How to Write a Letter of Intent (LOI) + Sample

What is a letter of intent (LOI)? It is a document outlining one or more agreements between two or more parties before the agreements are finalized.

A letter of intent may also be equivalent to a cover letter which explains the reasons for your interest in the organization and identifies your most relevant skills, abilities, and experiences, spelling out exactly how you qualify for the position.

Preparing to Write Letter of Intent

1. Follow the instructions

All applications, proposals, or other procedures requiring a letter of intent will have specific instructions in terms of which information is required. Review these directions before you begin to write a letter of intent.

You can visit the website of the school or the company. Try to make a phone call if you’re unsure of the instructions.

2. Recipient’s Details

Be as specific as possible. Include the name, address, and position of the recipient in the company.

3. Make an outline

Write down everything that you need to include in the letter of intent. Your personal information, past accomplishments and achievements, awards that have been won, particular challenges that have been overcome, and successes you are most proud of.

You can also include what you plan to do, at school or in business or with whatever you will achieve in the program you’re applying to.

Remember that a letter of intent is generally more comprehensive than a cover letter, though similar. It must have the objectives but defines your career objectives and goals, professional experience, and leadership skills that make you stand out.

Writing the Letter of Intent

1. Introduce yourself

They don’t call it an “introduction” for nothing. If you are writing to a college, include what school you attend and what year you are.

If you’re applying for a business, name the career field or organization/employer with whom you are interested in applying to and for which quarter.

2. Personalize the letter

Make sure the letter of intent addresses the specific institution or organization to which it is being submitted. If it is a letter for graduate school, note why that school is the right choice for you. If it is a business proposal, highlight something that you have done which demonstrates a specific skill set that will apply to that company or organization.

2. Start getting into specifics

Here’s where your letter starts getting good. You need to sell yourself and show adequate knowledge of the program. The next few paragraphs should be dedicated to this.

3. Describe why you are writing the letter.

Describe how you first learned about the internship or job position and why you are excited about it. Why are you interested in it and not their competitors?

State your credentials. Be specific and be honest. You can also say some good things about the school or program. Try to flatter the reader, but do not overdo it.

Then, describe why you find the position appealing, and how your strengths and interests would be a good fit for the position.

3. In the conclusion, request a response

In the conclusion, you need to express your desire for an interview. Make sure that you include all of your contact information in the letter so you can be contacted for the interview. You need to follow up the status of your application as well.

Here’s a sample letter of intent you can use. Ryan Francom CFO Siding and More Inc 123 Anywhere Street Somewhereville, Best State 888891/1/2010Bill Stevenson President Rain Gutters R Us 123 Anywhere Street Somewhereville, Best State 88889Dear Mr. Stevenson, We hereby submit a letter of intent to purchase your business Rain Gutters R Us, its inventory and other assets. We envisage that the principal terms of the proposed transactions would be substantial as follows.We would acquire Rain Gutters R Us including its facilities located at 123 Anywhere Street, its logo, brand, brand equity and customer lists. Furthermore, we would acquire all office and field equipment and inventory. As part of the deal, we would assume the current outstanding debt of $50,000.As consideration for this, we would provide compensation of $400,000 as follows: $50,000 deposit on execution of a purchase agreement $100,000 after 15 day transfer period Balance in equal payments paid monthly the first 6 months after closingAs part of this letter of intent, we would require that you cease shopping for other buyers for a period no less than 60 days to provide us time to complete due diligence and finalize the agreement. We would also require that you not disclose our intent to purchase until after the purchase agreement has been completed and we can issue a joint press release.This letter is not an official purchase agreement. All of the terms and conditions of the proposed transaction would be stated in the Purchase Agreement, to be negotiated, agreed and executed by both parties. If we are selected as a prospective buyer, we anticipate that from the selection date to the closing will take no more than 45 days.Sincerely, Ryan Francom