How to write an expression of interest letter
There’s a job you’ve got your eye on, and you’ve got all (or most) of the relevant skills and qualifications. They don’t seem to be advertising any open positions, but you still want to reach out to them. Did you know you can get ahead of the competition and show your interest with an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
An EOI is a letter where you express your enthusiasm for a role and outline why you think you’re the ideal person for it. Whether you are looking to get first consideration for a role or you’re aiming for a promotion within your current employer, a well-written expression letter of interest for a job can give you the leading edge.
In this article, we cover the essential steps of writing an expression of interest, the elements to include, tips to stand out, and common pitfalls to avoid.
What is an expression of interest?
An expression of interest is a formal letter to show enthusiasm in, and put yourself forward for, a particular job. Unlike a standard cover letter, which responds to a specific job posting, an EOI is often unsolicited and shares your enthusiasm for opportunities or roles that may not yet be advertised.
Submitting an EOI has several purposes and benefits:
It shows you are proactive and genuinely interested in the organisation, which leaves a positive impression on hiring managers.
By reaching out, you open up lines of communication with a potential employer, which could lead to networking opportunities and future job offers.
It allows you to highlight your fit with the organisation’s culture and long-term goals, making a strong case for why you would be a valuable addition to the team.
You get the full attention of the person/people who’d be in charge of hiring, rather than competing with multiple other applicants to a job ad.
When to use an expression of interest
An expression of interest can help you get noticed. A well-timed EOI can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise pass you by. Here are some times an EOI could be used.
Unadvertised roles: often, companies have positions that are not yet advertised, or in the early stages of being discussed. Submitting an EOI can throw your hat into the ring early.
Internal opportunities: if you are already employed within an organisation and are interested in moving to a different department or taking on a new role, an EOI can help you formally express your interest and qualifications for internal promotions or transfers.
Networking events: after meeting key people at networking events, sending an EOI can build on that connection and demonstrate your interest in potential opportunities.
New or growing companies: startups or companies undergoing rapid growth often have evolving needs and might not have a formal hiring process in place. An EOI can bridge this gap to introduce you as a potential applicant.
How to write an expression of interest
Writing an effective expression of interest (EOI) involves sharing your enthusiasm, qualifications and fit for the role or company. Here are the essential steps and elements involved in writing an effective EOI.
1. Research the company and role
Start by thoroughly researching the company and role before writing your expression of interest. Understanding the organisation’s mission, values and current projects allows you to tailor your EOI.
Visit the company’s website: explore the ‘About Us’ section, read recent news, and take a look at the company’s blog or press releases.
Social media: follow the company’s social media profiles for updates.
Networking: reach out to current or former employees to gain insider perspectives.
Industry news: stay updated with industry news to understand the company’s position in the market.
2. Address the right person
Addressing your EOI to the appropriate person or department shows your attention to detail and personalises the letter. It also helps your EOI get seen by the right person. Here are some tips to find the right person:
Company website: look for the ‘Contact Us’ section or the leadership team page to find the relevant person.
Networking: ask your network if they know the appropriate contact person.
Phone call: call the company to ask for the name and title of the person responsible for hiring.
3. Start with a strong opening paragraph
To make a positive first impression, write a strong opening paragraph to grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for your EOI. Here’s how:
Make a personal connection with the reader by mentioning a recent achievement or project of the company that impressed you.
Mention if you were referred by someone within the company.
State the role or opportunity you are interested in so your intentions are clear.
4. Highlight your relevant skills and experience
It’s important to stand out to the hiring manager, so your skills are front of mind when any opportunities arise. That’s why you should showcase any relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.
Highlight key skills that match the job’s general requirements and use a concrete example to back it up.
For example:
With more than five years’ experience in accounting and a proven track record of minimising departmental spend, I am confident in my ability to contribute to XYZ Company’s financial goals.
5. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and motivation
The more enthusiasm you show for the company, the more likely you’ll be remembered for future opportunities. Start by sharing how your values line up with the company’s mission, whether it’s their commitment to sustainability, flexible work ethic, or community service values. Next, share any experiences or qualities you have that would fit with the company culture. For example, if you thrive in team environments or are committed to sustainability.
6. Conclude with a call to action
You want the reader to take action at the end of your letter, rather than filing it in a drawer never to be seen again. Express your desire for an opportunity to discuss your application further. For example, Please let me know if it’s possible to give you a quick call about upcoming job opportunities.
You can also mention your intention to follow up. For example, I’ll follow up next week via email to see if there’s an opportunity to quickly discuss potential job openings.
7. Proofread and edit
The last thing you want is to write an amazing EOI only to have a few typos slip through. This is why it’s important to proofread and edit your EOI thoroughly before hitting send. Here’s how:
Read through your EOI several times, focusing on grammar, spelling and clarity.
Ask a friend or colleague to review your EOI and provide constructive feedback.
Reading your EOI aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing or errors you might have missed.
Expression of interest letter example
Ready to start your EOI? Here’s a sample expression of interest letter template to give you some inspiration.
EOI letter template
[Your name] [Date] [Recipient’s name] Dear [recipient’s name], Introduction: Purpose statement: Background and qualifications: Fit with the organisation: Closing and call to action: Sincerely, [Your name] |
Tips for writing an effective EOI
To ensure your expression of interest (EOI) stands out, consider these additional tips and strategies:
Be specific and concis. Aim to keep your EOI to one page and use bullet points for key achievements, to make it easy to read.
Showcase your unique value. Highlight what sets you apart from other candidates. Mention unique skills, or experiences that you bring to the table.
Use a professional tone. Avoid overly casual language and ensure your EOI is free of slang or jargon.
Tailor your EOI. Match your qualifications and experiences with the specific requirements of the role.
Express enthusiasm. Show genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company. Your passion can make a significant impact.
Common mistakes to avoid
While putting together your EOI, there are some common mistakes that may hinder your efforts. Try to avoid:
Being too generic. Tailor your EOI to be specific and relevant.
Lack of research. Ensure you understand the company’s mission, values and current projects.
Overemphasising responsibilities. Demonstrate the impact of your work with specific examples.
Neglecting proofreading. Errors in your EOI can leave a negative impression. Proofread thoroughly to ensure your EOI is polished and professional.
Tailoring the EOI to different industries or roles
Different industries have their own unique challenges and characteristics, so in your EOI it’s a good idea to tailor your language to line up with the industry. Some tips:
Industry-specific language. Use language and terminology specific to the industry you are applying to, but be careful not to overload your letter with jargon.
Brush up on industry trends. Mention current trends or challenges in the industry and how your background positions you to address them.
Company culture fit. Research the company’s culture and values and tailor your EOI to show how you fit.
Role-specific customisation: different roles may require different skill sets. Ensure your EOI highlights the most relevant skills and experiences for the specific role you are targeting.
Writing an expression of interest (EOI) is a great way to stand out and get early consideration for a vacant position. Throughout this article, we’ve covered the essential components of an effective EOI, including researching the company and role, addressing the right person, creating a strong opening paragraph, highlighting your relevant skills and experience, demonstrating your enthusiasm and motivation, concluding with a clear call to action, and ensuring your EOI is error-free by proofreading and editing. By taking the time to craft thoughtful and personalised EOIs, you’ll get access to jobs ahead of other professionals in your field.
FAQs
What is the difference between an expression of interest and a cover letter?
An expression of interest (EOI) is a proactive letter expressing your interest in potential job opportunities or internal roles within a company. On the other hand, a cover letter is typically submitted in response to a specific job advertisement and is tailored to match the job's criteria.
How long should an expression of interest be?
An expression of interest should be concise; ideally one page in length. This helps make it easy to read and straight to the point. You should highlight your key qualifications, express your enthusiasm, and make a strong case for why you would be a valuable addition to the company without being too wordy.
Should I follow up after submitting an expression of interest?
Yes, following up after submitting an expression of interest is good practice. It provides an opportunity to share your enthusiasm for the role or the company and can help keep your application in mind for the hiring managers.
Can I submit an expression of interest for multiple positions at the same company?
Yes, you can submit an expression of interest for multiple positions at the same company, but each EOI should be tailored to the specific role. This demonstrates your genuine interest and understanding of each role.
How can I make my expression of interest stand out?
To make your expression of interest stand out, personalise it for the company, highlight specific achievements and share your enthusiasm and fit for the role. Ensure your EOI is well-structured, error-free and is written in a professional yet engaging tone.
Is it appropriate to include salary expectations in an expression of interest?
No, it’s generally not appropriate to include salary expectations in an expression of interest. An EOI should focus on expressing your interest, your qualifications, what you can offer the company, and your fit for the company or role. Discussing salary expectations this early can be off-putting to the hiring manager. Instead, it’s better to wait until later stages of the hiring process.