you still want to introduce yourself and show what you bring to the table. You’re starting the conversation.
A cover letter, on the other hand, is a direct response to a job posting. It complements your resume and speaks directly to a listed position.
Use a letter of interest when:
You want to work for a company but no role is posted
You’re exploring opportunities before they hit the market
Someone in your network suggested you reach out
Use a cover letter when:
You’re applying to a job that’s actively hiring
You’re tailoring your message to the job description
Both letters have similar formats but the intent is completely different.
What is the proper format for a letter of interest?
That is a great question! You start a letter of interest by choosing the right format. You have to know what it looks like before you can start writing it. It will look similar to a cover letter, but remember, it is not the same as a cover letter.
Use the three-paragraph letter format. This layout allows the reader to quickly ascertain your intent and it's what hiring managers and recruiters are used to seeing. Here's what the skeleton of your letter of intent will look like:
Header: Include your name, phone number, email, and location. It should match your resume.
Date + Employer Info: Add the current date, then list the hiring manager’s name (if you have it), their title, company name, and address.
Salutation (a/k/a Greeting): Use “Dear [Name]” when possible. Avoid generic greetings like “To whom it may concern.”
Introduction paragraph: State who you are and why you're reaching out. Mention a referral if you have one.
Body: Explain why you’re interested in the company and how your experience fits. Use 2-3 short paragraphs or break it up with a few bullet points for readability.
Closing: Wrap up with a clear call to action like asking for a meeting or offering to send your resume. Thank them for their time.
Signature: Sign off with your full name
How to write a letter of interest
You’ve got the format, now it’s time to write. Each part of your letter of interest plays a role. Here's how to make each one work for you.
Introduction
This is where you introduce yourself and say why you're reaching out. You’re not applying for a listed job, you’re starting a conversation.
Do:
Mention your current role or area of expertise
Show genuine interest in the company
Name-drop a referral if you have one
Don't:
Start with “My name is…” because they can see that in your header and signature
Talk about what you want without showing what you offer
Example:
I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a passion for community-based care. I’ve followed [Company Name] for years and would love to explore how my background might support your mission.
Body
Now’s your chance to connect the dots between what you do and what they need, even if there's no job posted.
Do:
Focus on how you can help the company
Use metrics, examples, and a few bullet points to break things up
Mirror the company’s language and priorities if possible (check their About page, job postings, or LinkedIn updates)
Don’t:
Make it all about you
Guess wildly about their needs
Rehash your entire resume
Example bullets:
Improved patient follow-up rates by 28% over 12 months
Spearheaded the launch of a behavioral health screening protocol
Skilled in EMR systems, trauma-informed care, and interdisciplinary collaboration
Closing
Wrap it up with a clear call to action. You're not begging for a job, you’re offering value and asking to connect.
Do:
Thank them for their time
Ask for a quick call or meeting
Mention you’ll follow up (and do it)
Don’t:
Sound passive (“Hope to hear from you someday…”)
Overpromise (“I’m the only person who can solve your problems”)
Example:
I’d be glad to connect for a short conversation if there’s ever a need I can support. I’ll follow up next week in case we can set up a quick call. Thanks for your time and consideration.
Letter of interest example
____________________________________________________________________________
First Last, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Washington, DC 20001 | 111-222-3333 | email@email.com
September 1, 2022
Hiring Manager
Company Name
City, ST Zip
RE: Job Code/Reference ID/Position Title
Dear Hiring Manager:
Use the first paragraph to introduce yourself to the employer. Let them know who you are, whether you were referred by someone currently employed there, and provide a blurb about your professional experience.
The second paragraph is where you dive further into your background. Talk about how your experience, education, and skills will help the company. Use numbers at every available opportunity. When you can demonstrate achievement, you set yourself apart from others.
In order to make your letter more skimmable, set some of the important information off with bullets. Ideally, you want to use no more than 3 bullets.
These bullets provide a great opportunity to add numbers.
Use a strong mix of hard and soft skills to show not only the everyday work things you know how to do but also show that you have the right personality and characteristics to fit in with the company culture.
The final paragraph is your call to action. This is what you want the hiring manager to do. Thank them for their time and kind consideration. Then, request that they call or email you, depending on what suits you best. That leaves the ball in their court for further interaction. Add a sentence about following up for a possible informational interview. Keep the letter of interest to one page.
Sincerely,
First Last
___________________________________________________________________________
Job Placement Services
We’ll guide your entire job search.
Letter of interest tips
Write a clear subject line. If you’re sending your letter by email, make the subject line informative: “Letter of Interest: [Your Name]” or “Interest in Future Roles: [Job Title] Background.”
Use a professional email address. If your email is still from high school, get a clean one that matches your name.
Avoid attachments. Paste your letter into the email body to make it easy to read.
Double-check the recipient. Sending your letter to the wrong person – or worse, the wrong company – kills your chances fast.
Customize every letter. Find the hiring manager’s name. Research what the company’s working on. A generic message won’t cut it.
Match your tone to the company. Formal for law firms, casual for startups, mirror their style.
Mirror the company’s language. Scan their website, job posts, and social media. If they emphasize “client outcomes” or “innovation,” reflect that tone in your letter.
Use metrics. Numbers stand out more than vague claims. Show what you’ve done, not just what you know.
Keep it short. One page max. Stick to what matters.
Use bullet points wisely. Break up dense sections with 2-3 bullets to highlight your impact.
Follow up. Say when you’ll check in, and actually do it.
Letter of interest mistakes to avoid
Being too vague. Don’t say you’ll take “any role available.” Be clear about what you want and what you bring.
Sounding arrogant. Be confident, not cocky. Skip the “you need me” vibe.
Forgetting to proofread. Spelling and grammar mistakes can ruin your first impression.
Sending the same letter to everyone. Generic letters get ignored. Personalization shows you’ve done your homework.
Making it all about you. Focus on what the company needs, not just your goals.
Skipping the follow-up. If you don’t follow up, you’re likely to be forgotten.
What to do after you send + follow up
At no time during any part of the hiring process should you sit around and wait for the phone to ring. The power of a follow-up can be the difference between getting nowhere in your job search and securing the information you seek to get your foot in the door. You can even mention that you'll follow up within a given number of days in the letter of interest that you send to the company.
Here's an example of a follow-up message:
Follow-up letter example
___________________________________________________________________________
Dear Hiring Manager:
I hope this letter finds you doing well. Approximately one week ago, I sent a letter to you for the [NAME OF POSITION] at [NAME OF COMPANY].
I've had a desire to work for [NAME OF COMPANY] for more than a year and am confident that my expertise with [SKILL YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR EYES CLOSED] would benefit your team. I'll happily send my resume for your review if you like.
When would be a good time to sit down with you to discuss my candidacy further? Please give me a call at your convenience so that we can schedule a time to get together. My phone number is 111-222-3333.
I hope you have a fantastic day! Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
First Last
____________________________________________________________________________
Open new doors
Your dream company can be just a letter away – a letter of interest, that is. You don't have to sit around waiting for them to post a job opening, though. Go ahead and send a letter of interest for the job you want. Let them know that you're available and what you bring to the table.
In the meantime, get your resume ready. If the hiring manager likes what he/she sees in your letter of interest, you may have an informational interview in the near future. Walking in there with a fully optimized and professional resume is a must. TopResume has professional resume writers with expertise in every industry.
We’ll guide your entire job search
