The letter of intent is often the first impression that a prospective employer has of you. It functions as a cover letter and often accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. Your letter of intent will make your resume stand out above the other applicants.
Instructions
1
The cover letter should follow basic business letter format. The heading should contain your prospective employer's contact information as well as your own. Whenever possible, address the letter directly to the individual responsible for hiring.
2
The body of the letter should contain three paragraphs. Each paragraph should address a specific issue. In the first paragraph, explain why you are writing to the potential employer. If you are writing in response to a job posting, mention where you saw the job listing and the position title. If you are writing to inquire about job openings, this is where you will state your job objectives. Finally, if you are writing as a networking exercise, state your intent in this paragraph.
3
The second paragraph is where you highlight your skills and abilities. If you are writing in response to a job listing, state your skill set that matches the attributes listed in the posting. For a prospecting letter, this is where you will enumerate the ways in which you can fill the prospective employer's needs.
4
The closing paragraph is where you will express your intent to follow up. Here you should reiterate your enthusiasm for the company and the job. List your contact information, including telephone numbers and email address. Indicate the availability of work samples and references, and thank the prospective employer for its consideration.
