Discover how to write a professional letter inquiring about job openings. Get a sample letter template to effectively express interest and connect with potential employers.

You’ve identified the employer you’d love to work for—but there’s a catch: they currently have no openings, or none that match your background.

Instead of simply waiting for the right position to show up on their careers page, take a proactive approach. Sending a letter of interest allows you to introduce yourself, make a positive impression on the hiring manager, and learn more about the company and the type of talent they look for. In some cases, it can even lead to discovering a hidden opportunity that never gets publicly posted.

Learn how to craft a professional inquiry letter for job opportunities. Use our sample template to showcase your interest and engage potential employers effectively.

The Hidden Job Market

It may surprise you, but nearly half of all job opportunities are found through personal connections, and over a third are discovered via professional networking. Many positions are never publicly advertised, meaning the hidden job market can offer roles that better match your skills than traditional job board searches.

Key Elements for Your Letter of Interest

A letter of interest is a concise way to express your enthusiasm for connecting with a hiring manager and learning about potential opportunities. Be sure to clearly state the type of role you are seeking and highlight how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate.

Additionally, explain why you are a strong fit for the company and include any relevant references or endorsements that can support your application.

Tip:

Identifying a specific contact in the hiring department—or a manager in the area you’re interested in—can significantly increase the chances that your letter is noticed and read.

Sample Job Inquiry Letter (Text Version)

Derrick Rodriguez

123 Main Street

Anytown, CA 12345

555-555-5555

derrick.rodriguez@email.com

August 26, 2020

Bobbie Lee

Chief Technology Officer

The American Company

123 Business Rd.

Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee,

The American Company has earned a reputation as one of the top workplaces for IT professionals. Your leadership in fostering this culture is evident, and it aligns with my professional values and goals.

I bring a combination of IT expertise and business process knowledge—spanning accounting, finance, facilities, inventory control, budgeting, vendor management, and operational processes—that sets me apart from my peers.

My experience includes managing merger and acquisition projects, navigating high-growth challenges, leading technology replacements, and driving IT process improvements. I have successfully delivered large-scale technology initiatives on time, within budget, and in alignment with business strategy at companies such as ICM, HEP, IBX, and SED.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills could contribute to your organization and explore potential roles where I can add the most value.

Sincerely,

Derrick Rodriguez

Sending an Email Job Inquiry: Best Practices

Reaching out by email offers several strategic advantages over traditional mail. It allows your contact to reply quickly and conveniently, and because most business communication today happens electronically, your message is far more likely to be seen and addressed.

However, when sending your message by email, keep these key differences in mind:

Key Guidelines for an Effective Email Inquiry

1. Skip the formal address block and date. Go straight to the greeting.
2. Craft a strong, clear subject line that attracts attention and avoids spam filters.
3. Example: “Referred by Peter Smith – Request for Informational Interview” or “Exploring Opportunities at XYZ Corp – [Your Name].”
4. Avoid overly casual greetings (e.g., “What’s up?” or “Hi!”) and never leave the subject line empty.
5. Be concise. Email readers have limited attention spans. Keep your message focused—just a few short, purposeful paragraphs.
6. Use a professional email address. Ideally, it should include your name. Avoid playful or inappropriate handles.
7. Leverage your email signature. Add links to your website, LinkedIn, portfolio, or relevant social profiles to make it easy for the recipient to learn more about you.

Read more:

Part-Time Job Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

How to Include Contact Information in a Cover Letter

How to Choose the Right Salutation for Your Cover Letter

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