Letter of Interest vs Cover Letter

When applying for a job opening, there are two types of letters you can write: a letter of interest or a cover letter. Both letters are meant to express your interest in a job position and serve as your first communication with a potential employer. However, each letter functions differently, and understanding the differences between them will help you convey your intentions better to a recruiter or hiring manager.

A well-written letter, whether it’s a letter of interest or a cover letter, can set the tone for your professional relationship with the employer. It may even determine whether you secure an interview or not. These letters are powerful tools in the job application process, but you’ll never send them both together. Knowing when and how to use them appropriately shows your communication skills, professionalism, and enthusiasm for the role or organization.

Let the information below guide you on whether a letter of interest vs a cover letter would be the ideal one to write for your situation.

Letter of interest vs. cover letter: what makes them different?

If these letters confuse you, we’ll help you make a difference between them. Check these features to know what letter is the right one to send at the moment:

Letter of interest vs cover letter: what makes them similar?

Now that we covered the differences, let’s explain what the letter of interest and cover letter have in common.

• Both letters have a formal format and require clear, concise writing. They usually include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing statement. 

• The goal in both these letters is to show your qualifications, relevant, skills, and accomplishments to make a strong impression on the reader. 

• Both the letter of interest and cover letter should be customized. Personalization shows your attention to detail and genuine interest in the organization.

• The letter of interest and cover letter are your initial communication with a potential employer. They both set the tone of how they see you as a candidate. 

• Both these letters conclude with a call to action. They encourage the employer to contact you for a discussion, interview, or potential collaboration. 

• Both letters require you to research the company or job thoroughly, so you can align your message with their values, goals, and needs. 

What is a letter of interest and what is it for?

A letter of interest, also known as a letter of intent, is communication that lets potential employers know that you are available for hire even if there is no open position at the moment. This means that the company hasn’t posted a job opening yet, and you are expressing your interest in advance, along with additional information relating to why you would be an ideal candidate for a job at the company. Since there is no job posting yet, a letter of interest vs cover letter requires a bit of explanation on why you’ve decided to reach out.

When should you send a letter of interest?

A letter of interest is a powerful tool in your job search. But timing and context are important! There are specific situations when sending it is appropriate:

• When you admire the company but no positions are advertised

Is there a company you really see yourself working for? Its mission and culture align with your professional goals, and you feel like you could fit in. If they’re not hiring immediately, you can express your interest for the hiring managers to put you on their radar for future opportunities. 

• When you want to expand your network

A letter of interest is a proactive tool for establishing a connection within an organization. It shows initiative and allows you to build relationships that might lead to job opportunities. Even if you just get a LinkedIn connection after sending your letter, it’s a good start. 

• After hearing about internal expansion

You just learned that a company is growing or launching new projects? Maybe the team hasn’t started sharing job openings yet, but they plan to. That’s the ideal time to send a letter of interest. Make your skills relevant to their expansion, so the HR team can position you as a strong candidate for upcoming roles. 

• When you’re entering a new industry or aiming for a new role

In this case, a letter of interest will showcase transferable skills and explain why you would be a valuable asset. You will mention your background and say how it’s relevant even if it doesn’t align with their traditional hiring criteria.

• When you want to follow up on networking events

If you met someone from the company at a conference, workshop, or industry event, you can send them a letter of interest. It’s a good way to reinforce your connection and express enthusiasm for joining their team. 

• When you’re targeting an organization that relies on referrals

Some companies don’t advertise all open positions they have. They rather rely on referrals or internal hiring. In that case, a letter of interest will introduce you as a proactive and qualified candidate. 

• When you’re relocating

If you’re moving to a new city or region, you’ll need to explore potential employers. A letter of interest can help you connect with local companies and establish connections before your move. With it, you’ll demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm, and dedication to your industry.

How to write a letter of interest

In a letter of interest, you will express your enthusiasm for working with a company. Your style should demonstrate your proactive approach. You’ll specify your qualifications and explain how your skills align with the company’s values or potential needs. 

These tips will help you write an impactful letter of interest:

1. Research the company well!

That’s something you should do before you start writing. Get yourself informed about the organization. You’ll need to understand its mission, values, recent achievements, and challenges. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to demonstrate your interest in contributing to the company’s success. 

2. Use the right format

It’s not complicated at all: your letter of interest needs a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Include your contact information, the date, and the recipient’s details at the top. Use a professional tone and font to maintain formality. We don’t recommend getting overly creative with the format. Write something that the recipient will quickly read and easily understand. 

3. Write an impressive opening

The introduction must grab the reader’s attention right away. In this part, it’s important to mention why you’re interested in the company and how you discovered it (if applicable). A personalized statement can establish a connection. 

Here’s an example: “I admire your brand for its innovative approach to TikTok marketing. As someone with a passion for online marketing, I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to your team.”

4. Clarify your skills and achievements

In the body of your letter of interest, focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and how they align with the company’s goals. Use specific examples to show your expertise and explain how you can add value to the organization. 

For example: “In my previous role as a Marketing Coordinator, I successfully increased social media engagement by 35% over six months through targeted campaigns and content optimization. I believe my ability to analyze trends and create impactful strategies will be beneficial for your company.”

5. Show enthusiasm for future opportunities

Your letter of interest should express your enthusiasm to contribute and grow with the organization. Mention that you’re open to discuss any opportunities, whether currently available or anytime in the future.

6. End with a strong call to action

Finish your letter by thanking the reader for their time and consideration. Encourage them to contact you, so you can discuss potential opportunities. 

For example: “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience could support your brand. Please feel free to contact me at (your email and phone number). Thank you for considering my application.”

7. Edit and proofread

There’s no place for typos, grammar issues, and inclarity in your letter of interest. You must make it polished and error-free to leave a positive impression. 

Sample of letter of interest

Use this sample to help you craft your own letter of interest vs cover letter. In this example on how to write a letter of interest, take note of how it immediately lets the reader know what the letter is for in the first paragraph.

To Mr/Ms (name of recipient)

I came across an article about your startup company in (name of publication) and found myself thoroughly agreeing with your organization’s mission and vision statement. I would like to express my interest in working for your organization and utilize my skillset to help you achieve your goals. With this in mind, I would like to know about any potential job openings you may have.

I am an experienced Project Manager who has taken on many non-profit initiatives including (name of project/s). I have a Bachelor’s Degree in (your major), and was able to complete an internship with (name of company).

I hope to know more about your organization and sit down for an interview with you to discuss my ideas that could help you achieve your targets faster and more efficiently.

I am ready to send you my resume should you require it. Thank you for your time, and please don’t hesitate to call me at (your mobile phone number) any time of the day.

Sincerely,

(your name and signature)

Here’s another letter of interest sample:

Dear (name of the hiring manager),

I recently saw a news feature about your company’s innovative approach to automotive manufacturing in a recent news feature, and I am writing to inquire if you have any available job positions relating to logistics and operations management.

I have seven years of experience working as a supply chain manager for (name of company). During my time in this role, I was able to bring down the cost of purchasing raw materials by five percent within six months of taking on the job. I was also able to ensure prompt delivery of said materials through constant communication and follow-up with suppliers. As a result, my company experienced zero manufacturing downtime during my entire term there.

I have attached my resume along with this letter so you can review my qualifications and experience. I would appreciate the opportunity to sit down in an interview with you. Feel free to send me an email at (email address) or message me at (mobile phone number). Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours truly,

(name and signature)

Should you accompany your letter of interest with a resume?

At a glance, a letter of interest vs cover letter won’t read that much different, but compared to the latter, a letter of interest can be sent on its own and doesn’t need to be accompanied by a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). However, to save time as well as display your initiative, it’s best to send your resume along with your letter of intent.

What is a cover letter and what is it for?

Now that you have an idea of how to write a letter of interest, what about a cover letter? The purpose of a cover letter is to accompany a resume when applying for a job. Since a cover letter is intended for an open position, it does not require an explanation for why it was sent. That said, it holds pretty much the same information contained in a letter of interest including your best qualifications, an explanation of why you would be a good fit for the company, and your desire for an interview.

In addition, the purpose of a cover letter is not just to repeat the information in the resume, but expand on it with specific examples or stories that solidify your skills and experience as applicable to the open job position.

When should you send a cover letter?

The cover letter is a component of your job application. It gives you a chance to connect your qualifications to the specific role you’re pursuing. Here are the most common situations when sending a cover letter is appropriate and beneficial:

• When the job posting requires it

If the need for a cover letter is specifically mentioned in the job description, then you must include one. Omitting it could result in a disregarded application, since it signals a lack of attention to detail or adherence to instructions. 

• To enhance your resume

A cover letter complements your resume by explaining how the listed experiences and skills are suitable for the role. If your resume doesn’t fully convey your fit, a cover letter lets you elaborate.

• When applying for competitive roles

In a highly competitive field, a strong cover letter will set you apart. You can showcase your style and mention things that the hiring manager will remember.

• When you’re transitioning careers

If you’re shifting to a new industry, a cover letter lets you explain why your transferable skills are relevant and why you’re passionate about this new direction. It helps employers see your potential beyond the previous job titles that were mentioned in the resume. 

• To explain gaps in your resume

If you haven’t followed a conventional career path, the cover letter is a great place to address those issues. Such a proactive approach can ease concerns and focus the attention on your strengths. 

• When applying to a known contact

If someone referred you to the job or you’ve previously connected with the hiring manager, a cover letter will help you reestablish the connection. It will remind them why you’re a great fit for the role.

• When it’s not mandatory for a job application, but you want to show your personality

Some job postings only require a resume. It’s a very factual and structured document, which doesn’t leave much space for your personality to shine through. In that case, you can still add a cover letter with the application. It’s the best place to convey your enthusiasm for the job and show how passionate you are about the company and the role. 

• When applying for an internship or entry-level position

For entry-level roles, almost all applicants have similar qualifications. In that case, a well-crafted cover letter helps you stand out. It shows you as a motivated candidate with future aspirations that align with the company’s goals. 

How to write a cover letter

The way you write your cover letter makes a real difference in the job application process. Here are a few tips to help you write the perfect cover letter:

1. Write it for the job

You don't have to write a new cover letter from scratch for each job you apply to. But you have to customize it every time! Mention the specific job title and company, and align your skills and experiences with the requirements listed in the job description. 

2. Follow a formal structure

These are the details to include in your cover letter:

• Header — It should feature your contact information and the recipient’s details

• Introcution — State the position you’re applying for and why you’re excited about the opportunity

• Body — Mention relevant achievements and skills

• Closing — Express enthusiasm for an interview and include your contact details

3. Demonstrate your skills and accomplishments

You can do that through specific examples. Ideally, you should quantify your success to add credibility. 

Here’s an example: “In my previous role as a Sales Manager, I increased annual revenue by 25% through original marketing strategies and effective team collaboration.”

4. Focus on what you have to offer

Instead of writing what you hope to gain from this job, you should focus on how you can contribute to the organization’s goals. Research their challenges and needs, and mention how you can address them. 

5. Limit the cover letter to one page

Clarity is essential! Focus on the most relevant information without repeating the resume in full. 

6. Include keywords from the job description

Keywords and phrases from the job posting will show that you’re a good match for the role. They also help your application to go through the applicant tracking system. 

7. Wrap up with a call to action

Close your cover letter by inviting the reader to take the next step, such as scheduling an interview. Be confident, but polite in tone at the same time. 

Here’s an example: “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my skills can contribute to your company. Please feel free to contact me on my phone number or email address.”

Cover letter sample: 

Dear Mr/Ms (name of recipient)

Your company’s job posting for a sales analyst on (name of job market website) caught my attention. I believe that my skills, training, and four years of working experience as a marketing strategist makes me an ideal candidate for the job.

For the past four years, I worked as the Head of Marketing over at (name of company). During my stint, I was able to boost profits by 20 percent and expand the company’s marketing reach by two-fold.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Georgetown University and have updated my skillset through a series of trainings provided by our country’s biggest financial institutions. I also have a certified public accountant license from the American Institute of CPAs.

I have attached my resume herein, containing all the personal information I have regarding my skills, experience, education, certifications, and more. I am eager to discuss my capabilities to contribute to your organization. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at (mobile phone number). I am available during work hours on weekdays.

Kind regards,

(name and signature)

Second cover letter sample: 

To the hiring manager:

Good day. I am (your name), and I have been a successful accountant with a track record of delivering accurate and consistent financial information. My services have been procured by a range of institutions including (name of firm/s worked for), and I look forward to utilizing my expertise with you. 

You can expect me to bring my meticulousness and tenacity to your organization in the capacity of the open Senior Accountant position. Here are some of the qualifications I bring to your company:

• More than 10 years of experience in strategic financing to support commercial business decisions

• A strong commitment to personal and organizational success.

• Solid background in complex financial products, instruments, and derivatives for leveraging accounting information.

• An entrepreneurial mindset dedicated to building strong business relationships and achieving business success.

Aside from my accounting experience, I also hold an MBA degree and have held leadership positions in community organizations. These should strengthen my qualifications to hopefully meet the requirements of the job and further add value to your company should you choose to hire me.

I plan to contact you in the weekdays ahead to discuss some of my ideas for your company. Please feel free to contact me before then through email (your email address) or mobile phone (your phone number). Thank you for your time.

Yours,

(name and signature)

Should you accompany your cover letter with a resume? 

Unlike a letter of intent which can be sent on its own, a cover letter MUST always be accompanied by a resume. As the name implies, it acts as a cover to your resume, serving primarily as an introduction to your specific skills, experience, and more. It is meant to encourage employers to read your resume, as well as convince them that you are the right person for the job.

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