What to put in a letter of intent: template and 6 samples for the Philippines
One page: what you want, why you're ready, and when you can start. Copy the template or one of 6 samples for a job, promotion, transfer, OJT, scholarship or a company that isn't hiring yet.
Letter of intent template
Replace every line in [brackets]. Say what you want in the first line.
Give one or two things you've done that show you're ready, with a number if you have one.
[Their job title, e.g. HR Manager or School Director]
[Company, school or office]
[Address]
Dear [Mr. or Ms. Last name]:
I'm writing to express my intent to [apply for, or be considered for] the [position, program or role] at [company or school].
[Why you want it, in one sentence.]
[One or two things you've done that show you're ready, with a number, e.g. I trained 6 new agents this year.]
[What you'd do or bring in the role, in one sentence.]
I've attached my resume [and the other documents asked for]. I'd be glad to talk at a time that suits you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully yours,
[Signature, if printed]
[Your full name]
Letter of intent samples
Copy the one closest to what you're asking for, and change the details to yours.
Letter of intent for a job application
For a posted job when the listing or the office asks for a letter of intent. Asked for a cover letter or application letter instead? Use the application letter template.
Example only. Rhea Villanueva is an invented person, and every detail is made up.
I'm writing to express my intent to transfer from the night shift billing team to the day shift accounts payable team.
I've worked on the billing team for two years, and since January I've processed supplier invoices for the accounts payable team during month-end close.
I'm asking because my father needs care at night, and a day shift would let me keep doing my job well.
I can move on December 1, 2026, after I train someone to take over my billing accounts.
Thank you for considering my request.
Respectfully yours,
Kimberly Torres
Letter of intent for OJT or an internship
For a student asking a company to take them as an OJT trainee. Name your school, your course and the hours your program needs.
Example only. Angelo Mercado is an invented person, and every detail is made up.
I'm writing to express my intent to do my on-the-job training at XYZ Digital Marketing Inc. I'm a fourth-year BS Business Administration student, major in Marketing Management, at ABC University.
Our program needs 400 hours of OJT from January to April 2027.
I run the Facebook page of our school's marketing society, which grew from 1,200 to 3,000 followers this year, and I edit short videos in CapCut.
I'd be glad to help your social media team with posts, captions and simple videos.
I've attached my resume and the endorsement letter from our OJT coordinator. Thank you for considering my request.
For a scholarship or program that asks why you should get a slot. Say what you'll study, why you need the help, and one result that shows you'll finish.
Example only. Jasmine Pascual is an invented person, and every detail is made up.
I'm writing to express my intent to apply for the ABC Foundation College Scholarship for school year 2027 to 2028.
I plan to take up BS Information Technology at XYZ State University. My mother sells vegetables at the public market, and we can't cover tuition and fare on her income alone.
I'm finishing senior high school with a general average of 94, and I've tutored Grade 6 pupils in math every Saturday for two years.
With this scholarship, I'd study full-time and keep tutoring in our barangay.
I've attached my report card and my certificate of good moral character.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully yours,
Jasmine Pascual
Letter of intent to a company that isn't hiring yet
For a company you'd like to work for that hasn't posted an opening. Say the kind of role you want and ask them to keep you in mind. This one goes by email.
Example only. Miguel Soriano is an invented person, and every detail is made up.
Subject: Letter of intent - Miguel Soriano, Video Editor
Dear Ms. Reyes,
I'm writing to express my intent to join ABC Creative Studio as a video editor when a role opens.
I've edited YouTube videos and short ads for small businesses for three years. Last year I cut 120 short videos for a restaurant group's TikTok page.
I edit in Premiere Pro and CapCut, and I can work Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm Manila time.
My portfolio and resume are attached. I'd be glad to do a short test edit if it helps.
Thank you for your time.
Miguel Soriano
miguel.soriano@example.com | +63 900 000 0000
What a letter of intent should say
Your details and the date at the top, then the name, title and office of the person who decides.
What you want, in the first line: the position, the promotion, the transfer, the OJT slot or the scholarship.
Why you want it, in one sentence.
One or two things you've done that show you're ready, with a number if you can.
When you can start or talk, a thank-you and your name. Attach your resume and anything else they asked for.
Letter of intent or application letter?
An application letter answers a posted job and shows how you fit what the listing asks for. A letter of intent says what you want and why you're ready, so it also works for a promotion, a transfer, OJT or a scholarship. Applying to a job ad that asks for a cover letter? Use the application letter template.
Questions
What's the difference between a letter of intent and an application letter?
An application letter answers a posted job: it shows how you fit what the listing asks for. A letter of intent says what you want and why you're ready, so it also works for a promotion, a transfer, OJT or a scholarship. In the Philippines the two names are often used for the same job letter, so send whichever one the listing or office asks for.
How long should a letter of intent be?
One page, about 200 words: four or five short paragraphs. Your resume covers the rest.
Who do I address a letter of intent to?
The person who decides: the HR or hiring manager for a job, your manager for a promotion or transfer, the school director for a school, the committee for a scholarship. No name? Write "Dear Hiring Manager".
Can I send a letter of intent by email?
Yes. Put "Letter of intent", your name and the role in the subject line, paste the letter into the email, and attach your resume as a PDF, like the video editor sample.
Can I send a letter of intent when there's no job opening?
Yes. Say the kind of role you want and one thing you've done, and ask them to keep you in mind. Keep applying to open jobs at the same time.