How to Write a Letter of Intent for Employment

The perfect resume has never been more necessary than it is now in this age of increased competition in the job search marketplace. More than ever you need to have an impressive resume topped with an equally impressive letter of intent or cover letter to catch the eye of the person who is hiring. Since this will be the first contact you have with a potential employer it is critical to make a good first impression. Having a great cover letter will get you the opportunity of a job interview and a real chance at getting the job you have applied for. Having a less than stellar cover letter means your resume will go straight into the reject pile.

Below are some of the top tips on writing the ideal letter of intent for employment.

1. Be sure to use a high quality paper that shows you mean business.
2. Write the letter in a business letter format, showing your professionalism.
3. Be sure to have names, titles, company name and address exactly right. If you make an error on these things, it makes a poor impression.
4. Start with a proper salutation to show respect.
5. In the body of your letter, be sure to include an introduction of yourself, relevant information such as your skills, education and pertinent job experience. Tell why you are a perfect fit for the job you are applying for. Provide your contact information so the individual does not have to rifle through your attached resume looking for it. Mention your availability and the ideal way to reach you.
6. Use a closing and sign your letter.
7. Be sure to proofread the letter for mistakes. Grammatical errors, spelling errors and other obvious flaws in a letter of intent leave a bad impression.
8. Keep the letter short and to the point. Those handling resumes will only take the time to read shorter letters.

You may also want to avoid the following errors when writing a letter of intent for employment.
1. Don’t include personal information.
2. Don’t talk about your weaknesses.
3. Don’t mention salary unless specifically told to do so.
4. Don’t mention why you left other jobs.
5. Don’t mention other companies you have worked for by name in the cover letter unless they are recognizable, significant and impressive.
6. Don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Customize your letter of intent for each employer you contact.
7. Don’t include too much information or too many details. Hit the highlights and leave them wanting to learn more.

A well written letter of intent for employment can make or break the process of getting an interview. Your letter and resume are supposed to entice potential employers to want to get to know more about you. Make the right impression with a flawless letter of intent and you will be one of those who make it to the next step, the job interview. Master the art of the letter of intent for employment and your chances of finding the perfect job will sky rocket.

View sample letters of intent.