 Writing a letter of intent can be a challenge. Use our free letter of intent template to make drafting your letters easy.Â
What is a Letter of Intent?
A letter of intent (also called a letter of interest) refers to a piece of writing that details the terms of a proposed deal or partnership between two parties. It can be used for various reasons: to show intent for scholarship, residency, lease or purchase real estate, personal property purchase, business negotiations, job, promotion, joint venture, merger, and acquisition transaction, etc.
How to Write a Letter of Intent
Like any other official letter, the opening line of your letter has to be interesting enough to capture the reader’s attention. You can write something specific or engaging either about yourself or the recipient. This can include the unique skills, passions, and experiences you bring to the table and how they align with the other party’s needs.
You also need to explain in your letter why you want to work with the recipient. You may have all it takes to work with them, but it’s essential to convince them why you chose them and not others.
Even though the whole point of writing a letter of intent is to show your interest in partnering with the recipient, ensure that they get a few takeaways from the letter. You can only achieve that by being concise and sticking to the letter’s purpose all through.
Is a Letter of Intent binding?
The language/wording used in a letter of intent determines whether it’s legally binding or not. Ordinarily, letters of intent contain provisions that clearly indicate they’re non-binding. However, words such as ‘Offer’ or ‘Agree’ show the letter is binding. Also, when conditional language is used, the letter becomes binding once the condition is fulfilled unless stated otherwise.
Even if the letters omit such disclaimers, a court can still rule that the letters are only expressing intent. To make the ruling, a court will rely on two main factors: the actions both parties take after signing the letter and the expressions of intent stated in the letter. If the court treats the letter of intent as a contract, it can rule it as binding.
The relationship between the two parties also can determine whether the letter of intent is binding. If two parties have a history of signing non-binding agreements, the court will most likely declare the latest letter of intent as non-binding.
If you don’t want your letter to be binding, it’s advisable to use strong non-binding language instead of relying on assumptions.
Letter of Intent Format
Letters of intent use the business letter format. To write your letter, follow the format below:
Address
Write your full name, physical address, and contact at the top of your letter of intent.
Letter Date
This is the date that you’ll send your letter. It comes right after your address.
Addressee
This is the address of your recipient. Instead of generic names and titles, search for the details of the appropriate person you want to address. Write their name, title, organization, and physical address.
Salutation
The salutation has to be professional. Instead of the generic salutation, write the recipient’s title and last name in your salutation.
Introduction
Formally introduce yourself, explain your experience level, and the specific action to which you’re writing the letter. Omit any negative details when writing your letter.
Body
This is where you elaborate on the value you’ll add to your recipient. State how your skills and competencies will help the recipient realize their objectives and needs. Give examples of how you achieved a similar goal in the past.
Call-to-Action
Explain what you want the recipient to do after reading your letter of intent.
Closing
Close your letter by formally signing off. Include your signature, your full name, and contact information if you didn’t put it in your address.
Letter of Intent Template
[Your Full Name] [Your Street Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] [Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Organization Name] [Street Address] [City, State, Zip Code]Dear (Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr./Prof./) [Recipient’s Last Name]
First Paragraph:
State who you are and the reason for writing the letter. Indicate if you’re responding to an advertisement and/or explain why you want to work with your recipient.
Middle Paragraph:
- Highlight your skills, abilities, strengths, or what you’ll offer as compensation to the recipient.
- State how the aforementioned will benefit your prospective partner.
- Remember also to include the conditions for the transaction, such as confidentiality and due diligence.
Last Paragraph: Thank the recipient for reading your letter and then put a call to action. Write a short paragraph stating how you’ll follow up. Otherwise, simply indicate you look forward to hearing from the recipient.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature] [Your Full Name]Letter of Intent Samples
Letter of Intent for a Graduate School
Jack Scott
4512 Rockdale Lane
Philadelphia, PA 84610
451-642-6430
jackscott@gmail.com
May 8, 2021
Prof. Boris Henderson
Dean of College
University of Maryland
Rough Street
Baltimore, MD 97412
Dear Prof. Henderson,
I am writing to apply for a Ph.D. program in Clinical Dentistry at your institution for the next academic year. I possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Surgery from the University of Leipzig and a Master’s Degree in Dental Science from Oxford University. I have been working as a Dentist at Cleveland Clinic for the past four years.
After completing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I have been able to diagnose and treat hundreds of teeth problems. But since I look forward to addressing practically any kind of teeth issue globally, I feel advancing my education further is the most appropriate thing to do.
Your institution’s reputation and approach to studies contributed to my choice to attend graduate school. With my education so far, work experience, and unmatched desire for dentistry, I believe I am a great fit for this doctoral program.
Thanks for reading my application to this end. It would be my greatest honor to undertake my doctoral studies at this university. If you need any more information from me, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Sincerely,
Jack Scott
Letter of Intent for a Job
Mary Heller
Customer Service Assistant
Snowflake Credit Limited
Fourth Street
Ithaca, NY 40584
June 2, 2021
Michael Smith
Human Resources Manager
Excel Bank
High Avenue
Richmond, VA 71408
Dear Mr. Smith,
I hereby write to express my interest in working with Excel Bank’s Customer Service Department. Excel has been my bank of choice for close to two years now, and I’ve loved the way you do things. It’s no surprise this bank has been the most profitable in the country for six years back-to-back and has the largest customer base.
I graduated from the University of Exeter with a Public Relations degree in 2015. I also have years of customer service experience, having worked at Snowflake Credit Limited for three years and Golden Technologies for two years.
I have learned a lot at the workplace and made numerous contributions to the two organizations. For example, at Golden Tech, I devised digital marketing strategies that raised the number of customers threefold within my first year there. I also proposed new services at Snowflake that have seen the company’s profits increase by 42% in the three years.
If given a chance to join Excel Bank, I will be bringing on a mix of value and experience. I have been able to make an impact everywhere I worked, and I’m certain I’ll do the same at this bank. For further discussion, feel free to contact me at 541-205-5107 or email maryheller@gmail.com.
Respectfully yours,
Mary Heller
Letter of Intent Real Estate
Davis Harris
Rail Street
Orlando, FL 26540
056-063-1662
davisharris@gmail.com
July 27, 2021
Juliet Reina
Vibe Road
Miami, FL 49810
Dear Ms. Reina,
This letter is meant to inform you of my desire to purchase your property situated along Hamilton Avenue, Miami, FL. I got to know about the building through a real estate agent and immediately developed an interest in acquiring it.
I plan to expand my business in Miami at a place that my employees and I can access with ease. The market in the region is also growing, and my goal is to meet their needs. From my assessment, your property is best suited to be my next business premise.
Kindly let me know when you’ll be free so that we meet and talk about it further. It would also be my pleasure to take a walk at the property before we come to an agreement. Please contact me when ready to meet.
Sincerely,
Davis Harris
Letter of Intent to Homeschool
Jessica Clinton
Lowland Street
Richmond, VA 02494
049-016-6831
jessicaclinton@yahoo.com
April 15, 2021
Kristi Fernandez
Director
Victory Prep School
460 Straight Avenue
Houston, TX 60046
Dear Ms. Fernandez,
I am writing to let you know we shall be homeschooling our two kids for the 2021-2022 academic school year. They are Jane Rodriguez and Daniel Warren.
Jane, born on January 21, 2015, will be in second grade, while Daniel, born on April 2, 2012, will be in fifth grade in the upcoming school year. The two will receive their home education from me in our home located at the above-listed address.
The homeschool education will begin on August 3, 2021. I hope that you accept this notice.
Respectfully yours,
Jessica Clinton
Letter of Intent Residency
Magdalene Gretchen
420 Hull Street
Seattle, WA 64013
460-904-6503
magdalenegretchen@yahoo.com
May 6, 2021
Dr. Johnson Shaw
Program Director
The Johns Hopkins Hospital Program
Hope Road
New York, NY 46973
Dear Dr. Shaw,
I am writing to express my eagerness and interest in enrolling in the residency program at your medical school. I did an interview on April 15, 2021, and I am willing to accept a spot in your residency program should I be offered one. Your program was my first choice, and I believe it is the right one for me.
The residency program at Johns Hopkins Hospital excites me because it features a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with my long-term career goals. I believe it will expand my knowledge and strengthen my skills and abilities as a Surgeon. I’m confidently saying this since I know a few surgeons who undertook this program and are doing extremely well in their professions.
I think I’m the best candidate to take up this position because I emerged top of my class at the University of Nottingham Medical School, where I obtained my M.D. two years ago. While there, I led the research team that developed the Atrazine anesthetic. This anesthetic induces numbness within ten seconds of injection and remains effective for up to six hours. I did my thesis on the same, and it received praise from the world’s top medical professionals.
Given my education, experience, and fieldwork, I am well prepared to undertake your residency program. If given a chance, I will strive to maintain the reputation of The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Thanks for your time, and I hope you accept my request.
Best regards,
Magdalene Gretchen
Letter of Intent to Purchase
Steve Willis
Managing Director
Hobo Industries
Pink Road
Austin, TX 04846
June 27, 2021
Samuel Wyatt
Marketing Manager
Greenbelt Limited
Sundown Avenue
Houston, TX 97122
Dear Mr. Wyatt,
Following the conversation we had over the phone, I am pleased to inform you that we will be purchasing your products from next week, if possible.
We took our time to study the companies that have previously bought your POS systems and were convinced they’re the best in the market at the moment. Our company has had transaction issues for a long time, and we strongly believe your electronics will help streamline our operations.
I, therefore, propose that you arrange a meeting at your convenient time so that we agree on the transaction details and seal the deal. I look forward to positive feedback as soon as possible. If you need any clarifications or have any concerns, please contact me straight away.
Sincerely,
Steve Willis
940-956-2694
stevewillis@hobo.com
Letter of Intent for Promotion
Daniel McLaren
Communications Assistant
Multiplex Inc.
New Avenue
San Francisco, CA 51500
July 5, 2021
Laura Hines
Human Resources Manager
Multiplex Inc.
New Avenue
San Francisco, CA 51500
Dear Ms. Hines,
It has been an honor to serve Multiplex Inc. for the last three years as the Communications Assistant. I am writing this letter to officially apply for the Communications Officer role that fell vacant last month.
I have the relevant qualifications to take up this position and can competently execute all the responsibilities. I have also been able to gain valuable skills, knowledge, and experience while working as a Communications Assistant.
During my tenure at this company, I have introduced and implemented new communication strategies, track social media campaigns reach, initiate relationships with like-minded stakeholders, trained interns, and propose a customer-centric approach. As a result, my efforts have seen the customer base grow by 35%, and revenues increase by 46%.
I am ready for fresh challenges that will help further develop my skills and abilities. I promise to do more than I’ve done before to keep this company growing. Together with the supporting team I have, I believe I have ample time to address the company’s communications needs.
Thanks for reading my letter. I look forward to a favorable response. If you need any clarifications, I am available on call, by email, or in person.
Best wishes,
Daniel McLaren
956-906-6568
danielmclaren@multiplex.com
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