How to Write a Statement of Interest the Best Way

Lauren Hamer

Professional Resume Writer, Career Writer and Career Coach

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Your life’s goal is to work for Company A. Their brand, their product, their reputation—it’s safe to say you’re a fan. The only problem is that their careers page never highlights the role that matches your skills and experience. It’s a bummer for sure, but don’t fret.

When you know you’re the right person for the job—you know it in your bones—learn how to write a statement of interest that sells you to the organization.

What is a Statement of Interest?

A statement of interest is a letter written to a company you want to work for, regardless of whether they’re hiring. Also known as an interest letter or a letter of interest, this piece is exactly what it sounds like: words you write expressing your interest in learning more about a company and/or working for them.

Why is Writing a Good Piece Important?

A statement of interest is not a cover letter—you’d use a cover letter to apply for an open position. It’s a secret job search tool you can leverage to land your dream role without ever applying.

While career experts tend to argue the exact percentages, the fact is that many “open” roles are part of the hidden job market. This means countless positions are filled before ever getting posted online. Statements of interest are one way to beat the search engines and proactively search for your next gig. 

Here’s why: recruiters love an interested candidate. A well-crafted statement shows initiative, personal branding, and communication skills that are in high demand across all industries. Most companies will consider a statement of interest a formal employment request; if they have a spot for you, they’ll move you into the next steps of the employment process. If they don’t, they’ll keep your file handy for when a position opens and move you to the top of the list. 

Statement of Interest vs. Cover Letter

Along with a well-formatted resume, both documents can be used during the job search process. However, there are a few key differences between a statement of interest and a cover letter. 

• A cover letter is used to apply for an open job 
• A statement of interest is used to express interest in working at a company, regardless of whether they’re hiring. 

If you’re applying for an open job—one that’s advertised—use a cover letter. You’ll use the job description to write a specific and custom letter that targets the company’s needs and your achievements.

If you want to work at a company that isn’t hiring, leverage a statement of interest. Take the initiative to network, explaining why company ABC is your dream place and how you’ll make a difference in XYZ capacity. You can send a letter of interest no matter your experience level. In either case, discuss what skills or insight you bring to the table and what you’d like to do for them. For example, a recent grad might target a start-up SaaS company and offer to sell their products to consumers or write content to strengthen their brand.

Whether you write a statement of interest or a cover letter, always attach your resume so the reader can get a full picture of your experience.

Structure of a Letter of Interest

Writing a statement of interest includes a pretty straightforward formula for success. A statement of interest includes:

Before your salutation, include the company’s contact information. Bonus points if you can write the name of a hiring manager or team lead you’d like to work for in the contact details and salutation. 

In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in working for the company. Then, allow your second paragraph to describe your experience—your industry-specific qualifications and skills that you’ll use to make a difference at the company. Be specific with your accomplishments here; hard numbers, results, and situational context will help make your case stronger. 

The second paragraph should discuss industry-specific qualifications. and your relevant experience and skills. Highlight your most impressive achievements and use hard numbers to quantify them.

Finally, end your letter with a call to action. Tell the reader how they can reach you (a phone number and/or email address will suffice) and that you hope to have the chance to discuss some of your ideas for the company soon. Then, thank them for their consideration and sign your name.

How to Write a Statement of Interest for Maximum Effectiveness

While the structure is pretty easy to digest, there are a few tricks to writing each section in a way that piques interest and sparks action. 

1. Grab Their Attention on Line One

Toss out your drafts that use “To whom it may concern,” and start with something more interesting. Tell a story. Ask a question. Make a statement. Most other letters will lead with “I’m writing to express my interest…,” but you must strive to be different. 

2. Confess Your Love for the Company

Sometimes, flattery will get you everywhere. Hiring managers want to engage people who are motivated by more than just salary; they want people who believe in the organization, its mission, and its product. In your statement of interest, be bold in your expressions of love and tell them why their company is at the top of your career list.

For example, do you use their products? Subscribe to their newsletter? Attend their annual events? Get specific early on, so they know you mean business.

3. Introduce Yourself and Your Experience

Around the second paragraph, explain who you are and what you do best with a short bio. Or, in other words, explain how you can help them. 

Maybe you have ideas for how you can help them tap into a new opportunity or better ways to fine-tune a process. Get specific. This is important because you’re not applying to an open role, so you must share why they should keep you in mind for future positions. 

Dive briefly into your experience. Highlight two to three areas you specialize in that will prove valuable—a bulleted list works best here.

4. End with an Action

Whether you want them to create a role or score an informational interview, end your letter with a specific ask. Then, thank them for your time and list your contact information at the bottom of the page. 

5. Attach Your Resume

For all letters of interest, attach your resume so interested readers can learn more about your education, experience, and achievements. Don’t forget to direct them to your (updated) LinkedIn profile, so they can explore more. If they want to pass your information along to a decision-maker, they have all the information they need. 

6. Research the company

Similar to a cover letter strategy, research the company so you can tailor your words to the needs of the team, department, or organization. For example, you wouldn’t advertise your mixology experience for a brunch place that only serves coffee and tea, or rave about a product they discontinued last year. Make sure the information you highlight is most pertinent to the company. 

7. Make It Skimmable

The best letters of interest are short, personalized letters that can deliver high-impact in a few words. Three paragraphs (and maybe a bulleted list) are all you need to make your case. In contrast, large paragraphs with chunks of wordy text will overwhelm an unsolicited reader, which lessens the likelihood your statement makes it into the hands of anyone important. 

Good Statement of Interest Example

Key Takeaways

You could stalk Job\Searcher religiously, or you can send a letter of interest introducing yourself as someone they need. Writing a statement of interest requires creative effort, but you don’t get what you don’t ask for. Send your letter and follow up with the company at least once. Who knows what role you might end up in a year from now?