A colorful block with the caption: How to Write a Compelling Statement of Intent

The Statement of Intent to Apply: A Professional Networking Tool

A statement of intent is a useful tool given the right circumstances and organizational conditions. It is not widely known, but it can be a powerful way to network and establish a relationship with an organization.

Important Note: Applicants to graduate health professions programs should review this resource for recommendations on update letters, including letters of interest and letters of intent. Consult with the Health Professions Career Community director to discuss the content and timing of update letters for your personal circumstances.

When to Write a Statement of Intent

  • Imagine you’re a studio art student and want to work at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City, but there are no jobs open. You could use a statement of intent to land on their radar. You would be launching a networking long game, following up and slowly building a professional relationship. When a job ultimately opens, you’ll be well-known when you make your formal application.
  • As a promising biochemist with a MAP and a conference presentation already on your curriculum vitae (CV—for the difference between a CV and a résumé, please refer to the CLS resource CV vs Résumé), you have discovered a research lab that is exploring your exact field of interest. The lab is attached to a university that has a promising PhD program. Writing a formal letter of interest to the principal investigator could get your application to the program noticed.
  • You have a compelling reason to locate to a particular community after graduation. You’ve read the recent report that Hilton is the number one place to work and discovered there are data science jobs at Hilton in the area you’re moving to. You wish to distinguish yourself from the onslaught of applicants that are seeking to work at Hilton.

A statement of intent (also called a letter of intent) for a job applicant is a document similar to a cover letter. It expresses your interest in a company and explains your qualifications and enthusiasm for the company, often when a specific job opening isn’t available. The document introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your skills and experiences that are relevant to the company, and explains why you want to work with them. It is less specific than a cover letter in that it is not focused exclusively on one particular position.

Most statements of intent fall under the category of cold outreach, networking your way to an opportunity. Occasionally, a company will request a statement of intent. In either scenario, the document will include key components.

Key Components of a Statement of Intent

Introduction

  • State your purpose—to express interest in working for the company and introduce yourself.
  • Do not begin with “I am writing …” or “My name is …” Catch the interest of your reader by highlighting what it is about the person and/or their company that is compelling to you. What about them makes you want to be a part of their organization?

Body Paragraphs

  • Briefly outline your relevant skills, qualifications, and experience, connecting them to the company’s mission, goals, or projects.
  • Mention any specific achievements and how they align with the company’s objectives.
  • If applicable, state the level of position you are seeking (e.g., entry level).
  • If possible, briefly mention something you bring to the table they haven’t even thought of. Keep this a polite suggestion, making sure your idea sounds like an added benefit to the company and not a criticism of anything they are currently doing.

Closing

  • Reiterate your enthusiasm and make a clear call to action by requesting a discussion about potential opportunities.
  • End with a professional sign-off like “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you for your consideration.”