letter of intent sample for research

Letter Templates

letter of intent example for research paper

If you’re applying for a research paper, you might be asked to submit a letter of intent. This document is a brief introduction that outlines your research interests, goals, and objectives. It’s an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and expertise while also demonstrating your commitment to the research. In this article, we’ll provide seven letter of intent examples for research paper to help you get started.

Example 1: Theoretical Research

Dear [Name of Professor/Program Director],

I am writing this letter to express my interest in [Name of Program or Project] at [Name of Institution]. My research interests lie in the field of [Name of Field or Topic], particularly in the area of [Name of Specific Area or Focus].

I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside renowned researchers and contribute to the field through my research. I believe my background in [Name of Relevant Experience or Education] has prepared me to undertake this project and make a meaningful contribution to the field.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

[Your Name]

Example 2: Empirical Research

I am writing to express my interest in the [Name of Program or Project] at [Name of Institution]. My research interests are in the field of [Name of Field or Topic], particularly in the area of [Name of Specific Area or Focus].

I am excited about the opportunity to conduct empirical research on this topic and contribute to the field. I have [Name of Relevant Experience or Education] and believe that my skills and knowledge would be an asset to the project.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Example 3: Qualitative Research

I am writing to express my interest in the [Name of Program or Project] at [Name of Institution]. My research interests lie in the field of [Name of Field or Topic], particularly in the area of [Name of Specific Area or Focus].

I am excited about the opportunity to conduct qualitative research on this topic and contribute to the field. I have [Name of Relevant Experience or Education], which I believe will enable me to conduct rigorous research and produce valuable insights.

Example 4: Survey Research

I am writing to express my interest in the [Name of Program or Project] at [Name of Institution]. My research interests are in the field of [Name of Field or Topic], with a focus on survey research.

I am excited about the opportunity to conduct a survey on [Name of Specific Area or Focus] and contribute to the field. I have [Name of Relevant Experience or Education], which I believe will enable me to conduct high-quality research and produce valuable insights.

Example 5: Literature Review

I am writing to express my interest in the [Name of Program or Project] at [Name of Institution]. My research interests lie in the field of [Name of Field or Topic], with a focus on conducting a comprehensive literature review.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the field through my research. I have [Name of Relevant Experience or Education], which I believe will enable me to conduct a thorough and insightful literature review.

Example 6: Case Study

I am writing to express my interest in the [Name of Program or Project] at [Name of Institution]. My research interests lie in the field of [Name of Field or Topic], with a focus on conducting a case study.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the field through my research. I have [Name of Relevant Experience or Education], which I believe will enable me to conduct a rigorous and insightful case study.

Example 7: Mixed Methods Research

I am writing to express my interest in the [Name of Program or Project] at [Name of Institution]. My research interests lie in the field of [Name of Field or Topic], with a focus on mixed methods research.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the field through my research. I have [Name of Relevant Experience or Education], which I believe will enable me to conduct a comprehensive and insightful study.

Tips for Writing a Letter of Intent for Research Paper

Writing a letter of intent for research paper can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be an effective tool for communicating your research interests and goals. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Keep it concise

A letter of intent should be brief and to the point. Keep your sentences short and use clear, concise language to convey your message.

2. Be specific

Make sure to include specific details about your research interests and goals. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in the field.

3. Tailor your letter

Customize your letter to the program or project you’re applying for. Research the institution and the project to show that you have a genuine interest in the opportunity.

4. Edit and proofread

Before submitting your letter, make sure to edit and proofread it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure your letter is well-organized and easy to read.

5. Ask for feedback

Consider asking a mentor or colleague to review your letter before you submit it. They may be able to provide helpful feedback and suggestions for improvement.

6. Follow instructions

Make sure to follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the institution or program. Pay attention to the format and length requirements, and make sure to submit your letter on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a letter of intent for research paper.

A letter of intent for research paper is a brief document that outlines your research interests, goals, and objectives. It’s typically submitted as part of an application for a research program or project.

How long should a letter of intent be?

A letter of intent for research paper should be concise and to the point. Aim for one page or less, and keep your sentences short and focused.

What should I include in a letter of intent?

You should include your research interests, goals, and objectives, as well as specific details about your relevant experience and education. You should also customize your letter to the program or project you’re applying for.

How should I address my letter of intent?

Address your letter of intent to the program director or professor who will be reviewing your application. Use a formal greeting such as “Dear [Name]”.

Can I use a template for my letter of intent?

Yes, you can find templates for letter of intent online. However, make sure to customize the template to fit your specific research interests and goals. Avoid using generic or boilerplate language.

When should I submit my letter of intent?

Make sure to submit your letter of intent according to the instructions provided by the program or institution. Some programs may have specific deadlines or submission guidelines.

Writing a letter of intent for research paper can be a great way to showcase your expertise and commitment to the field. Use the examples and tips provided in this article to help you get started and create a compelling letter that will impress program directors and professors.

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Compliance protocols MUST be approved and linked in SeRA to a SPO project record prior to award acceptance. 

Pre-Proposals and Letters of Intent (LOIs)

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Sponsors sometimes require applicants to submit a pre-proposal or letter of intent in response to a funding opportunity announcement.  Sponsors then review the pre-proposal or letter of intent submissions and select and invite a subset of applicants to submit full applications for the relevant funding opportunity announcement.

NOTE:  Pre-proposals or letters of intent (LOIs) that require and/or include any of the following require institutional (OSR or RMG) review, ARE subject to the  Stanford Internal 5- Day Proposal Deadline Policy  and do require a  SeRA Pre-Proposal .

• Institutional signature
• Submission through a portal or platform where OSR or RMG as institutional officials/ Authorized Organizational Representatives (AORs) must complete the submission i.e., "push the button"
• ANY commitment of institutional resources including, but not limited to: PI time/effort, staff time, space, facilities use, project completion, students, and/ or post-doc participation/time, etc.  Most often, but not always, these resources are expressed in a budget and/or matching and/or cost sharing information.

For example: National Science Foundation (NSF) letters of intent (LOIs) and pre-proposals, like NSF proposals, are prepared under an investigator's NSF account in Research.gov and are submitted to the NSF by an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) i.e., by an OSR Contract and Grant Officer (CGO) or a School of Medicine Research Management Group (RMG) Research Process Manager (RPM).  Thus, because NSF LOIs and pre-proposals require institutional level review and submission, they ARE subject to the Stanford Internal 5- Day Proposal Deadline Policy  and do require a  SeRA Pre-Proposal .

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How to Write a Letter of Intent (+Format and Examples)

November 27, 2018

by Grace Pinegar

Have you seen those videos of Black Friday shopping (an event in the United States in which stores significantly reduce all prices the day after Thanksgiving) where people stand at a store’s front doors in herds, aggressively waiting to snag some of the year’s best deals?

Imagine how much easier it would be to do your Black Friday shopping if you had a secret back-door entrance. If you were able to take a different route and get to the technology without waiting with the herd.

While I don’t know of a secret passageway in regards to holiday shopping, I think I can provide you some lesser-known help in terms of finding and applying for jobs: writing a letter of intent.

A letter of intent is just one of the many types of business letters  you might have to write over the course of your career. 

Letter of intent definition

A letter of intent, also known interchangeably as a letter of interest, is something you send to an employer or manager in consideration for a job that is not posted. In other words, this type of letter communicates your desire and intention to become a part of this organization.

How to write a letter of intent

Say, for example, you find a company you really want to work for. You look up their currently available jobs and come to find none match your experience or education. Being a person of ambition, you don’t want to give up on this esteemed organization.

In this situation, you have the option of writing a letter of intent which outlines your desire to work for that organization. Letters of intent are not the same as cover letters, which accompany your resume and formal job application. Letters of intent, on the other hand, can be sent at any time.

You do not have to be applying for the job when you send out a letter of intent. Rather, you’re making an introduction.

In this letter, you set out to form a connection with the company and inform the hiring manager of your intentions to join their team.

Aspects of a letter of intent

A letter of intent, or a letter of interest, is a hiring manager’s first impression of who you are and what you can do. It’s important to remain cordial and professional throughout the letter as well as any following correspondence.

If you want your letter of intent to inspire a hiring manager to get back to you, you should abide by these guidelines.

Tailor the letter to your desired company

Your letter, even if you send it as an email, should be addressed to a specific person. You have already gone so far as to seek out an organization. You should take one step further by addressing it to a member of human resources, or by addressing the manager of the team you’d like to work for.

Lucky for you, companies these days like to show off their teams. You should easily be able to track down names just by going to a company’s team page. If this doesn’t work, try going to a company’s LinkedIn and perusing their employee list.

Research the role

Letters of intent are tricky because there’s no job description laid before you. However, you should still write this letter with a full and clear understanding of the role you’d like to have.

One easy way to accomplish this is to look up descriptions for this role at other companies. Use the personality characteristics and job requirements listed on those descriptions to inform what you discuss in your letter of intent.

(Visit our Learn hub to read generic job descriptions such as administrative assistant , recruiter , office manager , product marketing manager , and many more.)

Introduce yourself

At the beginning of a letter of intent, it’s important you introduce yourself and clarify the type of role you’re interested in. Additionally, outline why this particular company is of interest. Did you see them in the news? Did a member of their executive team visit your college campus?

Providing such reasons will personalize your letter and help you be remembered.

Detail your experience

Next, you’ll want to detail your relevant work experience. What milestones have you contributed to at past companies throughout your career? Why should the manager or member of human resources be interested in you? This is the paragraph where that research gets to shine.

Include a call-to-action

While it may seem uncomfortable to order another professional around, you may never hear back from a hiring manager if you don’t mention next steps in your letter of intent.

At the end of your letter, it is appropriate to tell the recipient you’d like to schedule a phone call or ask for an informational email. You want to strike a balance that will solicit a response without coming off as either pushy or needy.

A closing paragraph is a place to quickly thank the recipient for their time. You could also include the CTA in the closing paragraph if you don’t want it to be a standalone ask.

Be sure you sign off of the letter in a standard format, using “sincerely,” “best,” or “regards,” before your name. Do not use anything too familiar such as “love,” or “warmly,” as they are not widely considered professional

Letter of intent example

Here are some structural tips and standards that will help you write a rockin' letter of intent. 

Format heading properly

As with most letters, you’ll want to be sure you’ve properly formatted the heading and introduction. Be sure to include both your information and theirs. Your information will look as follows: Your Name

Your Address

Your Email Address

Your Phone Number

Next, address the reader. Their information should be written as follows: Their Name (if known)

Company Name

Company Address

Introductory paragraph

Here is a generic example of an acceptable introductory paragraph in a letter of intent:

I met your CMO Jim McGuire this past summer at my university’s speaker series, wherein he said successful people are not only brave but also ambitious. My ambition has led me to inquire about the possibility of working in your organization’s event marketing department. My experience at Rosehill Farms accustomed me to hosting weddings and events of up to 300 attendees, performing every responsibility save walking down the aisle myself. I view your team as creative and detail-oriented, two characteristics I’ve nurtured over a lifetime.

Body paragraph(s)

Here is a generic example of a body paragraph (or two) that could follow the previous introductory paragraph:

My parents say I was born with a plan, always questioning and organizing and coordinating everything from the colors at my 6th grade sleepover, to the seating chart at holiday meals. I would offer this team intense attention to detail as well as a passion for the event, regardless of genre. I pride myself a critical thinker and have been known to come through for brides and birthdays alike as I sew hems and locate backup cakes. Were I to be added to your team, I’d only serve to strengthen and support the exceptional customer care this company already provides.

Closing paragraph

Here is a generic example of a closing paragraph that could be submitted with the letter previously mentioned:

I would love to answer any additional questions you may have or further discuss the prospect of my employment. If you are available, I can be reached for an informational interview via my cell number 444-444-4444 or email [email protected].

Here is a generic example of an appropriate sign-off to end a letter of intent:

Julie Butler

---------------

If you’re looking for additional resources to help you in the professional sphere, consider learning more with G2 Crowd. We have articles outlining: 

• How to Write a Thank You Letter After a Job Interview
• How to Write a Resignation Letter
• How to Write a Cover Letter

Grace Pinegar is a lifelong storyteller with an extensive background in various forms such as acting, journalism, improv, research, and content marketing. She was raised in Texas, educated in Missouri, worked in Chicago, and is now a proud New Yorker. (she/her/hers)

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How to Write a Letter of Intent When Applying to a Graduate Program Research-oriented graduate programs (Masters and PhD) often require applicants to submit letters of intent. Typically, a program admissions committee uses the letter of intent to determine whether the applicant's academic and career goals fit with the program and the professors' areas of expertise. The letter of intent may also be used to match a successful applicant with a supervisor. Focus on goals In writing your letter of intent, describe clearly why you want to study for a graduate degree. How will the degree enable you to accomplish your career goals? What areas of research interest you? Mention one or two research areas in sufficient detail to allow the admissions committee to form a clear picture of your interests. A few references to the research literature are helpful. Explain how your background and acquired skills have prepared you to succeed in the program and in your areas of research specialization. Your letter of intent and declaration of research interest is not a binding contract. Although the letter may be key to your admission into the program and facilitate your assignment to a supervisor with similar interests, most programs recognize that students' goals and interests change and that such changes are legitimate. Usually you are free to switch to a different specialization within the program. Contact a professor A good strategy for choosing a graduate program is to read the CVs of professors who teach in the program. Pay particular attention to their lists of publications. If you can identify one professor whose research specialization most closely matches your interests, it is often a good idea to contact him or her by email or telephone to get more information. Most professors are happy to talk with potential students about their research and the graduate programs they teach in. Size and format Your letter of intent should be one to two pages of succinctly written prose, or 400 to 800 words including a brief reference list. Appropriately citing a few research articles demonstrates that you have some aquaintance with the area in which you are proposing to work, and that you understand the conventions of bibliographic citation in that area. When applying to programs in the social sciences and education, your citations should strictly adhere to APA (American Psychological Association) form. If You are Rejected If your application is rejected do not assume that your qualifications are not good enough for graduate school. An admissions committee sometimes rejects an applicant because it judges that no professors in the program have the expertise to supervise the type of research outlined in the letter of intent. It is also possible that there are professors who do have the expertise, but they are unable to take on more graduate students. Do not hesitate to re-apply to the same program for a later intake if you were rejected for this reason. If You are Accepted If your application is accepted you will usually be assigned a pro-tem (temporary) supervisor who will serve as your academic advisor. Your pro-tem supervisor was likely assigned to you because his or her research interests match those you indicated in your letter of intent. In most cases, the pro-tem supervisor becomes the student's senior supervisor at a later point in the program, or helps the student to identify a more suitable senior supervisor. Updated 2008.01.11 © John C. Nesbit

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How to write a letter of intent for research.

Read the RFP (request for proposals) or other submission instructions carefully to learn specific guidelines regarding the letter of intent . For example, most federal grant applications are extremely specific in terms of file size, format, naming conventions, supporting documents, etc.

Determine the type of information required and the LOI deadline.

Outline the info required for the letter of intent. Although it will vary depending on specific guidelines, the information required will typically include the name, affiliation and credentials of the principal investigator or project head; the name, credentials and affiliation of key research personnel; brief bios (biosketches) of researchers involved; participating institutions; and a name and summary of the proposed research project.

Write the summary of your research project for the LOI. Be specific in regards to the research objective, the methodology, the expected outcome, the benefit gained, populations to be studied, human subject parameters (if any) and your project's funding requirements. Include info on any past research studies that are relevant to the proposed work. Be sure to emphasize any similar research literature that features the principal investigator or key personnel.

Solicit the input of key collaborators regarding the research plan.

Collect the bios of key personnel and any other documentation that needs to accompany the letter of intent.

Submit the letter of intent before the deadline, and after it and all supporting documents have been proofed and assembled in the required format. Most grant application materials, including LOIs, are submitted online.

Related Articles

What are the duties of an administrative research assistant →, how to write a cover letter for a completed research proposal →.

Objectives of Technical Writing →

What Are the Duties of a Land Surveyor? →

Types of Letters of Intent →

The Average Salary of a Grant Writer →

Elaine Riot has been writing professionally since 2001. Her work has been published online; in quarterly business, arts and education publications; and in B2B and consumer magazines. A natural wordsmith, Riot writes effective copy for a diverse clientele, including the University of Washington, Vulcan, Inc. and Amazon.com. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas at Austin.

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Research and scholarship faqs, writing a letter of intent/interest or a letter of inquiry.

While the acronym LOI can refer either to a Letter of Intent or Interest or a Letter of Inquiry , the aim of both is to generate interest from a grant provider.  

Letter of Intent or Interest

The Letter of Intent or Interest (LOI) might be represented as a brief unsolicited narrative to an agency's Program Officer in which an interested researcher/investigator offers a synopsis of his/her proposed project to an identified Program Officer to get some initial feedback as to the Program Officer's/agency's interest. The LOI can help the investigator explore appropriate funding that aligns with the research as well as provide the sponsor’s program officer/gatekeeper with a description of the project plan to determine whether the research aligns with the agency’s mission/goals.

The Letter of Intent/Interest is a one-page (occasionally 1-3 pages though brevity is always preferred) comprehensive sketch of your proposed project’s purpose, the need/problem being addressed, a description of the project plan, and its intended outcome/impact. 

Typically, the brief LOI narrative should respond to the following:

• What is the current state of the problem and how will your proposed research explore it in a novel way or provide forward-moving steps toward reducing the problem?
• A very brief overview of the problem and why there is a gap or a need to know more specifics. What implications will your research have for your field and for others?
• What is your plan, your methodology, your hypotheses (if you’ve framed these), and your aims (at this early stage)?
• What preliminary studies have you completed? Why are you the expert to perform this research? (This content lends itself to the proposed project’s feasibility and your credibility as an investigator).
• What are the broader applications of your study?
• How will you disseminate this study’s results?

Letter of Inquiry

A mandatory Letter of Inquiry (LOI) differs from an Letter of Intent or Interest. Funding agencies may require the submission of a brief (approximately 2-3 pages) Letter of Inquiry rather than a full proposal. The funding agency reviews these letters so that only projects of interest to the project agency are invited to submit a full proposal.

The funding sponsor usually provides an outline for the Letter of Inquiry.  While this outline may vary from agency to agency, one possible outline might consider the following:

• A Brief Proposal Summary, which is typically a one-paragraph summary that describes the problem you intend to address, what activities you will undertake, what deliverable you will provide, and the impact your expect the project to have.
• A Project Description, which details the work/activities that you will undertake in your project.
• A Project Timeline.
• A Statement of Significance  
• A Statement of Capacity for Success that explains why your team and/or organization is positioned to be successful in yourproject.  
• A Narrative Description of the Outputs/Deliverables you intend to produce.
• If requested, a Brief Budget Explanation. 

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Guidelines for a letter of intent, (a loi is also known as a letter of inquiry or a concept paper.).

• Background: Your first contact with a foundation should be extensively studying the foundations website, reviewing the foundation's missions and goals, an annual report, giving guidelines, and grants list. If you have unanswered questions contact the CFR who may contact the foundation on your behalf.
• If, after carefully reviewing this material, you determine that this foundation is an appropriate match for you, your next contact will be a Letter of Inquiry, which is a brief summary of your project.
• Important: A Letter of Inquiry is not a vague exploration of an idea. It is assumed that you have already thought through your proposed project (including a budget!) and are just presenting an abbreviated description.

A Letter of Inquiry allows the foundation to quickly assess if there is a good match between the foundation's interests and the project. If it appears to be a good match, they will request a full proposal. When you see the words, "proposals not accepted," it usually means you must first submit a letter of inquiry. 

The LOI must be concise yet engaging. Use your words smartly. Avoid jargon, adjectives, flowery subjective statements that are not supported by facts. Write a logical, persuasive argument emphasizing how this project can help solve a significant problem or void in the knowledge base.

Please review the  Basic Components of a Proposal  because a Letter of Inquiry is a condensed version of a proposal. Include the highlights of that information. For example, an executive summary will be a full page of your proposal, but in a LOI it will only be one paragraph. Letters of Intent are generally 2–3 pages. If the foundation indicates a page limit, do not exceed it!

Components of a LOI

Unless otherwise indicated by the foundation, the contents will generally follow this format:

1. Opening Paragraph: Your summary statement.

• It should be able to stand alone. If the reviewer reads nothing else they should know what you want to do from reading this paragraph. Make it clear what you want the reader to do; for example, consider funding the project.
• Answer the following: Who wants to do what? How much is being requested? Is this a portion of a larger project cost? Over what period of time is money being requested?

"The School of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (UMass) seeks support for developing an innovative undergraduate and graduate curriculum in psychiatric mental health nursing that will prepare expert nurse clinicians in the delivery of mental health services to at-risk adolescents in the community setting. We are requesting $87,000 over a two-year period."

[FYI:  This proposal got funded!]

• You also may want to say if you are responding to an RFP (Request for Proposals) or make the connection between the foundation's interest and your project.
• Keep this paragraph short! This seems like a lot to address, but you will have room later to explain your rationale for the project, your methodology, and to establish your credibility.

2. Statement of Need: The "why" of the project. (1–2 paragraphs)

• Explain what issue you are addressing.
• Explain why you have chosen to respond to this set of issues in the way that you have.
• State briefly why this matters in the area in which you will be working.
• Note who benefits. Make sure you can indicate the public good achieved.

3. Project Activity: The "what" and "how" of the project. (The bulk of your letter)

• Give an overview of the activities involved. Give details to the degree that space allows.
• Highlight why your approach is novel and deserving of the special attention that funding connotes.
• Indicate if there will be collaboration with other organizations and what their roles will be. Be specific about who does what.

4. Outcomes (1–2 paragraphs; before or after the Project Activity)

• State the specific outcomes you hope to achieve.
• Indicate how evaluation is part of the project. How will you know you've achieved these outcomes?

5. Credentials (1–2 paragraphs)

• Demonstrate why your institution or your staff is best equipped to carry out this activity.
• Put any historic background about the institution here.
• Brag with substance. Indicate awards, rankings, and tangible measures that set you apart from your peers.

6. Budget (1–2 paragraphs)

• General description of the projects funding needs and total amount of request.

7. Closing (1 paragraph)

• Offer to give any additional information the foundation might need. Include a contact name and contact information.
• Express appreciation for the reader's attention, or for the opportunity to submit if it is in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP).
• Specifically indicate you are interested in discussing the project and will "contact their office" by a certain date (allowing time for them to receive and read the letter).

8. Signature

• Contact CFR to determine who would be the best person to sign the LOI.

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Letters of Intent

620 W. Lexington St. Fourth Floor Baltimore, MD 21201

P 410-706-6723

Letters of intent to apply and preliminary proposals or “pre-proposals” are in a gray area with regard to routing. Neither the letter of intent nor the pre-proposal, as such, will result in funding. However, an institutional endorsement is often required. Should these documents be routed?

Letters of intent

A letter of intent is a non-binding document that simply helps the sponsor determine how many applications can be expected as a result of the solicitation or announcement and, in some cases, how many reviewers and the specific expertise that is likely to be needed for peer review. Letters of intent do not need to be routed.

NIH - Are Letters of Intent Required?

Preliminary proposals (Pre-proposals)

Pre-proposals may serve a similar purpose of sponsor resource allocation but often are used to determine the "top tier" of proposals. In this case, after review of the preliminary proposals, a select number of these applicants are invited to submit full applications. Some companies request a preliminary proposal for their consideration for support of a research project.

Pre-proposals that include a preliminary or estimated budget should be routed. The preliminary or estimated budget should include Facilities and Administrative Costs (indirect costs) at the appropriate rate. If turnaround time for submission of the pre-proposal is short, Office of Research and Development staff will work with you to meet the deadline.

If a full proposal is submitted as a follow-up to the preliminary proposal, the full proposal must be routed as a "New" submission even if the preliminary proposal was routed. For system-to-system Grants.gov submissions, follow agency instructions for referencing or attaching the pre-proposal.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore is the founding campus of the University System of Maryland. 620 W. Lexington St., Baltimore, MD 21201 | 410-706-3100 © 2023-2024 University of Maryland, Baltimore. All rights reserved.

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What’s a letter of intent?

How to write a letter of intent , letter of intent example templates, letter of intent versus cover letter versus letter of interest , letter of intent for business partnerships, write with intention.

Putting together the perfect job application can feel impossible. 

Regardless of where you’re applying, you want to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate. 

Learning to effectively communicate your talents during the application process can be the difference between getting a follow-up response or having your application passed by. 

But there are lots of ways to introduce yourself, and choosing between a letter of intent versus letter of interest versus cover letter can be confusing. They all serve different purposes, and each suits a different type of position. 

Learning how to use each one will help you catch people’s attention and land the opportunities that propel your career forward.

A letter of intent does just what the name suggests: it expresses the intentions behind your application. This type of letter emphasizes the skills, values, and motivations you'll contribute more than your experience in the field. It should also include what you hope to achieve in the position you’re seeking.

These letters usually accompany applications to:

Jobs, especially senior level

Graduate or professional school programs

Grants 

Scholarships 

For example, if you're applying to grad school, a letter of intent explains what you intend to research in that timeframe and why you’re the best fit to conduct that research.

It might list the resources that the school offers that draw you to the program, like a particular archive or lab, and how you’ll use them to your advantage.

Similar to a cover letter or letter of interest, a letter of intent lets the reader know why you're a unique candidate that stands out from other applicants. Likewise, it clearly demonstrates how your goals and values align with the organization's mission, program, or funding opportunity.

Here are a few tips for crafting a letter of intent that stands out:

1. Do your due diligence

Learning about the organization or program is essential to every stage of the application process — from resume building to the interview. But the letter of interest is your first chance to attach a unique voice to your application and flaunt your knowledge about the opportunity. 

A letter of interest is about showing how your goals and intentions will benefit the organization. Hook your reader. They have to see themselves reflected in your intentions. Root your research in the following:

What’s the organization's vision?

What are the organization's mission and long-term goals?

What gives the organization a sense of meaning and purpose?

What initiatives has the organization taken to reach its goals?

Pay careful attention to the organization's language to describe itself and incorporate buzzwords and company vernacular into your letter. If their focus is sustainability, for example, make sure you communicate your passion for sustainability to show your compatibility. 

2. Keep it brief

When hiring managers, benefactors, and universities open applications, they're flooded with responses. Keep it short and sweet: don't tell them everything. Offer the highlights and leave them asking for more.

Similar to a cover letter or letter of interest, a letter of intent follows a business letter format. It should be a few paragraphs that introduce you as a candidate, outline your intentions, and encourage the reader to follow up. 

Your letter of intent is also an important first impression that establishes your communication skills. Brevity and efficient communication give the reader an understanding of what it'll be like to communicate in the future.

3. Show your sense of purpose

The goal of this letter is to clearly define your intentions and, if you can, explain how you'll carry them out. Show off your most valuable skills and experiences and how your work and purpose align with the organization's mission and goals. 

For example, if you’re applying to be a research fellow at a university in the medical sciences, explain why you’re the best fit for the department.

That might mean explaining your past research experience and how you’ll build on it, which faculty members do similar research to you, and how your work represents the university’s goals.

The following letter of intent templates for a professional email or formal letter can be edited to meet your needs, whether you’re applying to a job, graduate school , funding, or proposing a business partnership.

Any letter of intent examples should follow the same format and include the following:

A professional salutation

An introduction

A body that clearly states your purpose

An appropriate closing

Contact information

1. Letter of intent for a job application

Dear [name of hiring manager],

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the role of Editorial Assistant at the Virginia Gazette.

When I was in journalism school, I used the Gazette's coverage of the Appalachian coal miner's strikes as a guide to developing my writing ethos about working-class issues with humanity and reverence. I have followed the paper closely and have built my career around amplifying human-interest stories about politics at the community level.

I would be thrilled to interview and share my ideas for developing meaningful local coverage for the paper. You can reach me at [phone number] or [email address]. I look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully,

2. Letter of intent for a graduate program

Dear [name of recipient],

It's with pleasure that I submit my application for a doctorate in environmental science at the University of Washington. I'm particularly interested in the opportunity to work under Dr. Jones and learn from her extensive research in environmental justice.

While completing my master's degree at the University of Oregon, I had the opportunity to do a six-month fellowship with the Mayan communities across Guatemala to learn about developing legal systems to protect their sovereignty over oil and mining resources, inspired in part by the work that Dr. Jones has done with water rights with indigenous communities across the American Northwest. 

During my fellowship, I was able to build an initial legal framework with local indigenous leaders and lawyers to present to the national government, and I am still actively counseling local scientists on information gathering, recording, and grant writing. These experiences have prepared me to fit into the environmental justice program at the university, and the doctorate program and mentorship opportunities will help me make a larger impact in other communities.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please don't hesitate to contact me for further information. My email address is [email address], and my phone number is [phone number].

Thank you again,

3. Letter of intent for a business proposal

I'm writing to outline the proposed business transaction you and I discussed on [date]. This isn't a binding agreement, and I’m open to continued negotiation.

We've agreed to enter a design partnership. My responsibility will be business development, client sourcing, and project management. Your roles will be handling creativity, design, and developing other deliverables. All profits will be split 50-50 after expenses. We have agreed to hire an assistant to aid in administrative work, an account, and sign up for a small business loan for [sum] to cover initial overhead expenses, to be outlined formally in a partnership agreement.

We have agreed to meet on [date] to discuss financial details with [name of accountant], open a joint business account on [date] at [bank], sign an office rental agreement with [name of real estate broker] on [date], and sign a formal partnership agreement on [date] with [name of lawyer].

I look forward to firming up the details and getting started on this new venture together.

Although they all aim to secure you a new position, a letter of intent, letter of interest, and cover letter all serve different purposes. Let's break down their commonalities, differences, and when to use which.

Letter of intent

When applying for funding, graduate school, or jobs at start-ups and other small businesses, a letter of intent explains your motivations for applying. Here are three characteristics of a letter of intent:

Skill-specific: It demonstrates the specific skills and values that you will bring rather than emphasizing your previous experiences.

Emphasizes purpose: These letters should clearly indicate your intentions, the purpose of your work , and what you’ll do if chosen.

Storytelling: It tells a story that shows motivation to apply your skills in a way that benefits the organization or institution.

Cover letter

When applying for a specific job, a cover letter is an opportunity to encourage your potential employer to consider your resume and elaborate on key skills. Here are three characteristics of a cover letter:

Job-specific: It accompanies your job application, resume, or CV when applying for a specific position. Applications for a management position might focus on leadership experience over relevant technical skills, for example. 

Emphasizes experience: It highlights career highs, skills, and professional experiences you have relevant to the job. 

Convincing: It convinces the potential employer that you'll match the company culture and add value to the organization.

Letter of interest

If you're interested in working for a specific company that isn't currently advertising a job posting you'd like to apply for, a letter of interest lets you express your desire to work there in the future. Here are three characteristics of a letter of interest:

Organization-specific: It lets an organization know that you admire their company and want to be part of their staff.

Emphasizes initiative: It’s a way to demonstrate sought-after professional skills, like resourcefulness, independence, decision-making, goal setting, and follow-through. 

Positioning: It can be a great networking opportunity, setting you up to hear about job openings or internships , potentially before they're announced to other external candidates. 

A letter of intent is also used to outline and align business relationships, mergers, joint ventures, and partnerships. It's a non-binding agreement written before negotiating definitive agreements, like legally binding contracts, purchase agreements, or non-disclosure agreements.

These letters establish the terms of a prospective proposal between multiple businesses, freelancers, or organizations.

Anyone involved in the potential business transaction can write one, as they aren’t legally binding. They act as a good faith document or disclaimer to clarify expectations and details of a potential business deal before anyone commits.

This way, everyone involved can come to negotiations on the same page.

Now that you know the difference between a letter of intent versus letter of interest versus cover letter, it’s time to share your purpose with the world — and potential employers. 

You’ve spent your education or career developing a mission and finding your purpose. It’s worth sharing that passion with potential employers, academic advisors, and benefactors.

If you do it right, with as much intention as you’ve built your career, you’ll connect with your reader and set yourself to keep moving along your desired life path.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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