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A well-written letter of interest can open doors to new job opportunities, even when a role isn’t listed. Over 80% of job postings are unadvertised, so don’t be disheartened if your dream role isn’t listed on a company’s job board.
Start with a professional letter of interest template and open it in the document editor to edit and format the letter to match your career goals. Read on to learn how to learn how to make a strong first impression with potential employers and expand your professional network with a well-crafted letter of interest in Microsoft Word.
Letter of interest vs cover letter
A letter of interest and a cover letter both help you stand out professionally, but they serve very different purposes.
Letter of interest
Shows enthusiasm for joining a company that isn’t actively hiring.
Highlights how your skills and background align with the organization’s goals.
Expresses admiration for the company’s mission or industry.
Introduces you as a potential fit for future opportunities.
Opens doors for informational interviews or networking conversations.
Helps hiring managers remember when new roles become available.
Cover letter
Responds directly to a specific job posting.
Tailors your skills and experience to the listed requirements.
Emphasizes measurable achievements relevant to the position.
Complements your resume by adding personal context.
Focuses on why you’re the best candidate for the role.
Encourages an immediate next step, like an interview or follow-up.
When to use a letter of interest
Letters of interest can help build relationships with potential employers and grow your personal brand. Here are some ideas about when to write a letter of interest.
There are no roles advertised for your ideal job description.
The company is in the early stages and doesn’t have a jobs page yet.
The company is actively hiring through the “hidden job market”.
The company advertised a role, but you missed it and want to indicate interest in future roles.
To follow up on a conversation from a networking event.
To seek an internship or voluntary role to build experience.
To pitch a transition in your career where you wouldn’t be considered for a job based on past experiences.
To proactively inquire about job opportunities from an upcoming project or initiative.
The business letter approach is a common job application technique for teachers or teacher’s assistants looking for roles, medical professionals seeking residency, interns looking for a position with their dream company, or even managers thinking about the next in their career.
How to write a letter of interest
Add the date, name, contact details, and LinkedIn profile.
Address the letter to a specific person or use “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Start with a short paragraph about why you admire the company.
Summarize top skills and experiences that fit their goals.
Highlight how you align with the company’s mission and culture.
End with a thank-you and a clear next step to connect.
Keep letters brief, positive, and one page long.
Write a letter of interest with a template
Open Word on your device then click file > new.
In the search box, type in ‘letter’ or ‘business letter’.
Double click on the letter template you want to use.
Replace the text with your personal information.
Save, print, and send your letter of interest using DOCX or PDF formatting.
Write a letter of letter of interest from scratch
Open the Microsoft Word app on your device.
Create a new document.
Type your letter of interest in the correct format.
Proofread your document with Microsoft Editor or enhance copy with Microsoft Copilot. If you don't have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can still leverage the power of Copilot in Word.
Export as a PDF for easy sharing.
Letter of interest examples
Letter of interest for a marketing role
Subject: Interest in future marketing opportunities
Dear Hiring Manager,
I’m reaching out to express my interest in joining your marketing team. I’ve long admired how your brand connects with audiences through data-driven campaigns and creative storytelling. With five years of experience managing digital strategy and analytics, I’ve helped brands grow engagement by over 40% through social media optimization and targeted ad performance.
I’m passionate about crafting meaningful customer experiences and would love to contribute my expertise to future campaigns. I’d appreciate the chance to discuss how my skills align with your upcoming marketing initiatives.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards, [Your name]
Letter of interest for a teaching position
Subject: Expression of interest – future teaching opportunities
Dear Principal [Last name],
I’m writing to express my interest in future teaching opportunities at [School Name]. As an educator with eight years of classroom experience, I’m passionate about creating a supportive and engaging learning environment that fosters curiosity and growth.
My background includes developing differentiated lesson plans, mentoring new teachers, and integrating technology to enhance learning outcomes. I’m particularly drawn to your school’s focus on project-based learning and community involvement.
I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with your school’s mission.
Sincerely, [Your name]
Letter of interest for an IT specialist role
Subject: Interest in upcoming IT specialist roles
Dear Hiring Manager,
I’m reaching out to express my interest in future IT opportunities within your organization. With six years of experience managing network infrastructure and implementing cybersecurity measures, I’m skilled at improving system reliability and reducing downtime across teams.
I’m inspired by your company’s innovation in cloud solutions and would love to bring my technical expertise to support your growing IT operations. I’d be glad to connect to discuss how I can contribute to your technology goals.
Kind regards, [Your name]
Now you know the top tips on how to write an engaging letter of interest, from crafting the right intro and outro to laying it out in the best format. Use your letter to share your motivation for joining a company or to demonstrate your passion and understanding of a cause or industry.
Create your letter quickly with a range of Word templates designed for different roles. Personalize them to match your career goals and make a strong impression on hiring managers. Start by choosing free, professional letter templates in Word and get support from Copilot in Word to enhance your writing.
If you want to complement your letter with a high-quality resume, check out how to write a resume. To learn more AI writing tips, explore how to use Copilot to draft emails.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send a letter of interest inside my current organization?
Yes, you can send a letter of interest if you’d like to apply to transfer to a different department, share your interest in a promotion you’re qualified for or want to be considered for new upcoming initiatives.
How should I close a letter of interest?
Write a clear call-to-action to connect further and discuss potential opportunities. You should also express your gratitude to the reader for their time and sign off professionally by writing “Regards” or “Yours sincerely” and your name.
How long should a letter of interest be?
A letter of interest should be a brief one-pager consisting of three to four paragraphs on why you’re interested and how you can add value to the organization. The goal is to write a short letter which is written in clear and professional language, so you leave a lasting impression in a short amount of time.
