How to Create a Letter of Intent for Employment

If you are applying for a new job, it is always a good idea to include a letter of intent with your resume, transcripts and letters of recommendation.  A letter of intent is simply an introduction of yourself, your talents and your goals.  These letters should be no more than one page in length and should summarize your ability to complete the job you are applying for.

1. Start a new document on Microsoft Word or other word processing program.


2. Type the date on the first line, usually about one inch from the top of the page.


3. Leave three blank spaces.  You can do this by hitting the “Enter” button three times.


4. Type the name of the employer, followed by the address, city and state.


5. Skip one line.


6. Type the words “Dear Mr.” or “Dear Ms.” if you know the name of the person who will be reading your resume.  If not, simply type, “To Whom It May Concern” followed by a colon.


7. Skip another line and begin the body of your letter.


8. Tell about your interests in applying for the particular job.  For instance, you might type, “Please consider my resume for the assistant manager position in your St. Louis office.”


9. List your qualifications in paragraph form.  Something like this will suffice:  “I majored in business management at Illinois University and earned a degree in 2007.  I have worked as an assistant manager at ABC company for the past three years.”


10. Create the body of your letter to include professional information as well as some personal hobbies.  You can give examples of your work and how you would be an asset to the company.  The body of this letter should be no longer than three paragraphs with the final paragraph thanking the reader for his or her time.


11. Finish the letter by stating, “I look forward to hearing from you soon so we can discuss my future plans at ABC Company.”


12. Type, “Sincerely,” and hit the “Enter” button four times.  This will give you enough space to sign your name when you print the letter.


13. Type your first and last name.


14. Skip two lines and type the word, “enclosures.”  This refers to your resume and letters of recommendation.


15. Print and sign the letter.  Be sure to read over the letter, looking for spelling or grammatical errors.  Make any corrections before sending the letter with your resume and references.