Uncover Hidden Jobs: Master the Letter of Intent
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Introduction:If you’re reading this, it’s because you have that nagging gut feeling that there are "hidden" jobs out there. Ones that never make it to the chaotic feed of LinkedIn or the black hole of job boards. You feel like every possible position isn’t actually listed, and you’re right. You want to be in the know, and that is exactly why I wrote this. I once felt the same way. I felt like there was a secret code I could crack to get into roles that actually suited me, rather than just competing for the scraps everyone else is fighting over. Well, I found the code. It’s called the Letter of Intent. But a fair warning: You need to put on your audacity pants for this one. To pull this off, you have to be bold. We’re leaving the "I don’t feel worthy" or "They probably won't answer me" talk at the door. We are trading permission-seeking for purpose-driven action. If you’re ready to stop waiting for an invite and start planting your flag, let’s get started. Why the Letter of Intent is Your Secret Weapon?Most job seekers make the mistake of limiting their search to the "scraps" found on LinkedIn or job boards. But here is the truth: a massive chunk of roles are never advertised. They are filled behind the scenes through referrals, internal shifts, or by managers who decide to create a role simply because the right person showed up. A Letter of Intent (LOI) is your ticket into this hidden market. Instead of waiting for permission to apply, you are making the first move—strategically, professionally, and with purpose. When you send an LOI, you immediately shift from "applicant" to "potential hire" because it:
In short: You aren't asking for a seat at the table—you're showing them why they should pull one out for you. How to Write an Effective Letter of IntentTo turn this "Secret Weapon" into a reality, you need to think of your Letter of Intent as planting a flag. It is a proactive outreach that defines the conversation on your terms before a job is even posted. By leading with a punchy professional summary and 1–3 high-impact wins, you stop waiting for an opening and start positioning yourself as the solution they didn’t know they needed. Follow these steps to make your letter of intent memorable and execute each section with precision: 1. Clearly Express Interest in the Company Your opening paragraph should answer two questions immediately:
Avoid generic statements like “I admire your organization.” Be specific. You can strengthen your opening by:
Specificity proves intention. Intention earns attention. 2. Quantify Your Achievements Your letter of intent should give the employer a preview of your impact. Whenever possible, use numbers to show results. Metrics make your claims credible and concrete. Weak example: Stronger example: You don’t need many accomplishments—two or three well-chosen examples are enough if they’re relevant and measurable. 3. Highlight Relevant Skills (Not All of Them) Your goal isn’t to list everything you can do. It’s to spark curiosity. Focus on:
For example:
Choose skills that connect your experience to their business needs. 4. End With a Clear Call to Action Don’t end passively. Close your letter by inviting the next step, such as:
This shows confidence, clarity, and interest—without pressure. Always include your contact information so responding is effortless. Letter of Intent Example :Dear Hiring Manager, I’ve been following [Company Name]’s work in [industry or area], particularly your recent focus on [specific initiative, product, or value]. Your commitment to [mission or goal] strongly aligns with my professional interests and experience. In my recent roles, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute measurable results, including:
My background in [key skills or tools] would allow me to contribute meaningfully to your team, particularly in areas related to [relevant function or department]. I would welcome the opportunity to connect for a brief conversation or informational interview to learn more about your team’s future needs. I can be reached at [phone number] or [email address]. Sincerely, Letter of Intent : TemplateDear Hiring Manager, Paragraph 1: Explain why you’re interested in this company. Reference something specific—how you found them, what you admire, or a recent development that caught your attention. Key accomplishments:
Paragraph 2: Describe your most relevant skills and how they could benefit the organization. Focus on value, not duties. Paragraph 3: End with a call to action. Invite a conversation and include your phone number and email address. Sincerely, Audacity-Laced Subject LinesYou’ve got the mindset. You’ve written the letter. Now, you need to make sure they actually open it. Here are some audacity-laced subject lines you can use once you have completed the body of your letter:
The Rule of Thumb: If it feels a little scary to send, you’re probably doing it right. The "Audacity Pants" ChecklistBefore you hit send, run through this quick 4-point check:
Don’t Just Open the Door—Be Ready to Walk Through It.A letter of intent is a proactive move that positions you as a solution before a problem is even advertised. So when you reach out to a company that isn't actively hiring, your resume can’t just be a list of responsibilities; it has to be a promise of future results. If your resume feels like a look back rather than a step forward, you’ll lose the momentum your letter worked so hard to create. Before you send your letter, assess your resume as recruiters do: I’ve developed the Effective Resume Assessment to give you the exact criteria recruiters use to judge your resume in the first six seconds. This tool takes the mystery out of the hiring process, showing you exactly where your resume is losing impact and how to fix it fast. Download the Assessment & Improve Your Resume Now: Effective Resume Assessment Your letter is your hook and your resume is your proof. Before you hit send, make sure your "proof" is just as compelling as your "hook."
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