How to Write a Letter of Interest to a Business

Have your resume on hand while writing your letter.

When searching for job opportunities, letters of interest are useful tools similar to cover letters. These prospecting letters explain who you are and are attached to your resume, but are different from cover letter sin that they are used to inquire about non-posted positions. For instance, if you are interested in working for a particular company and they don't have any posted jobs in which you are interested, a letter of interest helps to make your interests known to decision makers at the company.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• 8'' x 11'' paper
• Resume and job history
• Standard ruler
• Business envelope

Instructions

Write

1. Research the company before doing anything else. It is imperative to demonstrate familiarity with them in your letter. While "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To Whom it May Concern" were once acceptable, due to the Internet and other modern forms of communication these salutations may appear impersonal and rude. Try to find the name of the person who will read your letter (typically a human resources manager or recruiter), and address your letter to them.

2. Follow a business letter format. Write your address and email in the header section of the page followed by the date. Skip three spaces and write name of the addressee, company name and address. Skip another space and insert a salutation followed by a colon. For example, write "Dear" followed by Mr. or Ms. (appropriate for all women) and the name of the person followed by a colon. Use a minimum of two spaces between each paragraph in the body of the letter.

3. Make the body of your letter informative, yet as brief as possible. Keep in mind that your letter must not exceed one page in length. In the first paragraph, state what kind of employment you are seeking, why you are interested in this particular company, and what prompted you to contact them (newspaper advertisement, article, a referral from an employee, etc). Be sure to avoid leading the first paragraph with the word "I." You may use it to start other sentences, however use it sparingly.

4. Summarize your qualifications, past experiences and skills in the second paragraph of the letter of interest. Avoid excessive detail or repetition of information already contained on your resume (which you will send along with your letter of interest). Also include why your skills make you a good match for the prospective company.

5. Provide your contact information in the last paragraph, and state which method is the most convenient way to contact you. Also include the date and time when you will contact them to follow up. Never forget to thank the person for taking the time to read your letter. A simple "thank you for your time and consideration" will suffice.

6. Use "Sincerely," when ending your letter. If sending in the mail, type your name a few spaces below the greeting and then sign your name in the space with a pen once you print it.

Send

1. Proofread your letter before sending it. If mailing (which you should do unless the company's HR department has said otherwise), print your letter on 8'' x 11'' paper. Normal printer paper is acceptable, however a heavier weight paper is best. Never use colored paper.

2. Address a business envelope (never use any other type of envelope) neatly in black pen or via printer. If you have a stamp with your own name and address on it, use it. A ruler can help ensure everything is properly aligned when writing the address on the envelope by hand.

3. Fold your letter neatly so that there are three sections across. If the lines are uneven, reprint the letter and try again. Place the folded letter, along with your resume, in the envelope and seal it neatly. Never put tape on the outside of the envelope.

Tips & Warnings

• Communications skills are vital to any company, so be sure to proofread your letter multiple times to check grammar and spelling. If possible, have someone else read your letter before you send it.

• Using an educated vocabulary in your letter is always a plus, but be sure it doesn't sound forced or unnatural. Read your letter out loud to check this.

• Keep your resume handy while writing your letter as this will help you in the section of your letter where you talk about your qualifications.

References

• Letter Writing Guide: Writing a Letter of Interest
• Business Letter Format: What Should Be the Line Spacing in a Business Letter?