An expression of interest letter can set you apart from other candidates. But how do you write one that will make you stand out from the crowd?
According to Indeed and Training.com.au , here’s how to write an expression of interest.
When to write an expression of interest
If you want to work at a company, an expression of interest can help you build connections there. You can send one at any time, even if there are currently no job openings at the company. The aim is that if and when an opening does come up, you will be at the front of the employer’s mind.
How to write an expression of interest
Include your contact details
At the top of your letter, include a header that contains your full name, mobile phone number and email address. You can include your address if you wish. Including these details will ensure the recipient of your letter can easily contact you.
Greet recipient
You should personally address the letter to an appropriate person at the company, such as a hiring manager. Avoid using generic phrases such as “to whom it may concern” to open your letter. Consider asking your networks for contacts at the company or use social media to identify a relevant contact.
Introduce yourself
Tell the employer who you are and why you are writing to them. Tell them why you would like to work for the company. Mention aspects of the business that you like. Note any particular roles that you are interested in.
Describe your background
Tell the employer what value you would bring to their organisation. This is a good time to highlight your skills and achievements. See if you can locate any job descriptions for roles that were previously advertised at the company. You can use this as a guide to the skills the company looks for in its applicants and see if you can include any of these. Don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or training you may have. Remember, this section is designed to be a taster of your resume, so you don’t have to include absolutely everything here.
Conclude
In your conclusion, you should reiterate your interest in working for the company. Thank the person for reading your letter and say you are available for an interview.
Tips for writing an effective expression of interest
Keep it short
Aim to make your expression of interest no longer than one page, or the reader may lose interest. Use concise language, making sure you include only the most relevant information.
Use your networks
Your networks may know which companies have unadvertised positions. If they work at the same company, they may be able to provide feedback on your letter.
Research The Organisation
The more you understand about a company, the more you can tailor your expression of interest to them. Find out about their vision and mission, press releases and social media. Incorporating some of these details can make your letter stand out. Customising your letter to the company demonstrates you are genuinely interested in working there and not just sending out generic applications.
Proofread
To ensure your letter makes the best impression, it should be free of grammatical and spelling errors. Consider reading the letter aloud to yourself.
Follow up
After submitting your letter, wait for a response. Companies that are not actively recruiting may take a while to get back to you. If you don’t hear anything after a while, consider contacting the company to check if they got the letter and re-iterate your enthusiasm.
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