How To Write A Letter Of Intent The Right Way (2026)

What Is a Letter of Intent?

A letter of intent (LOI) is used to express interest or outline proposed terms for an agreement or transaction. Most LOIs are non-binding, and they open the door for the involved parties to start a conversation or begin negotiating terms.

When and Why to Use One

These are some common circumstances when someone might use a letter of intent:

• When expressing interest in working for a company
• When proposing a donation
• When considering a merger or other business purchase
• When planning to enter into a stock purchase agreement
• When planning to purchase real estate

The exact contents of a letter of intent depend on the circumstances. For instance, if you create a letter of intent to donate, you might outline your planned gift, how you want it to be used, and whether you want to be recognized.

If you’re writing a letter of intent for a job, you might explain why you’re eager to work for the recipient.

Letter of Intent vs. Cover Letter

If you write a letter of intent for a job, you’re contacting a company to express interest in working with them, despite there not being an active job opening. In this context, the letter is a way for you to introduce yourself to the company and gauge its potential interest in hiring you.

A cover letter is sent with a resume when applying for a particular advertised job. A strong cover letter highlights your experience and explains why you’d be a good fit for the open position.

Steps to Draft a Strong LOI

Are you wondering how to write a letter of intent? The exact content will depend on the circumstances, but generally, you should include the following:

• Contact information
• A formal greeting
• A clear statement of your reason for writing
• Details of your intentions
• What the other party should do if they want to move forward
• A signature

If needed, include other documents (like a proposed contract).

Templates and Sample Letters

Templates and sample letters can be a great starting point when writing a letter of intent. However, make sure the letter is tailored to the recipient. If you send something that reads like a generic form letter, you’ll be less likely to get a response.

Not Sure How to Write a Letter of Intent?

The wording of your letter makes a major difference, and having access to a specialized template can help increase your chances of success. At ConsumerShield, we help people from all walks of life access the templates and tools they need to move forward.

If you’re considering writing a letter of intent, take a look at our extensive collection of legal templates and guides.