Free letter of interest template, built with AI

What is a letter of interest?

A letter of interest, sometimes called a letter of inquiry or prospecting letter, is a letter you send to a company you’d like to work for when there’s no specific job opening. It introduces you, explains why you’re interested in that company, and asks to be considered for current or future roles.

Many jobs are filled before they’re ever advertised, often through referrals and people who reached out first. A strong letter of interest puts you on the hiring manager’s radar early. This letter of interest template gives you a structure that feels personal, professional and to the point.

Letter of interest vs cover letter

A cover letter responds to a specific job posting and explains why you fit that role. A letter of interest is proactive: it’s about the company, not a single job. Instead of matching yourself to a list of requirements, you show what you could bring to the team in general and ask for a conversation. The tone is a little more exploratory, and the call to action is usually a short call or meeting rather than an interview.

When to send a letter of interest

• You’d love to work at a company, but nothing suitable is posted on their careers page.
• You’ve heard the company is growing, launching a new product or opening a new office.
• You’ve met someone from the company at an event and want to follow up.
• You’re relocating and want to introduce yourself to employers in a new city.

What to include in a letter of interest

• Your contact details and the date at the top.
• A personal greeting to a named person, not “To whom it may concern”.
• Why this company: something specific you admire or have followed.
• What you offer: two or three results or skills that would be valuable to them.
• A clear, low-pressure request, such as a 20-minute call.
• A mention of your attached resume.

How to write a letter of interest, step by step

1. Research the company

Read their website, recent news, LinkedIn posts and job listings in other teams. Look for something specific to mention, like a product launch, an expansion or a value you share.

2. Open with genuine interest

Start with why you’re writing to this company in particular:

“I’ve followed Clearwater Health’s growth since your launch of the patient scheduling app last year, and I’m writing to express my interest in joining your marketing team.”

3. Show what you can bring

Share two or three achievements that would matter to them, with numbers where possible. Think about the challenges the company is likely facing and how your experience helps.

4. Ask for a conversation

Instead of asking for a job directly, ask for a short call to learn more about their plans. It’s easier to say yes to, and it opens the door to future roles.

5. Close politely

Thank them for their time, mention your attached resume and sign off with “Sincerely” or “Best regards”.

Who to send your letter of interest to

Send it to the person who would most likely be your manager, such as the head of the team you want to join, rather than a general HR inbox. LinkedIn and the company’s team page are the best places to find the right name. For larger companies, you can also send a copy to a recruiter who covers that department. If you don’t hear back after a week or two, a short, polite follow-up email is fine.

Tips for a letter of interest that gets a reply

• Keep it to one page, around 250 to 400 words.
• Make it about the company first and yourself second.
• Write a new opening for every company you contact.
• Send it as an email with your letter and resume attached as PDFs, plus a short summary in the email body.
• Use a clear subject line, such as “Marketing professional interested in Clearwater Health”.

Letter of interest questions