cover letter vs statement of interest

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

Letter Of Interest Vs. Cover Letter: What’s The Difference?

• Intercompany vs. Intracompany
• Margin Account vs. Cash Account
• Boss vs. Leader
• Semi-monthly vs. Bi-weekly
• Tactical vs. Strategic
• Part-time vs. Full-time
• Not-for-profit vs. Nonprofit
• Stakeholder vs. Shareholder
• Elastic vs. Inelastic
• Amortization vs. Depreciation
• FIFO vs. LIFO
• Inbound vs. Outbound
• Public vs. Private Sector
• Stipend vs. Salary
• Formal vs. Informal Assessment
• Proceeds vs. Profits
• Co-op vs. Internship
• Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership
• Union vs. Non-union
• Revenue vs. Sales
• Vertical vs. Horizontal Integration
• Gross Sales vs. Net Sales
• Business Casual vs. Business Professional
• Absolute vs. Comparative Advantage
• Salary vs. Wage
• Income vs. Revenue
• Consumer vs. Customer
• Implicit vs. Explicit Costs
• Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter
• Cover Letter vs. Resume

Find a Job You Really Want In

So, you’re considering getting a new job. You’re weighing your options and are looking around at the companies you’d like to work for, all while polishing your resume . Now the question is: do I add a cover letter or letter of interest? Or do I need to add any sort of letter at all?

In general, it’s best to err on the side of including a letter. However, that still begs the question of which one. And, for that matter, when do you use each type of letter? The answer will depend on the circumstances of your application.

If you’re applying for a listed opening, then you want to enclose a cover letter. However, if you’re just looking to throw your hat in the ring at a particular company, then you’d send a letter of interest. Letters of interest show that you are interested in a position at that company and hope to be thought of and notified as soon as one becomes available.

Key Takeaways:

What Is a Letter of Interest?

Letters of interest are a lot less common than cover letters. You may have also heard them called an inquiry letter or a letter of introduction . As the various names imply, letters of interest are much more abstract than a cover letter.

The idea behind a letter of interest is that you’re letting the company know that you’re interested in them specifically – not so much in a particular job or getting a new position right now. What you’re looking for is being remembered – positively – so that they’re likely to think of you should a position come open.

Letters of interest are also sometimes used when you have a contact that informs you of a job that will open soon. You can send in a letter of interest as a sort of pre-application before the job opening is actually posted. That’ll put you in the running right away – if they like your letter – and show that you’re interested enough to jump on the opportunity right away.

As you’re aiming to make an impression, you want to make sure that you get a letter of interest right. That also means it should be pithy; letters of interest aren’t usually longer than a page. Make sure you:

Do your research. The point of this letter is to tell the company that you want to work for them in particular. Make it clear that you know some about the company in question, e.g., their goals, their culture, and their achievements.

Learn who the right person to send it to and address it to them. This just further shows that you’re the type of person who does their homework. It’s also important not to send it to someone who won’t even bother to read it, as it isn’t their job. In addition, making letters more personalized makes them more likely to be remembered.

Showcase your qualifications. Don’t be shy in a letter of interest. Think of it as a sales pitch; you’re telling the company why they want you in particular.

Bring up any relevant experience. Experience is a major selling point in job applications, and letters of interest are no exception. Be sure to point out what experience you have that will make you a good addition to their team.

And don’t be afraid to talk about yourself. In a letter of interest, you’re looking to be remembered and showcase yourself rather than point out how well you fit into a particular position.

This means that you need to introduce yourself and point out how your personality meshes well with the company culture , the job opening you’re expecting, or how your skill set is especially impressive.

Thank the recipient for their time. This is especially important with a letter of interest. This won’t be for a job that they’re looking to fill right now, so they’ll be taking time out of their schedule for something that isn’t immediately relevant.

That’s also why it’s important to make a letter of interest punchy – you don’t want them to feel that you wasted their time.

For example:

Dear Mr. Stanley Jones, My name is June Cooper, I’m a recent graduate from Mary Baldwin University with a degree in English, and I’m looking for a position in the marketing department. For the past five years, I have heard a tremendous number of positive things about Bright Electronics. Your innovative way of thinking and attention to detail in the field is precisely the environment that I would love to work in. For the past two years, I’ve been working as an administrative assistant . I’m sure that my ability to keep track of deadlines and my writing skills will make me an ideal candidate for this position and your company. I’d love to be considered for this position and the opportunity to work closely with you. Please let me know if you have any questions or need me to provide any additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, June Cooper LinkedIn [email protected] 555-555-5555

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a letter that is included when you submit an application for a particular job opening. Often it goes with your resume and does the job of fleshing out your soft skills a bit, as well as showing your interest in the company you’re applying to.

Cover letters tend to be short and to the point; they shouldn’t be longer than a page. That means it’s vital to put in what’s important and leave out anything extraneous.

In a cover letter, you should:

Address it as personal as possible. If you know the manager’s name, address it to them directly. If not, then try to find out. This is a way of showing that you research the company you’re applying to.

Not all businesses will list the right person, or it may be unclear. So, if you’re unsure, then address it as best as you can, following business letter etiquette.

List soft skills and experience that didn’t fit well in your resume. Don’t be a braggart, but don’t forget that you’re trying to sell yourself to the company. Not all skills and experience will fit nicely inside a resume due to the format of them, so don’t be afraid to list relevant skills and experience here.

Mention why you think you’ll be a good fit. This generally goes in the last paragraph. Talk about the job or the company and how you think you’d be an asset to them. Hiring managers go through a lot of cover letters and resumes – they’ll take note of those who make an effort to personalize them.

Thank the recipient for their time. It’s important to realize that the person you’re writing to is taking time to read your letter. Be sure to thank them for their time and consideration. They’re likely to remember the polite gesture, even if they choose not to hire you. And it’s never good to be remembered as rude or unthoughtful.

Samantha Gordon 4200 Cypress St. Charlottesville, VA 22903 Phone: (847) 445-9607 Email: [email protected] University of Virginia School of Medicine Dear Mr. James Freeman, I am writing about the intermediate administrative assistant position listed on your human resources site. Administration is an area where I believe I will be very effective. I am organized, enjoy challenges, and have a level of autonomy, as well as strong interpersonal skills. Being an aspiring novelist , I am used to long-term projects and have spent considerable time strengthening my written communication and typing speed, as well as being extremely proficient with Microsoft Word and OpenOffice Writer . I am also practiced at altering plans and problem-solving, as I’ve had to come up with the most effective techniques and lessons for each client I’ve had in dog training. I have long wished to work at the University of Virginia, as I have great respect for institutions of learning. I am hoping to make a lasting career with an institution I respect. The field of medicine has always interested me, and I would enjoy learning more about it in my occupation. Working in conjunction with the pediatrics department would also be a fulfilling role to be in, as it would give me a sense of being able to help make a difference in people’s lives. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you. Samantha Gordon

Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter FAQ

How do you address a letter of interest to the hiring manager?

It’s best to address a letter of interest directly to the hiring manager by using their full name. As a letter of interest implies a special interest in this company, in particular, using a generic “to whom it may concern” or “dear sir/madam” is likely to make them think that you didn’t do your research.

Most company websites will list who their hiring managers are, but if that fails, you can always try LinkedIn. If you can’t find it that way, then you can always try calling the company. If you’re willing to take the time to do that so that you can properly address your letter of interest, it’ll likely reflect well on you.

What are informational interviews for letters of interest?

Informational interviews are interviews done with current employees to find out more about the company. If it’s specifically for a letter of interest, then it’ll be focused on finding out how to write an excellent letter of interest.

That means you want information about the company and the hiring manager so that you can address it properly and highlight relevant skills and experience that you possess.

How often should I send letters of interest?

Letters of interest should be sent out regularly. Any time you run into a company that you believe you’d like to work for, you can send them a letter of interest. However, be sure to see if they have a relevant position already listed before doing this, as it could reflect poorly on you if they do; it’ll show a lack of attention to detail .

It should also be noted that many online systems don’t have any real way to send letters of interest. Be sure to check the company guidelines to make sure that they don’t ask prospective employees not to send letters of interest. Ignoring their request will not endear you to the hiring manager.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Di has been a writer for more than half her life. Most of her writing so far has been fiction, and she’s gotten short stories published in online magazines Kzine and Silver Blade, as well as a flash fiction piece in the Bookends review. Di graduated from Mary Baldwin College (now University) with a degree in Psychology and Sociology.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

Director Vs. Manager: What’s The Difference?

Intercompany Vs. Intracompany: What’s The Difference?

Consumer Vs. Customer: What’s The Difference?

Discrete Data Vs. Continuous Data: What’s The Difference?

• Career Advice >
• Business Terms >
• Letter Of Interest Vs Cover Letter

Resume builder

Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter: Difference, Tips and Examples

Applying for the job of your dreams can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools by your side, you will stay focused and composed even through the toughest application process.

But where do you start? We suggest you start at the beginning and build a strong application base — this includes a strong resume, cover letter and letter of intent. Below, we will look into the differences between a cover letter and a letter of interest and focus on the best practices for writing them both.

Table of Contents

What is the difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest?

The primary difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest is the purpose for which the letter is written.

A letter of interest is sent as an open offer and indicates that you are interested in working for a specific company in a potentially available role that matches your skillset and experience.

A cover letter, on the other hand, is typically sent out alongside your resume in response to a specific vacancy advertised by the company.

Basically, letters of interest focus on why you want to work for this company. Cover letters aim to explain why you are the best candidate for a specific job.

Cover letter example

Letter of interest example

How to write a letter of interest?

As we’ve mentioned above, when you write a letter of interest, you are not applying for a specific position. Instead, you are expressing your interest in working for a particular company.  Because of this, your job with the letter of interest is to emphasize that you have the overall skillset that would be beneficial to the company you are applying for. If there is a specific position you are aiming for, you can also try to tailor your letter of interest to that specific post and highlight relevant qualifications.

So, then what is the purpose of a cover letter?  Compared to the letter of interest, a cover letter is typically sent alongside your resume ( here’s how to write a resume ) and is used to apply for a specific position — you will typically send the resume and cover letter combo in reply to an advertised job offer. A cover letter is basically a collection of selling points that will get the recruiter interested in reading the rest of your application. Here’s how to write a cover letter . 

Let’s see how to best structure a letter of interest

First paragraph: introduction.

You should start off your letter of intent by introducing yourself and explaining what kind of work you do. This is also where you should explain why you are passionate about working for this company and what problems you can help them solve.

You can mention here that you know that they are not currently recruiting — but you may have the skillset and expertise that they wouldn’t want to miss out on.

Second paragraph: work experience

In this paragraph, you will need to pull out all the stunts to impress the recruiter with your experience and expertise. The goal is to make yourself as memorable as possible so that the recruiter will think of you the moment a position opens up.

In this part of your letter of interest, it’s best to focus on concrete achievements you’ve had in previous positions. You can mention the biggest projects you’ve worked on and how they’ve benefited the company, a crisis situation that you’ve handled, the amount of new business you’ve brought to the company — and more.

It’s also a good place to mention your most valued skills (foreign languages you speak, software you can use, personality traits that make you a good professional, etc.).

Third paragraph: call to action

Now it’s time to ask the reader of your letter to act. Think of what kind of outcome you are expecting out of your letter. Do you want them to email you, invite you for an interview, offer feedback on your letter, etc.

Include your most reliable contact information. Even if you have your email and phone in the header of your letter, you can repeat them here.

Tips for writing a letter of interest

When reading your letter of interest, the hiring manager should feel your enthusiasm and passion for working for their company. The tips below can help you make sure your enthusiasm and passion come through in your application.

• Personalize your application . This is one of the most important factors when it comes to the success of your application. Make sure you study the company you are applying for, learn about their mission and company culture. Then, do your best to make these elements come through in your letter of intent to illustrate that you are a good match for the in-company environment.
• Leverage your background . Include specific examples from your work experience that have allowed you to become a better professional. Avoid generalities and be as specific as possible — this will let the hiring professional see that you are genuinely passionate about your job and plan to bring all of your expertise to the new position.
• Explain your motivation . Another important piece of information to include is what has motivated you to write this letter and why you want to work for this specific company. This can include your career goals and how they align with the position you are applying for.

Letter of intent vs letter of interest

Even though these two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is actually a slight difference between the letter of interest and the letter of intent. This difference lies in the nature of commitment.

Basically, a letter of intent shows a higher degree of commitment compared to a letter of interest. It states your intentions to work for this particular company — and you may even have a particular role in mind. It’s very similar to a letter of interest in the sense that you should focus on why you want to work for this specific company. However, a letter of intent is more “serious” than a letter of interest and signifies that this company is your first and sometimes only choice.

Summing thins up

• A letter of interest is a letter that aims to express your interest in working for a particular company and inquire about potential employment opportunities.
• A cover letter is a letter that you send together with your resume when applying for a specific position. It serves as a brief introduction of your best qualities and aims to “sell” your application and get the recruiter interested.
• A letter of intent is similar to the letter of interest but presupposes a stronger level of commitment.

We hope that this has been helpful and you are now one step closer to landing the job of your dreams. Learn more about the application process in our blog. Here’s the next read we suggest: Cover Letter vs. Resume: What’s the Difference ?

Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter: What Is the Difference?

Quick Navigation:

What is a letter of interest?

What is a cover letter, letter of interest vs. cover letter, how to write a letter of interest.

Although they have similarities, a letter of interest and a cover letter are two distinctly different documents. While both are used for the end goal of obtaining a job, they have varying purposes and should have different content. Learn more about the differences between a letter of interest and cover letter, when you should use each type of letter and what to include in them.

A letter of interest is a document that someone seeking a job sends to a company that they wish to work for. The letter explains the sender’s interest in working for the company, introduces the sender and usually asks for information about job opportunities. A letter of interest can also be called a prospecting letter or a letter of inquiry.

A cover letter is a document that a job candidate sends as part of an application for a certain position. A cover letter accompanies the applicant’s resume and should detail the sender’s explanation for why they are a good fit for the open position.

The main differences between a letter of interest and a cover letter include:

Timing of the letter

A letter of interest can be sent at any time. It is usually sent when the company has not advertised any open positions, but the sender wants to communicate their interest in working for the company anyway. Since many jobs are filled internally or through networking before they are posted publicly, sending a letter of interest can help you discover job opportunities that are not public yet or will not be made public.

A cover letter is sent in response to an open position advertised by a company. 

Purpose of the letter

The purpose of a letter of interest is to communicate the sender’s desire to work for the company and to ask for information about whether there might be job opportunities available now or in the future. Occasionally, a letter of interest is used to ask for more information or additional opportunities besides the open jobs that are already posted.

The purpose of a cover letter is to apply for a specific open position at a company.

Accompanying material with the letter

Since a letter of interest is not applying for a certain position, it can be sent as a stand-alone document or with a resume.

A cover letter should always be sent in addition to a resume and any other application materials the job advertisement requested, such as letters of recommendation, transcripts, proof of certifications, portfolios or other qualifications.

The content of a letter of interest is more general than a cover letter. It should express the sender’s interest in the company and provide a general explanation of skills and experience that could add value to the company.

A cover letter’s content should be specific to the open position, explaining in more detailed terms than the accompanying resume why the applicant is an excellent candidate for the role. It should include a statement of what position the sender is applying to and focus on their education, work experience and skills that are relevant to that position.

If you want to send a letter of interest to a company, consider using these steps:

1. Firstly, research the company

Before composing your letter of interest, you should thoroughly research the company you want to send it to. Your letter will be more effective if you understand the company’s purpose and needs and can tailor its content to that information. It will also be more effective if you can find a specific person to address your letter to, instead of ‘To Whom It May Concern’ or ‘Dear Hiring Manager.’

You should also research whether you have any contacts at the company or know anyone who has contacts there and could assist you. You could ask your contact to introduce you to someone at the company or ask their permission to use their name as a way of introducing yourself in your letter.

2. Secondly, begin with a brief introduction

After the opening greeting of your letter, you can begin by briefly stating your name and who you are. This should only be one or two sentences, as you will explain more about yourself later.

3. Thirdly, state and explain your interest in the company

Immediately after your brief introduction, you should explain the purpose of your letter by stating your interest in the company. Use your research to show that you understand the company’s current state, mission and goals. It is good to be complimentary in this section (without overpraising) to communicate your sincere admiration and interest in the business. Explain why you are interested in working for the company by giving details about the work the company is doing. Focus this section more on the company than on yourself.

4. Fourthly, describe how you can add value to the company 

The most important part of a letter of interest is connecting your interest in the company with your value to the company. Include a general description of your background, including education, work experience and skills, but focus on transferable skills or employability skills to communicate that you could be an asset to any area of the company. You can include your resume with the letter to provide the recipient with more particular details of your qualifications.

You can also use your knowledge of the company to propose a specific way that you could help or benefit them or solve a problem within their business.

5. Then, request to be considered  

After explaining your interest and value, directly request information about possible job opportunities and to be considered for those job opportunities. You can also ask for a meeting or phone call with the letter’s recipient to discuss your value proposition and any opportunities in person.

6. Next, use a professional format 

When you have composed the main content of the letter, take some time to make sure it’s presented professionally. Use a business letter format, including a formal heading, greeting, closing phrase and signature. Make sure your contact information is accurate and easy to find on the page. Keep the letter to the length of one page only.

7. Finally, proofread carefully

Before sending the letter, closely edit and proofread it. Revise any typos, grammatical mistakes or inaccurate information to ensure that you make a good impression on the reader.

Letter of Interest vs Cover Letter: Differences & Which Is Best

A letter of interest is sent as an open job application. Meaning, you're interested in applying for a job even if it’s not being promoted but cover letters…

Cover letters and letters of interest are both for job applications. A cover letter supports your resume and responds to a job description. It’s written for a specific role and company, explaining why you’re a good fit. A letter of interest is more like a cold call—you use it to apply and connect to a particular company you admire, even if they aren’t currently hiring. In it, you focus on why you want to work for them and how you can contribute toward their growth.

Cover letters are for companies actively hiring for a certain position. Letters of interest are for companies that aren’t actively hiring. 

A letter of interest is for inquiring about potential roles for a certain company that you’d love to work for. It tells hiring managers how your skills, experience, and aspirations can make you valuable asset. 

Use a cover letter when you want to secure a job title that a company is hiring for. But if there's no advertised job opening and you still want to connect, send a letter of interest.

What is a Letter of Interest?

A letter of interest is also known as a letter of intent. It's a formal letter where you express your interest to potentially work for a certain company. You send this to connect with an organization that greatly inspires you. It allows you to inquire about potential career and work opportunities for a specific company, even when they’re not currently seeking new employees. 

Letters of interest are typically sent to employers of an organization that isn’t hiring. You most likely won’t find them hunting for candidates for your job position. 

You might want to use a letter of interest to introduce yourself to your dream company. There’s a chance it could lead to opening an opportunity.

What is a Cover Letter?

Cover letters are typically sent with your resume. 

The aim of your cover letter is to secure a job interview by explaining how and why you’re a good match for the position that the company is hiring for. This means highlighting your professional skills and experience in relation to the job description.

The Difference Between a Cover Letter and Letter of Interest

The biggest difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest is their purpose. 

• Letters of interest focus on your intentions and why you want to work for the company. 
• Cover letters focus on why you’re the best person to hire for the job position they’re hiring for.

A letter of interest is a documented letter that’s sent as an open job application. You’re expressing interest to work for a certain company, but usually not for a specific role. You do this by highlighting your skills, experience, and interests. 

Letters of interest aren’t limited to one type of job position. You could get matched to an alternative or similar role. It all depends on your skill set and how the organization can get the most value from you. 

In contrast, a cover letter is sent as a targeted job application to secure a position at a company. They target a job vacancy. They’re also sent along as a secondary document to complement your ATS resume . 

The Essentials of a Letter of Interest

In terms of the format for a letter of interest, it’s pretty much similar to a cover letter as it’s made up of the following:

• Header section
• Opening paragraph
• Closing paragraph

What makes it different from a cover letter though, is the contents within each section. 

You’re not writing for an available vacancy. Instead, it’s tailored towards a specific position that isn’t currently being advertised or promoted. Therefore, there should be more emphasis on why you’re interested in working for them specifically and what makes you a good company fit. 

Letter of Interest Sample

In the above cover letter template , the candidate states the position and company they’re interested in. Then, they introduce themselves by providing a brief background of their professional skills. They also make it clear why they’re making an application. 

At this stage, hiring managers aren’t actively looking for a new employee. That’s why it’s important to set the agenda and make the purpose of your letter clear. 

After the opening paragraph, they begin to focus on showing why they match the job position they seek. This is shown throughout the letter while displaying interest by describing the value they have to offer in phrases such as:

• “My ability to work as a team player… have allowed me to excel in the field of Human Resources”
• “What I would bring to the position includes…”
• “I would come to work every day determined to fulfill Amazon’s vision…”
• “In review of your team’s objectives…”

In the closing paragraph, they’ve tied it all back to the company objectives. You’ll notice too that they’ve referred back to the company’s mission statement alongside their business culture.

This time, we’ll analyze how cover letters are written and pick up on some key points. 

You’ll find that there are no huge differences between the two and that they’re both pretty similar to one another.

The Essentials of a Cover Letter

The format of a cover letter includes:

Compared to a letter of interest, you’re more focused on explaining why you’re best suited for the role. There’ll usually be more emphasis on the job description criteria rather than the company values (although this is an area that should still be focused on).

Cover Letter Sample

Compared to the letter of interest example, the format is quite similar. 

You’ll notice the cover letter still talks about where the candidate’s enthusiasm comes from. 

However, it doesn’t revolve around the candidate’s interest and the company values as much. It revolves more around how and why they’re the best person for the job. As opposed to focusing on the company culture, it mainly focuses on their skills and what to write in a resume for work experience . 

How to Write a Letter of Interest

This is how to write a letter of interest: 

• Do your research into the company’s background.
• Address the hiring manager or head of department. 
• Start with a hook by introducing yourself and expressing why you look up to the company. 
• Showcase your skill set by highlighting your top career achievements and significant projects you worked on. 
• Make a direct statement about how your background allows you to uniquely contribute to the company. 
• Express your availability for new opportunities and willingness to learn.
• Politely inquire about potential job openings or career opportunities.
• Thank the reader for their time and consideration. 
• End with a formal sign-off.

Your letter of interest lets employers know how you can uniquely contribute to their organization and help them reach their goals. Sharing an emotional story on how the organization inspires you isn’t always enough to get a response or secure a position—you’ll have to emphasize key skills that would strongly benefit the company.

1. Know the Background Information

The background information includes the following:

• Company culture
• Mission statement
• Social media profiles
• Team members

It also includes being familiar with some of the content the organization has posted. This is important for not just showing you’re genuinely intrigued by what they’re doing. But to match their values. 

2. Use the Background Information in Your Letter

It’s time to put your research to use. 

For example, greet your employer by their name. On top of getting their attention, it indicates your level of interest alongside your research skills. 

Since you’re inquiring about working for an organization that isn’t actively hiring, you need a good reason why you’re making the application. That doesn’t just mean endlessly telling them about yourself and flattering them. It’s about showing how you’d be a committed asset that can help them reach their goals. 

3. Share Where Your Interest Comes From

What was the driving factor that made you reach out? 

This is a good way to get your reader curious from the start of your letter. Yes, you know a thing or two about them… 

But the next part is to focus on what that’s got to do with you. 

For instance, was there a recent post or project you saw that’s relevant to your skillset or career goals? Essentially, you’re using some of the details from the previous step with your reason for wanting to work with them to hook your hiring manager in. 

4. Clarify Your Interest

You’ve already mentioned where your interest comes from. 

Clarifying it means making it clear what you’re after (i.e. seeking a job opportunity) and why you’re after it. Be as specific as you can because it’s likely that they’re receiving all types of requests left and right. 

That said, do keep your letter of interest concise. Respect the company’s time and get straight to the point. 

5. Showcase Your Career Highlights

You’ve shown you know your stuff about the company. 

The next step is to showcase your career highlights to prove you’re someone that’s a good fit. Without any evidence of how you’d be beneficial, it won’t make yourself compelling enough to consider hiring. 

So, sell yourself. Demonstrate how you’d be valuable to their organization by sharing the following:

• Workplace achievements
• Qualifications

6. Link Back to the Company’s Needs

How will your strengths help to meet the needs of the company you’re applying for?

Reflect on what the company is working towards. It’s effective to link your skills back to their mission as well as what they’re looking to achieve. If you emphasize the fact you know what it takes to get results, it can make you stand out as a professional.

7. Make the Next Steps Clear

State how you’d like to proceed. That could mean following up via email or requesting a meeting to discuss further. 

Try to avoid using standard generic phrasing to reiterate your interest. On top of exuding self-confidence, it can impress your employers by the fact you’re not only skilled. But that you’re passionate enough about wanting to be of service. 

Do Letters of Interest Actually Work?

Yes, they work. It’s a good route to take when you’re looking to make a targeted application for a dream company you want to work for. To maximize your chances, you’ll need to show you’re an ideal fit in terms of both professional skills and company culture. 

Should You Use a Cover Letter or Letter of Interest?

If you’re applying for a specific position in the company that isn’t currently available but you’re open to future opportunities, use a letter of interest. But if you’re applying for an open job vacancy, use a cover letter . Even if they’re not requested by your employer, you can still send them along with your resume. 

In other words, only send a letter of interest to a company that isn't marketing an available job vacancy. Compared to a cover letter, this type of application is more long-term.

Tips for Writing a Letter of Interest

Showing no enthusiasm for a potential career opportunity doesn’t leave a good impression on your hiring manager. 

At the same time, you don’t want to sound too desperate. That’s what the tips below are for. 

Align With The Company Culture

There’s better chemistry and engagement when employees are fulfilled. It also helps to cultivate a positive environment, which leads to better work performance.

Part of the criteria of an ideal employee is someone that cares about the company’s success. These are the people who are passionate about achieving the set targets and goals. They’re also the type of people who are more likely to stay.

Use Your Personal Background 

Outside of your professional summary , do you have other relevant life experiences?

Personality traits or hobbies that align with the job and company values position you as someone who matches the role. It helps you stand out because you have something new to bring to the table. 

State Your Intentions & Motivations

Why are you applying for this specific company?

Let your employers know what you’re after. When your resume objectives correspond with the company’s goals, it can spark an interest in wanting to read the rest of your application. Even better if you could support your answer with previous experiences and accomplishments that prove your value. 

Action Verbs and Power Words 

Weak action verbs resume are words that convey action. It’s an easy yet effective way to add spice to your letter. These emphasize your impact and contributions when describing previous duties and responsibilities. 

Likewise, resume buzzwords to avoid make certain points stand out. 

Both types of words can improve your letter by making it twice more engaging when used in the right context. 

Include a Personalized Call to Action

Personalize your call to action at the end of your letter by tying it back to your intentions and the company’s needs. 

Here are a few example sentences:

• “I believe that my proven experience and passion for digital marketing will…”
• “I am confident that my skills, experience, and enthusiasm will be a great asset to…”

Then, clarify the next steps moving forward. 

For instance:

• “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience would be…”
• “I am available to discuss this position in more detail at a convenient time”

Use Rezi AI Cover Letter Writer to Speed Up the Process 

Do you need a cover letter? If so, you can use Rezi AI Cover Letter Writer . 

Here’s how it works:

• Enter the name of the company you’re applying to. 
• Add the job title you want to highlight. 
• List key skills that are relevant to the role.
• Press “AI Writer Ready.” 

Then, you’ll have a full cover letter generated based on your background. 

Explore Rezi 🔥 Comes with 5,000 AI Credits, and is free forever, no credit card required.

Or, see below for a live demonstration of how to instantly generate a cover letter or letter of interest.

Let’s recap on the differences between a cover letter and letter of interest:

• Cover letters are used to apply for job openings at a company. They’re tailored to the company’s job description and cultural values. 
• Letters of interest are used to inquire about career opportunities at your dream company. They’re focused on showcasing how your skill set and interests can make you a valuable contributor.  
• A letter of interest isn’t as commonly used as a cover letter. Although they may not immediately lead to an interview, they can help you get your foot in the door and make a connection. 

While there’s a clear distinction between their purposes, both will still highlight your value as a professional. 

Don’t be afraid to send your application details to a company that’s not currently recruiting. There’s no harm in trying to get in front of your dream company. At the very least, you’ll get to introduce yourself with the possibility of getting a positive response. 

Astley Cervania

Astley Cervania is a career writer and editor who has helped hundreds of thousands of job seekers build resumes and cover letters that land interviews. He is a Rezi-acknowledged expert in the field of career advice and has been delivering job success insights for 4+ years, helping readers translate their work background into a compelling job application.

• Knowledge Base
• Free Resume Templates
• Resume Builder
• Resume Examples
• Free Resume Review

Is a letter of interest same as a cover letter?

If you are a job seeker confused between a letter of interest and a cover letter, you are not alone.

While both these letters are formal letters written to a recruiter you want to work for, the purpose of these letters is different.

A letter of interest is written to express your interest in working for a company before the company advertises a job opening.

Whereas, a cover letter is written as an accomplice to support your resume for a specific job vacancy at a company.

So, to address the question directly, a letter of interest is not the same as a cover letter.

Read on to learn more about a letter of interest vs a cover letter and related questions like the following:

• What is a letter of interest for a job?
• What is a cover letter for a resume?
• What is the difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest?
• What is an example of a letter of interest?

What Is a Letter of Interest?

If you have a dream company that you would love to work for, you don’t have to wait for them to advertise a job vacancy.

Yes, even before they have an opening, you can write to the company expressing your genuine interest in working for them.

This is exactly what a letter of interest is.

A letter of interest, also known as the statement of interest for a job or letter of intent, is an official letter that lets the hiring manager know ‌you are interested in working for the company and explains why you would be a great addition to their team.

It further describes your qualifications, skills, experiences, and which position you see yourself working in at the company.

You can also explain your reasons for wanting to work for the company in your letter of interest.

Also read: How to write a letter of intent for a job?

What Is a Cover Letter for a Resume?

A cover letter is a formal document that you send with your resume when applying for a specific job vacancy.

The purpose of a cover letter is to align your skills and experiences with the ‌job requirements and showcase yourself as the ideal candidate.

Although there are some similarities between a letter of interest and a cover letter, like in both these letters, you need to highlight your skills and experiences, the latter is tailored to a job description.

A cover letter also needs to describe how you will benefit the company and provide a more insightful glimpse into your career trajectory.

Also read: How to write a cover letter for a resume?

What Is a Letter of Interest vs Cover Letter

Now that you have learned the difference between a statement of interest vs cover letter based on their definitions, it’s time to look at some of the key differences between the two.

Given below are some aspects in which a letter of interest vs cover letter differs:

The Purpose

The sole purpose of a letter of interest, as the name suggests, is to express your interest in working for a company in a position that is not yet vacant.

The focus of the letter is to explain why you’re interested in the company and role and why the recruiters should consider your candidacy when and if any vacancy comes up in the near future.

Whereas, a cover letter’s purpose is to support your resume for an advertised position to make the recruiters see how and why you are the perfect fit for the position.

The Content

Since a letter of interest is written with more focus on the company than the role, the content of this letter differs from a cover letter.

This means that you need to write a letter of interest before a job vacancy is posted. Hence, there is no job listing or job description that you can tailor your letter to.

Whereas, while writing a cover letter, the content is tailored to fit the job description provided in the listing, and only a couple of lines are focused on the company.

Given that a letter of interest is written before any vacancy is advertised, when exactly should you be writing and sending it?

Can you randomly write a letter of interest and send it to a company? Not exactly.

Listed below are a few scenarios when you can send a letter of intent:

• You come across a company that matches your work values and skillset
• You hear about a future opening at a company you are interested in working for
• You get an internal referral for a job opening that hasn’t been advertised yet
• You get information about the expansion of a company you’re interested in

Meanwhile, a cover letter is sent along with a resume only when there is a job vacancy that has been advertised and you meet the recruiters’ requirements.

Also read: How should you write an email cover letter in 2022?

Letter of Interest Sample

For your reference, given below is a sample of sample letter of interest for a job:

Dear Ms. Ridder,

My name is James Cameron, and I’m a graduate of New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Communication. I read an article in Forbes magazine about the expansion of Hudson Corporation and am extremely interested in learning more about the possible job openings that might come up following the expansion.

I’m seeking an entry-level position in the marketing department of your company as I believe that I have all the right qualifications and skills to become a contributing member of your workforce.

I have completed two internships in the marketing and sales department at Hartford, where I was able to assist my seniors to increase product sales by 10% and I’m adept at organizing effective online marketing campaigns. I enjoy working in fast-paced environments like the work culture that your company is famous for having.

I’d appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my suitability and qualifications for a job position in your marketing team. I am available for an informational interview at your convenience at 923-9876-0983 or [email protected] .

Sincerely, Becca Swan

Also read: What are some of the best job listing sites in the US?

Key Points from the Blog

• A letter of interest is written to express your interest in working for a company before the company advertises a job opening. Whereas, a cover letter is written as an accomplice to support your resume for a specific job vacancy at a company.
• A letter of interest describes your qualifications, skills, experiences, and which position you see yourself working in at the company.
• A cover letter aligns your skills and experiences with the requirements of the job and showcases you as the ideal candidate.
• A letter of interest and a cover letter differs in terms of their purpose, content, and timing.

Should you require expert assistance in any of your career-related dilemmas, visit Hiaration’s Career Activator Platform which offers 24x7 chat support. You can also reach us at [email protected] .

Share this blog

Subscribe to Free Resume Writing Blog by Hiration

Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox

Stay up to date! Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox

Is Your Resume ATS Friendly To Get Shortlisted?

Upload your resume for a free expert review.

Cover Letter vs. Letter of Interest vs. Letter of Intent

By Status.net Editorial Team on October 1, 2023 — 12 minutes to read

So, you’re job hunting and wondering about the difference between a letter of interest and a cover letter. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people are often confused about these two seemingly similar yet distinct job application tools. In this article, we will delve into the definitions, tips, and examples of each, providing you with the know-how to confidently use them in your job search.

 Cover Letter vs. Letter of Interest vs. Letter of Intent

• A cover letter is a document that you submit alongside your resume when applying for a specific job. This letter allows you to describe your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the position. It’s a chance to tailor your application to the requirements of the job.
• Learn more: How To Write a Cover Letter [Best Templates]
• A letter of interest (sometimes called an inquiry letter or prospecting letter) is a document expressing your interest in working for a company, even if there isn’t a specific job opening. This letter serves as an introduction to who you are, your expertise, and how you could be a valuable asset to the organization if an opportunity arises. In academic contexts, a letter of interest may be used when contacting potential research advisors or expressing interest in a particular research project.
• Learn more: Letter of Interest: Best Templates and Tips
• A letter of intent (LOI) is a document that expresses an individual’s or organization’s serious intention to engage in a particular activity or formal agreement. It is often used in legal and business contexts. In the context of academic applications or research proposals, an LOI may outline the applicant’s intention to apply for a specific program or funding opportunity, providing an overview of their plans and qualifications.
• Learn more: How to Write a Letter of Intent (Best Templates)

Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter: Real Life Examples and Tips

When you’re on the job hunt, it’s essential to understand the difference between a letter of interest and a cover letter. Here are some real-life examples and tips to help you navigate these two valuable tools in your search for employment:

• You come across a job posting that catches your eye. Before you apply, you’ll need to prepare a cover letter tailored to the specific requirements mentioned in the job listing.
• However, when researching companies you’d like to work for, you might not always find an active job posting fitting your skills or interests. In this case, you’ll want to craft a letter of interest to communicate your desire to work for the company in the future.
• For example, imagine you are interested in working for a newly expanding company but are unaware of current job openings. In this situation, you would send a letter of interest highlighting your desire to be a part of their growth, offering your value and what you can bring to the table. This could potentially lead to an informational interview or being considered for future opportunities not yet advertised.
• On the contrary, if you come across an open job listing that fits your skills and experience, you will create a cover letter tailored to that specific position. In this case, your cover letter should discuss why you are the ideal candidate and how your experience aligns with the requirements of the listed job opening.
• While both tools are essential for your job search, remember to adjust your approach based on the situation. If you’re responding to a specific job posting, write a detailed cover letter that highlights your relevant skills and experience. Alternatively, when reaching out to a company that may not have any openings, focus on crafting a compelling letter of interest to signal your genuine desire to work for them.
• Related: Get More Interviews: Follow Up on Job Applications (Templates)

Key Elements of a Cover Letter

Introduction segment in a cover letter.

Start your cover letter with a strong intro that grabs the reader’s attention. Introduce yourself and briefly mention the job opening you’re applying for. This is your chance to make a strong first impression, so be concise and engaging. You can also establish a connection with the organization by stating how you found out about the job application or any previous encounters you had with them.

Job Tailored Statement in a Cover Letter

In this section, focus on the specific job opening and explain why you are the right fit for it. Highlight your relevant professional experience by discussing your achievements and how they align with the role you’re applying for. Don’t simply repeat your resume – instead, provide context and connect the dots for the reader. Show your enthusiasm for the role and your knowledge of the organization’s values and objectives.

Qualifications Showcase in a Cover Letter

Now it’s time to showcase your qualifications. Go beyond listing degrees and certifications by detailing the relevant skills and experiences that make you uniquely suited for this role. Relate your qualifications to the job requirements and provide examples of how you’ve applied them in your previous experiences. This will strengthen your case and give the reader a better understanding of your capabilities.

Closing Remarks in a Cover Letter

End your cover letter on a confident and positive note. Reiterate your interest in the role and briefly summarize your main points. Include a call to action, such as expressing your desire to discuss your candidacy further in an interview. This can solidify your proactive attitude and showcase your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Finally, thank the reader for considering your application and sign off with a professional closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”

Key Elements of a Letter of Interest

The passionate beginning.

When composing your letter of interest, start confidently and make sure to show your enthusiasm right from the beginning. Focus on conveying your genuine passion for the company’s mission and your interest in the role. A compelling opening sets the stage for the reader to engage with the rest of your letter.

For example:

As a long-time admirer of X Corporation’s commitment to sustainability, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to express my interest in joining the environmental team and contributing to your company’s expanding eco-initiatives.

Desire for the Role within the Company

Discuss your dedication to the industry and highlight your relevant work experience which demonstrates your commitment. By displaying your knowledge about the company, you showcase your investment in becoming a valuable team member. Align your skills with the company’s goals and reflect on how you can contribute to its growth.

Your mission of reducing waste and promoting environmental awareness aligns perfectly with my own career aspirations. With five years of experience as a sustainability coordinator, I believe my expertise in waste reduction programs could bring significant value to X Corporation.

Why You Stand Out

Now’s the time to sell yourself by emphasizing your unique qualities and achievements. Highlight relevant work experiences, educational accomplishments, and significant contributions you’ve made in previous roles. Make sure to connect the dots between your experiences and the job or company.

During my tenure at GreenTech, I was awarded the 2022 Eco-Innovator award due to my successful implementation of a recycling program which increased waste diversion by 75%. I desire to bring my innovative mindset and dedication to sustainability to X Corporation as we work together towards a greener future.

The Strategic Conclusion

In the final section of your letter of interest, reiterate your excitement about the role and the company’s mission. Leave an impression that you are a great fit for future opportunities and maintain a forward-looking approach. Include a call-to-action inviting a meeting or further discussion.

Thank you for considering my interest in X Corporation. I am eager to discuss further how my skills and experiences align with your environmental objectives. Please find my resume attached for your review, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team in the future.

Key Elements for Every Professional Written Document

When crafting a professional document, whether it’s a Letter of Interest or a Cover Letter, there are several critical components to consider. These elements will help you present your skill set and experience effectively, showcasing the best version of yourself to potential employers.

• Clarity is crucial in written communication. Make sure your document is easy to understand and well-structured. Use concise sentences and avoid jargon whenever possible. Address your letter to the appropriate person, title, and department so that it reaches the right hands.
• Next, highlight your skills and experience as they relate to the position you’re applying for. When listing your accomplishments, try to focus on specific instances where you achieved measurable results. This will give hiring managers a clear picture of your capabilities and demonstrate your potential for success in their organization. Present your work history and educational background in a manner that showcases your growth and progress.
• Then, focus on customization . Tailor each document to the particular company or role you’re applying to, instead of using generic templates. Research the company’s culture, values, and mission, and incorporate them into your writing. This will show genuine interest and demonstrate how your skills align with their specific needs.
• Lastly, consider using formatting options like bullet points, bold text, or tables. This can help emphasize important information and provide visual relief within the document, making it easier to read and understand.

Pitstops: Review and Follow Up

As you craft your letter of interest or cover letter, it’s essential to review your work to ensure it speaks to the recruiter, hiring manager, or potential employer. Double-check for any errors in grammar or formatting and that you effectively communicate your qualities and suitability for the position or company.

Make sure to address the letter to the appropriate person. Use the hiring manager’s name when possible rather than resorting to “To whom it may concern.” If you’re unsure of the correct name, try researching online or tapping into your professional network for details.

Tailoring your letter to the specific company and position is key. Research the organization’s values, mission, and goals to align your content with the employer’s expectations. Demonstrate how you can benefit the organization and express enthusiasm for the potential opportunity.

A strong call to action at the end of your letter provides an opportunity for further conversation. Don’t be hesitant to express your interest in an interview or follow-up conversation. This shows initiative and helps you stand out as an active and motivated job seeker.

Once you’ve sent your letter, be patient but proactive. If you do not receive a response within a reasonable time frame, it’s acceptable to follow up with a polite email or phone call. This demonstrates your continued interest and persistence, both qualities that are likely to be appreciated by employers.

Remember, the key is to be confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear. Your professionalism and attention to detail will be noticed, and your efforts may pave the way to new opportunities in your professional journey.

Final Thoughts on Crafting a Solid Letter of Interest and Cover Letter

When it comes to showcasing your career aspirations and abilities, creating a great letter of interest and cover letter is essential. By understanding the differences and strategically using them, you can stand out and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

In your letter of interest, focus on the company’s mission statement, culture and values. Researching their social media presence and website will help you align your own career goals with the company’s mission. Highlight your education, portfolio and any skills that might be relevant to their job description. Be sure to include specific numbers and examples that showcase your expertise to make your letter stand out.

For the cover letter, make sure you tailor it specifically to the job description and the company you are applying to. Emphasize how your professional background and hard skills make you an ideal candidate for the position. Remember to incorporate relevant achievements from your resume to add weight to your application.

Properly formatting both your letter of interest and cover letter is crucial. Employ various formatting techniques like tables, bullet points, and bold text to make it easy for the reader to understand and grasp the information you’re presenting. Be succinct and to the point; clarity is vital when explaining your career goals and professional expertise.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to crafting engaging, professional letters that will enhance your career search and open doors to new opportunities.

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter [Best Templates]

Letter of Interest (Best Templates and Tips)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the key elements to include in a letter of interest.

When writing a letter of interest, make sure to include these key elements:

• Your contact information: name, phone number, email, and address.
• Salutation: address the recipient with their formal title, such as “Dear Mr. Smith”.
• Opening paragraph: grab the reader’s attention and state the purpose of your letter.
• Qualifications: mention your relevant background, experience and skills.
• Connection to the company: express your enthusiasm and knowledge about the company.
• Closing paragraph: reiterate your interest and provide a call to action, such as requesting an informational interview.
• Complimentary close and signature: use professional terms like “Sincerely” and sign your full name.

2. How does a cover letter differ from a letter of intent?

A cover letter is typically written in response to a specific job opening, where you highlight your qualifications and tailor your experiences to the job requirements. Meanwhile, a letter of interest (also known as a letter of intent) is written when there isn’t a specific job advertisement, but you’re interested in a particular company or field. A letter of interest reveals your passion for the company/industry and explores potential opportunities.

3. Can you provide examples of effective cover letters?

You can find examples and templates here: How To Write a Cover Letter [Best Templates]

4. What are some essential tips for writing a letter of interest for a teaching position?

To write an effective letter of interest for a teaching position, follow these tips:

• Research the school: gather information about the school’s mission, goals, and programs to tailor your letter.
• Emphasize relevant experiences: describe your teaching background, classroom management skills, and student-centered approach.
• Showcase your passion: express your enthusiasm for teaching and relate it to the school’s objectives.
• Provide specific examples: use anecdotes to demonstrate how you’ve made a positive impact in students’ lives.
• Proofread carefully: ensure your letter is free from errors and professionally written.

5. How do you tailor a letter of interest for an internship or promotion?

To tailor your letter of interest for an internship or promotion, consider these steps:

• Address the recipient appropriately: find out the name and role of the person responsible for internships or promotions.
• Include relevant experiences: mention previous accomplishments or projects you’ve taken part in that align with the internship/promotion.
• Showcase your motivation: display your eagerness to grow and learn from the opportunity.
• Highlight company-specific knowledge or skills: show that you’ve done your research and understand the company’s culture or industry.

6. Are there any helpful templates for creating a letter of interest in Word?

Yes, there are several useful templates for creating a letter of interest in Microsoft Word. To access these templates, follow these steps:

• Open Microsoft Word and click on “File”.
• Select “New” from the menu on the left.
• In the Search bar, type “Letter of Interest” or similar keywords.
• Browse the available templates and choose one that suits your needs.
• 5 Effective Examples: How to Write a Letter of Intent
• 12 Effective Examples of Letter of Interest (and Tips)
• How To Write a Cover Letter [Inspiring Examples]
• Impactful Teacher Cover Letter (Inspiring Examples)
• How to Write a Letter of Employment (Templates, Examples)
• A Perfect Letter of Recommendation [8 Templates]

How To Write A Letter Of Interest (Sample Templates Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Updated 5/9/2022

We’ve all been there… You’ve combed all of the job boards in search of the perfect job but, alas, haven’t been able to find anything that’s a great fit. Fortunately, there’s still one more lifeline you have at your disposal, and if used properly, it can end up being one of the most rewarding things you do for your career.

So what is this secret weapon I speak of? A letter of interest, of course!

With a letter of interest, you can connect with more opportunities. Here’s how.

What Is a Letter of Interest?

A letter of interest is a letter you send to your target company, letting them know that you’re interested in working with them. It’s also a way to see if there are any potential job opportunities that match up with your skillset that aren’t openly advertised, allowing you to tap into the hidden job market . Since over 80 percent of jobs go unadvertised, that’s a big deal.

Generally speaking, a letter of interest can be sent at any time regardless of whether a company is actively hiring, as it isn’t sent in response to a specific job opening. Rather, it’s a way of introducing yourself to a company you’re interested in and seeing about the possibility of employment with them.

Letters of interest are sometimes also called letters of inquiry for just this reason. You’re inquiring if they might have a position for you. This is the part of the equation that can be very rewarding. Rather than applying to jobs that aren’t a stellar match, you get to handpick the companies that you contact. Pretty awesome, right? We think so.

Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter

In many ways, a letter of interest is like a cover letter. However, when it comes to a letter of interest vs. cover letter, there are differences, too.

Generally speaking, cover letters typically target specific, open jobs. With a letter of interest, you’re reaching out even though there isn’t an advertised vacancy.

Since that’s the case, cover letters are more targeted. They speak to a specific position, referencing details from the job ad. Letters of interest are a touch more general, highlighting your strengths in a field and how you could benefit the company in a broad sense without connecting it to a particular role.

How To Write a Letter of Interest

Much like any correspondence you send any employer, you have to make sure that a letter of interest for a job is well crafted and appropriate. You’re introducing yourself to a potential employer, so you want to put your best foot forward.

A poorly written letter of inquiry can potentially make any possibility of working at your dream job with your target company a solid “NO” in the “Do you like me?” boxes. That means you need to ensure you take the time to do it right.

If you do it correctly, a letter of interest is a great way to demonstrate your ability to market yourself and highlight your best qualifications. Plus, it can lead to real opportunities.

Tailoring Your Letter of Interest

As you’ve no doubt seen in our other blog posts, we’re very big on tailoring. Your letter of interest is another opportunity (actually, the first opportunity!) for you to find out exactly what the company is looking for and present yourself as that person.

When applying for a specific position, you have the benefit of using the job description to comb through in search of the qualities that the company puts a lot of value in. But since this is a letter of interest, you are traditionally not applying to a specific position, so you need to be a little more creative. Since that’s the case, you need to do some hardcore research, taking the time to learn about the specific type of people the company likes to hire.

Researching a Company Through Their Online Presence

There is a virtual treasure trove of information available about a company when you peruse its various web properties. Since you’re looking to learn more about the people who get hired to work there, it’s wise to spend time digging into each web property in search of clues.

Quite often, there are “day in the life” videos featuring employee interviews that are incredibly useful. You can also go to the employee list on the company’s LinkedIn page and go through the profiles to see what experience and skills they have.

Putting the “Tailoring Method” To Work

Once you have figured out the types of people that your company hires, you want to do your best to emulate them in your letter of interest. Choose a few skills and abilities that you want to highlight that align with what your research revealed about the employees. Then, start thinking up a quick supporting statement for each one that you use. After all, if you can’t back it up, there is no point in even mentioning it.

Once you have done the research and have uncovered the qualities that you want to showcase, you are ready to begin writing your letter of interest.

Best Letter of Interest Format

Half of the battle is making sure that you nail your letter of interest format. After all, you won’t exactly be making the best first impression if your letter is a convoluted mess that is hard to read and makes no sense.

Here is the basic format for you to follow, which you can see in the three examples we use below:

Your Contact Info

No surprises here. Name, address, telephone number, email, and your website. If you’re not comfortable providing your address or any other information, don’t worry about it. Just make sure they can get in touch with you!

Use a traditional format for the date, writing out the month, followed by the day, and ending with the year.

Company Contact Info

Please don’t start the letter with “to whom it may concern.” Do the research and find a specific person to address the letter to. A good place to start would be a hiring manager, another person in HR, or even better, the manager or director of the department you envision yourself working in.

Opening Paragraph

Introduce yourself and your intentions.

Qualification/Experience Paragraph

Attack this paragraph with two purposes in mind:

• Showing how you add value
• Demonstrating you have the qualities they value

This is your time to shine. Keep it brief and succinct, picking two to three qualities and supporting them with facts.

Closing Paragraph

Thank them for their time and offer your availability for an “informational interview” at their earliest convenience.

What’s an informational interview? It’s both an opportunity for you to learn more about the company and the various positions within the company AND a great way for you to meet the right people in the organization you are interested in.

More importantly, it’s an opportunity for you to let your award-winning personality shine, and if executed properly, it can help you land a job at the company of your dreams!

Stick with “regards” or just “sincerely,” add your name, and you’ll be good to go.

Common Mistakes

Many people fall into the same traps and make some of these classic letter of interest mistakes. Do your best to avoid these if you want to get your foot in the door!

1. You don’t send a letter of interest at all

Too often, people find a company they’d like to work for and just blindly send in a resume with nothing else attached. Sure, it might be a super impressive resume, but if you don’t include a letter of interest discussing why you’re sending it in and who you are, you might as well just be throwing those resumes away.

On the flip side…DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR RESUME!

2. Sending your letter of interest out with a generic heading

As mentioned above, you need to take the time to do a little digging and find out to who you should address your letter. Sending out a generic “Dear HR Director” or “To Whom It May Concern” isn’t going to win you any brownie points.

3. Not saying what you can do for them, but what they can do for you

Regardless of why you’re interested, remember, it’s about what you can do for them, not what they can do for you! Tell them what you can do to help them achieve their goals.

4. Not tailoring your letter

If you’re going to show initiative by writing a letter of inquiry, make sure that initiative extends to your research as well! Supercharge your letter by highlighting qualities that align with the company values, increasing your odds of success.

5. Being boring

You’re shooting for your target company and your dream job, so don’t simply make a list of all of your skills and abilities. Instead, make sure to dazzle them with what you bring to the table, adding something extra to generate interest.

6. Being too long

Your goal is to catch their attention and leave them wanting more…which means short, sweet, and to the point. Keep your letter under a page.

7. Being sloppy

There is no excuse for typos or sloppy writing. You’re trying to get an informational (or even a full-on) interview, so get these basics right. Check. Double-check, and then check again!

8. Not following up

Yes, you should treat your letter of interest exactly like and job application and follow up.

Sending a letter of interest is a proactive step, so keep being proactive! Ask for a job interview, an informational interview, or a meeting HR director to talk about potential roles you might fill. Then, follow up on that request.

A Few Great Letter of Interest Sample Templates

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s take a look at a few examples so you can get your own started! Here are three different scenarios from which you might decide to write a letter of interest to a company.

Choose the best letter of interest sample that fits with your situation, but don’t simply copy the example word-for-word. You need to input your own experiences and personality, so think of this letter of interest sample as more of a template that will guide you to success!

Letter of interest for your target company following a positive encounter:

Your Address

Your City, State, Zip Code

Your Phone Number

City, State Zip

Dear (remember, make this specific!):

I recently had the opportunity to interact with a few members of your customer support team while conducting research for a project. My time with them was brief but memorable. Your team was friendly, poised, and professional, and I was impressed with their willingness to help and their quick responses to my questions.

It is clear customer satisfaction is an integral part of your company’s core values. It is for this reason that I am writing to you. I feel my own personal values and special talents might benefit your customer service department. I believe in personal accountability and integrity and have always made sure to act in a professional and ethical manner. Attention to detail is similarly a priority, ensuring that my work is nothing short of my best at all times.

If I were to be hired by your company, I would be dedicated to delivering the same kind of high-quality customer service I myself experienced. Both a motivated self-starter and an enthusiastic team player, I feel I’d be an exceptional fit.

In the hopes of scheduling an interview with you or answering any questions you might have, I will call you [upcoming date]. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions at any time at [phone number] or email, [email address].

Thank you for your time in considering my qualifications.

Letter of interest following a write up of the target company:

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,

While reading through a trade publication last week, I came across an article outlining why your company has been recognized as one of the best places to work in the country for tech professionals. Your entire focus has been on making sure that your company is not only a leader in the industry but also an innovator, pioneering new and emerging technology. For this reason, I am sending you my resume in the hopes that I might be able to join your team.

I have worked exclusively within the technology field for the past five years. During that time, I’ve worked in a variety of positions, giving me experience in accounting, including finance and budgeting. I was also responsible for inventory control and vendor relations. I have been instrumental in my past positions in bringing new and emerging technology into our business processes, and I am actively looking for opportunities with companies that would allow me to continue that practice. I believe strongly in always being at the forefront of technological development, a perspective I feel your company has, too.

As a team leader, I am proud of the fact that not only have we never missed a deadline but that we have come in under budget while delivering superior results every time. I firmly believe in the integrity and professionalism of my work, striving to ensure that every aspect of what I do also upholds the company’s core values.

I will call you on [date] to answer any questions about this letter or my resume in the hope of scheduling an interview. If you prefer, please contact me by phone [phone number] or email, [email address].

Letter of interest for a recent graduate looking for work:

I read about [company name]’s retail management training program in [publication name], and I would like to inquire about the possibility of openings. As a recent graduate from the University of California with a degree in Business Management, I am very interested in a career in retail management, and think your program is a perfect match for both my skills and my experiences. I have over five years of retail experience, including time as a Sales Associate and a Manager.

Along with this letter, I have included my resume, which contains additional information on my experience and skills. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the training program with you and to provide further information on my candidacy. I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, [phone number], or by email at [email address].

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this exciting opportunity.

Putting It All Together

Now, you should know all you need to about the amazing letter of interest! Remember, each sample letter of interest above is meant to serve as inspiration. When you create yours, remember to keep it targeted, short, and professional. That way, you increase your odds of getting a response.

And as always,

FREE : Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet!

Download our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you word-for-word sample answers to some of the most common interview questions including:

• What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
• What Is Your Greatest Strength?
• Tell Me About Yourself
• Why Should We Hire You?

Click Here To Get The Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

Copyright © 2024 · TheInterviewguys.com · All Rights Reserved

• Our Products
• Case Studies
• Interview Questions
• Jobs Articles
• Members Login

Cover Letter vs Personal Statement [With Examples]

When it comes to applying for a job or a graduate program, you may come across two common requirements: a cover letter and a personal statement. While they may seem similar, there are key differences between the two that every applicant should be aware of. In this article, we'll explore what a personal statement and a cover letter are, when they are used, their similarities and differences, and provide examples of each.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a brief essay that highlights your skills, experiences, and goals. It is usually required for graduate school applications, but it can also be requested by employers. The purpose of a personal statement is to demonstrate your fit for a program or a position by showcasing your unique qualifications and motivations.

A personal statement should be well-crafted and tailored to the specific program or position you are applying for. It should showcase your strengths and demonstrate your passion for your field. Your personal statement should also highlight any relevant experiences, such as research projects or internships, that have prepared you for the program or position you are applying for.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It is a formal letter that introduces you to a potential employer and explains why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

A cover letter should be personalized for each job application and should not simply restate your resume. It should highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job, and explain how you will add value to the organization. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and can increase your chances of getting an interview.

When is Each Used?

A personal statement is typically used for graduate school applications, while a cover letter is used for job applications. However, there may be some overlap in certain situations, such as when applying for a job in academia or research, where a personal statement may be requested instead of a cover letter.

Similarities

Both a personal statement and a cover letter are used to showcase your qualifications and explain why you are a good fit for a program or a position. They are both formal documents that require careful attention to detail and should be tailored to the specific program or position you are applying for.

Differences

The main difference between a personal statement and a cover letter is their purpose. A personal statement is meant to demonstrate your fit for a program and showcase your unique qualifications and motivations, while a cover letter is meant to introduce you to a potential employer and explain why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

Another key difference is their length. A personal statement is typically longer than a cover letter and may be several pages, while a cover letter is usually one page or less.

Cover Letter Examples

Example 1: marketing coordinator cover letter.

Why this works: This cover letter is tailored to the specific job and company, highlighting the candidate's relevant experience and achievements. The tone is professional and enthusiastic, showing the candidate's passion for the industry and desire to contribute to the company's success.

Example 2: Sales Representative Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter focuses on the candidate's sales experience and achievements, emphasizing their ability to meet and exceed targets and build strong relationships with clients. The language is confident and persuasive, showing the candidate's ability to sell themselves and their skills.

Example 3: Human Resources Manager Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter highlights the candidate's extensive HR experience and achievements, showing their ability to lead and innovate in the field. The tone is professional and confident, demonstrating the candidate's ability to establish credibility and build relationships with stakeholders.

Example 4: Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter showcases the candidate's design skills and experience, emphasizing their ability to create compelling visuals and drive user engagement. The tone is enthusiastic and passionate, conveying the candidate's love for design and eagerness to contribute to the company's creative vision.

Personal Statement Examples

Example 1: medical school personal statement.

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's motivation and passion for medicine, demonstrating their commitment to the field and their desire to make a difference. The language is clear and concise, showing the candidate's ability to communicate their ideas effectively.

Example 2: Law School Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's motivation and passion for law, demonstrating their commitment to social justice and their desire to use the law as a tool for positive change. The language is clear and persuasive, showing the candidate's ability to make a compelling argument.

Example 3: MBA Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's professional experience and goals, demonstrating their commitment to business leadership and their desire to use the MBA program as a platform for growth and development. The language is clear and results-oriented, showing the candidate's ability to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world problems.

Example 4: Education Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's experience and goals as an educator, showing their commitment to teaching, learning, and innovation. The language is clear and enthusiastic, demonstrating the candidate's ability to inspire and motivate both students and colleagues.

• Resume and Cover Letter

How Do Letter of Interest and Cover Letter Differ from Each Other?

To make your job search successful, you must have the right tools to help boost your efforts to land your target job. Hence, apart from your usual resume, CV, or any other primary document, adding another document that would strengthen your application would be your best bet.

That said; how do you know which kind of job search tool is best for you? Learn how you can choose between writing a letter of interest vs cover letter and browse examples below to guide you.

Letter of Interest vs Cover Letter

Right off the bat: The main difference between these two job search tools is their purpose. Putting it simply, a letter of interest serves as an open job application. Meaning, you’re interested in working and applying for a specific position in the business that matches your background even if the role isn’t announced or posted in public.

On the other hand, a cover letter is often sent along with a CV or resume with the aim to support your application. This letter is for a job opening that they’re hiring for.

Feel free to download the image above for more accessible information.

Which One Should You Use?

As a keen job seeker, it’s important that you ensure you’re choosing the right formats for the job search tools you’ll craft and send based on your needs.

Choosing between writing a letter of interest vs cover letter should be simple as long as your goals are clear and aligned with your current career level.

Nevertheless, it’s best for you to write a letter of interest when:

• You discovered an intriguing business that may be a good fit for your long-term career goals.
• You’ve heard that your target company had a recent business expansion and you feel you’ll be a good member of their team.
• You’ve been closely watching a unique firm that you think is a good fit for your skill set, background, and values.
• A contact from your network informs you of roles for which they’re hiring, but which they haven’t posted for the public yet.
• You’re keen in introducing yourself to a company with a promising background and culture with the hopes of being one of the first to hear about future openings there.

Meanwhile, craft a strong cover letter when:

• You’re responding to a public job posting.
• You’re vying for an internal job opportunity .
• You aim to add a supporting tool to your resume.

With all these, look at it this way: Your letter of interest highlights your aims and reasons why you want to work for the business, while your cover letter details why you’re the best fit for the role you’re vying for.

How to Write a Letter of Interest

Apply these foolproof tips and tricks in writing this type of letter.

1. Write a strong intro.

Start strong by opening your letter with a brief yet catchy intro. In 1 to 2 sentences, you may state your name and outline your background or your main expertise. Another way is to state your interest to apply for or explore job roles within the business.

2. Explain the aim of your letter.

It’s just right that you detail why you’re writing to the company. Further, you may choose to use this chance to pinpoint the factors that make the business appealing to you.

3. Describe how you’re fit for the company.

Once you’ve researched about the culture, values, and scope of the business, it’s time for you to describe how your background, traits, and skills will help add to the success of the firm.

4. Highlight your background.

Allot a paragraph or two for your key work history and core feats. This is where you further show how your background validates your expertise.

5. End with a direct statement in your closing.

Conclude by thanking the reader for their time and effort in checking your letter. Also, state that you’re open for an initial interview so that you can introduce yourself more. Besides, this type of interview will help the recipient to get to know more about your background, whether a job post is open or not.

Letter of Interest Sample

Now, how should you apply these tips and how should it look like? Here’s a sample that you can refer to:

How to Write a Cover Letter

If you think a cover letter suits your case better, follow these steps as you write your own:

1. Introduce yourself.

Similar to how you must write an intro for your letter of interest, make sure your cover letter has the basic details of who you are and the role you’re applying for.

2. Explain why you’re the best fit for the job.

Make smart use of your time in researching about the business, what they stand for, and what they do. With this, relate your feats to what the business needs and prove what you can bring to the table.

3. List your top achievements.

To further highlight your work history and how you performed as an employee, pick your most fitting achievements and mention them on your cover letter. This will help the hiring manager or recruiter to assess how well your match the job requirements.

4. Compel the recipient to read your resume.

Lastly, include a call-to-action (CTA) statement to encourage your reader to review the resume you attached along with your letter. This is in the hopes of landing the interview and increasing your chances of getting hired.

For further reading, check out this in-depth guide on cover letter writing .

Cover Letter Sample

With the tips you should heed, use this as your guide as you write your cover letter.

Let Experts Take Care of Your Job Search Tools

While you’re busy focusing on all the core stages of your job search and career journey, it might get tedious and challenging to write and choose an effective option between letter of interest vs cover letter.

The good news is: You should never deal with these woes alone. Entrust your job search tool needs to career experts! Resume Professional Writers offers a wide range of career services including job search tools such as cover letter and letter of interest among others. Get ready to be noticed by potential employers through your eye-catching and impactful application! For more queries and tips, you may contact us or browse our career blog .

Recent Post

Top Skills to Highlight on Your IT Resume in 2024

Essential Guide to Crafting Outstanding IT Resumes

20 Powerful Resume Summary Examples to Unlock Your Career Potential

Gain Competitive Edge with These 5 Best Pharmaceutical Resume Writing Services

Related post.

The 5 Leading CEO Resume Writing Services of 2024

Police Officer Resume: Which Skills You Need to Include

Top US Cities to Live in Based on Cost of Living and Price Index

Resume services, job application samples, subscribe to our newsletter.

Sign up to get the latest on sales and more...

Be the first to know about the latest in career trends and exclusive promotions.

Justice Department seeks breakup of Live Nation-Ticketmaster through major antitrust suit

"It is time to break up Live Nation," AG Merrick Garland said in a statement.

The Justice Department and dozens of state attorneys general filed a major antitrust lawsuit Thursday seeking the breakup of Ticketmaster owner Live Nation Entertainment over what they allege is the company's unlawful dominance over the concert ticket sales industry.

The lawsuit, filed by the DOJ and 30 state and district attorneys general in federal court in the Southern District of New York, accuses the company of creating a monopoly over the live entertainment market that has harmed music fans, artists and promoters around the United States through higher prices and frustrating consumer experiences.

"The result is that fans pay more in fees, artists have fewer opportunities to play concerts, smaller promoters get squeezed out, and venues have fewer real choices for ticketing services," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement announcing the lawsuit. "It is time to break up Live Nation."

"For too long, Live Nation and Ticketmaster have unfairly and illegally run the world of live events, abusing their dominance to overcharge fans, bully venues, and limit artists," New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. "When companies like Live Nation control every aspect of an event, it leads to bad blood -- concertgoers and sports fans suffer and are forced to pay more. Everybody agrees, Live Nation and Ticketmaster are the problem and it's time for a new era. Today, we are taking this important action to protect consumers and force big companies to stop abusing their influence and get in formation."

The sweeping lawsuit is a product of a more than two-year-long investigation into the company that has come under growing public scrutiny since late 2022, following a fiasco over presales for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

Ticketmaster, which controls more than 70% of the market for ticketing and live events, crashed during the first day of sales, leaving millions of fans out of luck or seeking higher-priced tickets on the secondary market.

The Justice Department's lawsuit accuses LiveNation of seeking to lock out competitors to protect what the company dubs its "flywheel," described in court documents as "a self-reinforcing business model that captures fees and revenue from concert fans and sponsorship, uses that revenue to lock up artists to exclusive promotion deals, and then uses its powerful cache of live content to sign venues into long-term exclusive ticketing deals, thereby starting the cycle all over again."

Live Nation did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment on the lawsuit, though its president, Joe Berchtold, has otherwise defended the company's business practices -- including during a contentious appearance before Congress early last year.

Live Nation released a statement Thursday following the lawsuit, saying, in part, that it's "absurd to claim that Live Nation and Ticketmaster are wielding monopoly power."

The lawsuit "blames concert promoters and ticketing companies -- neither of which control ticket prices -- for high ticket prices," said Dan Wall, executive vice president of corporate and regulatory affairs of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. "It ignores everything that is actually responsible for higher ticket prices, from increasing production costs to artist popularity, to 24/7 online ticket scalping that reveals the public's willingness to pay far more than primary tickets cost. It blames Live Nation and Ticketmaster for high service charges, but ignores that Ticketmaster retains only a modest portion of those fees. In fact, primary ticketing is one of the least expensive digital distributions in the economy."

"The defining feature of a monopolist is monopoly profits derived from monopoly pricing. Live Nation in no way fits the profile. Service charges on Ticketmaster are no higher than elsewhere, and frequently lower. And even accounting for sponsorship, an advertising business that helps keep ticket prices down, the company's overall net profit margin is at the low end of profitable S &P 500 companies," Wall said.

"It is also clear that we are another casualty of this administration's decision to turn over antitrust enforcement to a populist urge that simply rejects how antitrust law works," Wall said, in part. "Some call this 'anti-monopoly,' but in reality it is just anti-business."

MORE: Justice Department to announce lawsuit against Live Nation over ticket prices: Sources

Among the practices singled out by the DOJ are allegations Live Nation exploited its relationship with the company Oak View Group that the lawsuit says describes itself as a "hammer" for Live Nation and has avoided bidding against the company for exclusive agreements with artists and major venues.

Trending Reader Picks

NOAA predicts very active hurricane season

• May 23, 12:49 PM

US man sentenced for having ammo in Turks & Caicos

• May 24, 1:01 PM

Trump campaign requests change to RNC perimeter

• May 23, 6:47 PM

The company, according to the Justice Department, also allegedly carried out a pattern of threatening potential competitors seeking to enter the concert promotions market and creating a climate where venue owners would fear entering into contracts with Live Nation-Ticketmaster's rivals.

Live Nation-Ticketmaster is also accused of using lengthy exclusive contracts with venues that the lawsuit claims prevent them from switching to better or cheaper ticketing systems, and, in certain instances, allegedly blocked venues from even being able to use multiple ticketers for events.

Live Nation was already under a consent decree with the Justice Department after it approved its merger with Ticketmaster during the Obama administration in 2010 -- under conditions that included prohibiting the company from threatening concert venues that opted to use competing ticket firms. That decree was extended in 2019 after the department found the company violated its conditions.

The lawsuit is the latest in a series of aggressive antitrust efforts by the Biden administration, which has brought similar enforcement efforts challenging companies like Apple, Google and Amazon over what it alleges are clear anti-competitive practices that have served to harm American consumers.

The White House is supporting the DOJ's lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, saying Thursday afternoon that "while we do not comment on specific enforcement matters, President Biden strongly supports fair and robust enforcement of the antitrust laws."

"As the President has said, the American people are tired of being played for suckers," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

"The president launched the Strike Force on Unfair and Illegal Pricing because no American should pay higher prices or lose choices because companies break the law and engage in anti-competitive practices. His administration has taken action to fight corporate greed by banning hidden junk fees -- including event tickets -- that unfairly increase prices for hardworking families trying to make ends meet," Jean-Pierre said.

ABC News' Zunaira Zaki and Justin Ryan Gomez contributed to this report.

This story has been updated.

Disney legend Richard M. Sherman dies at 95

• May 25, 7:18 PM

World's longest-serving flight attendant dies

• May 25, 1:31 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

Advertisement

Supported by

Scarlett Johansson’s Statement About Her Interactions With Sam Altman

The actress released a lengthy statement about the company and the similarity of one of its A.I. voices.

• Share full article

Here is Scarlett Johansson’s statement on Monday:

“Last September, I received an offer from Sam Altman, who wanted to hire me to voice the current ChatGPT 4.0 system. He told me that he felt that by my voicing the system, I could bridge the gap between tech companies and creatives and help consumers to feel comfortable with the seismic shift concerning humans and A.I. He said he felt that my voice would be comforting to people. After much consideration and for personal reasons, I declined the offer. Nine months later, my friends, family and the general public all noted how much the newest system named ‘Sky’ sounded like me.

“When I heard the released demo, I was shocked, angered and in disbelief that Mr. Altman would pursue a voice that sounded so eerily similar to mine that my closest friends and news outlets could not tell the difference. Mr. Altman even insinuated that the similarity was intentional, tweeting a single word, ‘her’ — a reference to the film in which I voiced a chat system, Samantha, who forms an intimate relationship with a human.

“Two days before the ChatGPT 4.0 demo was released, Mr. Altman contacted my agent, asking me to reconsider. Before we could connect, the system was out there. As a result of their actions, I was forced to hire legal counsel, who wrote two letters to Mr. Altman and OpenAI, setting out what they had done and asking them to detail the exact process by which they created the ‘Sky’ voice. Consequently, OpenAI reluctantly agreed to take down the ‘Sky’ voice.

“In a time when we are all grappling with deepfakes and the protection of our own likeness, our own work, our own identities, I believe these are questions that deserve absolute clarity. I look forward to resolution in the form of transparency and the passage of appropriate legislation to help ensure that individual rights are protected.”

Explore Our Coverage of Artificial Intelligence

News  and Analysis

News Corp, the Murdoch-owned empire of publications like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Post, announced that it had agreed to a deal with OpenAI to share its content  to train and service A.I. chatbots.

The Silicon Valley company Nvidia was again lifted by sales of its A.I. chips , but it faces growing competition and heightened expectations.

Researchers at the A.I. company Anthropic claim to have found clues about the inner workings  of large language models, possibly helping to prevent their misuse and to curb their potential threats.

The Age of A.I.

D’Youville University in Buffalo had an A.I. robot speak at its commencement . Not everyone was happy about it.

A new program, backed by Cornell Tech, M.I.T. and U.C.L.A., helps prepare lower-income, Latina and Black female computing majors  for A.I. careers.

Publishers have long worried that A.I.-generated answers on Google would drive readers away from their sites. They’re about to find out if those fears are warranted, our tech columnist writes .

A new category of apps promises to relieve parents of drudgery, with an assist from A.I.  But a family’s grunt work is more human, and valuable, than it seems.

Misleading and avoidable: design-induced biases in observational studies evaluating cancer screening -- the example of site-specific effectiveness of screening colonoscopy

• Find this author on Google Scholar
• Find this author on PubMed
• Search for this author on this site
• ORCID record for Malte Braitmaier
• ORCID record for Sarina Schwarz
• ORCID record for Vanessa Didelez
• ORCID record for Ulrike Haug
• For correspondence: [email protected]
• Info/History
• Preview PDF

Objective: Observational studies evaluating the effectiveness of cancer screening are often biased due to an inadequate design where I) the assessment of eligibility, II) the assignment to screening vs. no screening and III) the start of follow-up are not aligned at time zero (baseline). Such flaws can entail misleading results but are avoidable by designing the study following the principle of target trial emulation (TTE). We aimed to illustrate this by addressing the research question whether screening colonoscopy is more effective in the distal vs. the proximal colon. Methods: Based on a large German health care database (20% population coverage), we assessed the effect of screening colonoscopy in preventing distal and proximal CRC over 12 years of follow-up in 55-69-year-old persons at average CRC risk. We applied four different study designs and compared the results: cohort study with / without alignment at time zero, case control study with / without alignment at time zero. Results: In both analyses with alignment at time zero, screening colonoscopy showed a similar effectiveness in reducing the incidence of distal and proximal CRC (cohort analysis: 32% (95% CI: 27% - 37%) vs. 28% (95% CI: 20% - 35%); case-control analysis: 27% vs. 33%). Both analyses without alignment at time zero suggested a difference in site-specific performance: Incidence reduction regarding distal and proximal CRC, respectively, was 65% (95% CI: 61% - 68%) vs. 37% (95% CI: 31% - 43%) in the cohort analysis and 77% (95% CI: 67% - 84%) vs. 46% (95% CI: 25% - 61%) in the case-control analysis. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that violations of basic design principles can substantially bias the results of observational studies on cancer screening. In our example, it falsely suggested a much stronger preventive effect of colonoscopy in the distal vs. the proximal colon. The difference disappeared when the same data were analyzed using a TTE approach, which is known to avoid such design-induced biases.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

BIPS intramural funding

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

In Germany, the utilisation of health insurance data for scientific research is regulated by the Code of Social Law. All involved health insurance providers as well as the German Federal Office for Social Security and the Senator for Health, Women and Consumer Protection in Bremen as their responsible authorities approved the use of GePaRD data for this study. Informed consent for studies based on claims data is required by law unless obtaining consent appears unacceptable and would bias results, which was the case in this study. According to the Ethics Committee of the University of Bremen studies based on GePaRD are exempt from institutional review board review.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

The following points were changed in this revision: 1) Figure 1 showed results belonging to a sensitivity analysis instead of the main analysis. This was corrected with this revision. 2) An acknowledgement statement was included.

Data Availability

As we are not the owners of the data we are not legally entitled to grant access to the data of the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database. In accordance with German data protection regulations, access to the data is granted only to employees of the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS on the BIPS premises and in the context of approved research projects. Third parties may only access the data in cooperation with BIPS and after signing an agreement for guest researchers at BIPS.

View the discussion thread.

Thank you for your interest in spreading the word about medRxiv.

NOTE: Your email address is requested solely to identify you as the sender of this article.

Citation Manager Formats

• EndNote (tagged)
• EndNote 8 (xml)
• RefWorks Tagged
• Ref Manager
• Tweet Widget
• Facebook Like
• Google Plus One
• Addiction Medicine (324)
• Allergy and Immunology (633)
• Anesthesia (168)
• Cardiovascular Medicine (2402)
• Dentistry and Oral Medicine (289)
• Dermatology (207)
• Emergency Medicine (381)
• Endocrinology (including Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Disease) (851)
• Epidemiology (11799)
• Forensic Medicine (10)
• Gastroenterology (705)
• Genetic and Genomic Medicine (3770)
• Geriatric Medicine (350)
• Health Economics (637)
• Health Informatics (2409)
• Health Policy (940)
• Health Systems and Quality Improvement (905)
• Hematology (342)
• HIV/AIDS (787)
• Infectious Diseases (except HIV/AIDS) (13347)
• Intensive Care and Critical Care Medicine (769)
• Medical Education (369)
• Medical Ethics (105)
• Nephrology (401)
• Neurology (3524)
• Nursing (199)
• Nutrition (529)
• Obstetrics and Gynecology (681)
• Occupational and Environmental Health (669)
• Oncology (1835)
• Ophthalmology (539)
• Orthopedics (221)
• Otolaryngology (287)
• Pain Medicine (234)
• Palliative Medicine (66)
• Pathology (447)
• Pediatrics (1038)
• Pharmacology and Therapeutics (426)
• Primary Care Research (424)
• Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology (3190)
• Public and Global Health (6184)
• Radiology and Imaging (1292)
• Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy (751)
• Respiratory Medicine (832)
• Rheumatology (380)
• Sexual and Reproductive Health (374)
• Sports Medicine (324)
• Surgery (406)
• Toxicology (50)
• Transplantation (172)
• Urology (147)

General election latest: Sir Keir Starmer delivering first major campaign speech as parties clash over security

The Labour leader is set to say his party is ready to meet the "core tests" set by the British people for their government in his first major speech of the general election campaign. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak will be out and about making the case for his National Service proposals.

Monday 27 May 2024 10:10, UK

• General Election 2024

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

General election called for 4 July

• Starmer delivering first major speech of general election campaign - watch and follow live now
• PM 'to double down on national service plan' as parties focus on security
• Tory defence minister criticised national service last week
• Farage challenged on 'offensive' comments about British Muslims
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch

Expert analysis

• Tamara Cohen: Farage's incendiary claims a question for Reform
• Adam Boulton: Why PM's big bet on security likely won't pay off
• Deborah Haynes : Next PM will have no time to play politics with defence

Election essentials

• Trackers: Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Subscribe to Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more: What happens next? | Which MPs are standing down? | Key seats to watch | How to register to vote | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency's changing | Sky's coverage plans

Sir Keir Starmer opens his speech by saying his "character", like everyone's is "shaped by where I started in life".

He talks about where he grew up, on the Surrey-Kent border, saying it is a place that "is about as English as it gets".

He says he felt "quiet, uncomplaining resilience" and the "togetherness of the countryside".

"And to be honest, it's just as well because you need it.

"Because anyone who thinks that hardship in Britain is found only in our cities, anyone who thinks there's no struggle outside of our cities - yes, even here in the south east - let me tell you, they know nothing of the countryside."

The Labour leader is on his feet in West Sussex delivering his first major speech of the general election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer will say that there are "countless people who haven't decided how they’ll vote in this election", and appeal to them to back his "changed" party.

He will argue that people are "fed up with the failure, chaos and division of the Tories, but they still have questions about us".

The Labour leader will also make the case that his party is ready to meet the "core tests" set by the British people for government.

Watch live on Sky News, in the stream above, and follow live updates here in the Politics Hub.

As conversation rages on social media about Rishi Sunak's plan to make 18-year-olds do national service, a serving minister has weighed in.

Steve Baker, who is standing for re-election as the Tory MP for Wycombe, has said the plan was "sprung on candidates, so of whom are relevant ministers".

He explained that if it were a government policy, it "would have been developed by ministers on the advice of officials and collectively agreed", and he would have had a say on behalf of Northern Ireland as a minister for that department.

But suggesting he was not consulted, he said: "This proposal was developed by a political adviser or advisers and sprung on candidates, some of whom are relevant ministers."

Nigel Farage has argued on Sky News that a "growing number" of young Muslims in the UK do not subscribe to British values.

The Reform UK honorary president told Sky News's  Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips : "We have a growing number of young people in this country who do not subscribe to British values.

"In fact, loathe much of what we stand for. I think we see them on the streets of London every Saturday."

Asked if "we are talking about Muslims here", Mr Farage said: "We are. And I'm afraid I found some of the recent surveys saying that 46% of British Muslims support Hamas - support a terrorist organisation that is proscribed in this country."

The former UKIP and Brexit Party leader was quoting a poll commissioned by the Henry Jackson Society in April that found one in four British Muslims believe Hamas committed murder and rape in Israel on 7 October last year.

Read more from our political reporter Alix Culbertson  here:

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics.

On this week's episode, Jack and Sam talk about their "epic fail" and reveal how they missed the biggest political story of the year - that Rishi Sunak would call a general election for 4 July.

Now the campaign wheels are in motion, Jack and Sam discuss what's in store over the next few weeks leading up to the vote, and whether we'll see the return of some familiar faces as candidates after a mass exodus of Conservative MPs.

Also in this episode, from campaign plane rides and party manifestos to TV debates, Jack and Sam unpack how Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer are hoping to steer the narrative of what could be the most consequential election in 14 years.

👉  Listen above then tap here to follow Politics at Jack at Sam's wherever you get your podcasts   👈

Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: [email protected] or [email protected]

Finally with Christine Jardine from the Lib Dems, we asked if they would be prepared to go into coalition with Labour or the Tories after the election should neither party win a majority.

She replied that it's "a bit disrespectful to the voters" to start setting out those possibilities now.

"We have no arrangements or pacts or deals with anyone.

"We respect the fact that we have a general election and the voters will decide what the next parliament looks like."

Pushed on if the Lib Dems would consider a pact in due course, Mr Jardine said they are "focusing at the moment on winning as many seats as we possibly can".

"We are second in about 90 seats in England to the Conservatives. Now, we're nt saying for a minute we are going to win all of those, and we are aiming to increase the number of seats in Scotland.

"So what we are focusing on is winning as many seats as possible so that people voting for us know that they are voting for change."

We asked Christine Jardine of the Liberal Democrats what the party's plan is for young people as the Tories continue to argue for their national service plans.

She replied that they "want to protect young people's future" following the "trauma" of the COVID pandemic.

"And then, you know, a lot of them are now coming out into work to find that the economy is in a mess and that their opportunities have been affected."

On the Tories' national service plans, Ms Jardine said serving in the army is "a great career, but it should be your choice whether or not you go into it".

She argued that Boris Johnson deprived young people of opportunities with COVID restrictions, Liz Truss "messed up the economy", and Rishi Sunak now mandating army or community service.

"So we want to focus on young people, on their education and providing them with the health support, the dental support, the mental health support."

We challenged Ms Jardine on whether young people can really trust the Lib Dems, given that in 2010 they pledged to not raise tuition fees, but then supported a move to do exactly that when in coalition with the Tories.

She replied that universities in Scotland are "facing all sorts of financial problems" due to lack of tuition fees or graduate tax.

"And then we weren't the main party in power. So we had to compromise. We had to meet the Conservatives halfway.

"I think it's oversimplifying it to go back 15 years. Where we are now is what matters."

She said the Lib Dems have "learned lessons over the past 15 years", and said it's clear that opportunities for young people need to improved.

We've just been speaking with Christine Jardine from the Liberal Democrats, and we asked how they plan to gain support in Scotland amid tricky polling.

But she rejected that characterisation, saying they are doing "extremely well" in the seats they currently hold in Scotland.

"People recognise that we work for our communities and that's what is important to us - to fighting, to combating the effects there of the economic mess that the Conservatives have made."

She also pointed to lack of GPs and, in particular, dentists.

What are the rules on voter ID?  How does tactical voting work? In what different ways can you cast your ballot?

The countdown to the election is on - and already the amount of information can seem overwhelming. 

We cut through the noise to bring you what you need to know, from registering to vote, to election day and what happens next.

Read on here...

Last week, the former Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, announced he will be standing as an independent after being barred from standing for Labour following his response to the report into antisemitism in the party under his leadership ( more here ).

Asked how concerning that is for Labour's chances at winning Islington North, shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson replied: "Jeremy's in the past now.

"He's not a Labour member. He's not a Labour candidate.

"We've got a brilliant candidate standing in Islington North who'll be fighting hard for every vote."

Labour's focus, she said, is "earning the trust of the British people and securing the Labour government and making the case for the kinds of change that we could deliver if we win the next election"

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free