Letter of intent vs cover letter: which letter you need, and how they differ.
These letters overlap, and people use the names loosely. What matters is the situation: a specific posted job, an organisation you want to join without a posting, a programme you are applying to, or a person you are being introduced to.
A cover letter accompanies an application for a specific, advertised job. A letter of intent states your intention to join a programme, organisation or position and is common for graduate school, fellowships and some employers. A letter of interest asks about roles that may not be advertised. A letter of introduction presents you, or someone else, to a new contact. Follow the name the organisation uses.
How to choose and write the right letter
- Identify the situation. Advertised job, programme application, unadvertised role or new contact.
- Use the organisation's term. If they ask for a letter of intent, call it that and follow their instructions.
- Match the content to the purpose. A cover letter targets one posting; a letter of intent explains your goals and fit with a programme or organisation.
- Keep the evidence specific. Each letter still needs one or two concrete examples of what you have done.
- End with the right request. An interview, consideration for a programme, a conversation or an introduction.
- Keep it to one page. Unless the organisation asks for more.
Illustrative examples to adapt
Illustrative: every name, employer, school, date and number in these samples is fictional or a bracketed placeholder. Replace each bracket with your own true details; never copy a result you did not achieve.
Letter of intent
When to use: A programme, fellowship or organisation that asks for one.
Dear [Name or selection committee], I'm writing to state my intent to [join, apply to or pursue] [programme or position] at [Organization]. My goal is [what you want to achieve], and [Organization]'s [specific feature] is why I'm applying here. In [recent role or study], I [what you did], which [result you can prove]. That experience prepared me to [what you will do in the programme or role]. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, [Your name]
Letter of introduction
When to use: Introducing yourself to a new professional contact.
Dear [Name], [Mutual contact's name] suggested I reach out. I'm a [job title] working on [area], and I'd value [specific, small request: a short conversation, advice on one question]. I understand your time is limited, so I'm happy to work around your schedule. Best regards, [Your name]
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every sample on this page is free to use without buying anything.
Which letter is which
| Letter | Use it when | What it asks for |
|---|---|---|
| Cover letter | Applying for a specific advertised job | An interview. |
| Letter of intent | A programme, fellowship or organisation asks for one | Consideration for that programme or role. |
| Letter of interest | No job is advertised but you want to work there | A conversation about possible roles. |
| Letter of introduction | Meeting a new contact | A conversation or connection. |
| Statement of purpose | Graduate school applications | Admission, focused on academic goals. |
The same line, rewritten
Illustrative example with placeholders.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | I am writing this letter to express my intent and interest in any opportunities you may have. |
| Strong | I'm writing to state my intent to apply for [programme or position] at [Organization], because [specific reason], building on [result you can prove]. |
Why it matters: The weak line mixes letter types and says nothing specific. The strong one names the purpose, the reason and the evidence.
Before you send it
- You used the letter type the organisation asked for.
- The opening states the purpose.
- One or two specific examples are included.
- The request at the end matches the letter type.
- It fits on one page.
- Names and titles are spelled correctly.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong letter type for the situation.
- Sending a generic letter of intent with no reason for choosing this organisation.
- Making a big request in a letter of introduction.
- Leaving out evidence because the letter is not for a job posting.
- Ignoring the organisation's length or format instructions.
Build yours
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a letter of intent and a cover letter?
Is a letter of intent the same as a letter of interest?
What is a letter of introduction?
How long should a letter of intent be?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. Advice is labelled as advice. Every sample uses a fictional person marked '(illustrative)' or a 'Your name' placeholder, and every employer, school, date and result is a bracketed placeholder for your own true details.
- What a specific employer screens for: always read the posting.
- Your results: we never invent numbers, and you should never copy a result you did not achieve.
- Outcomes: no resume, letter, profile or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 4, 2026.