How to write a letter of intent for a job in the Philippines

Getting noticed in today's Filipino job market requires more than a powerful resume. For many job seekers, a thoughtful and well-written letter of intent can get a hiring manager's attention. A letter of intent is a formal statement representing your interest in working with a company, whether it has advertised a specific position or not. It should demonstrate your resourcefulness, dedication, and alignment with the company's vision. 

This guide will lead you through writing an effective letter of intent that aligns with a Filipino employer's expectations. You can also review a sample letter of intent to help you understand how to write yours.  

• What is a letter of intent? 
• When to use a letter of intent 
• Key components of a letter of intent 
• How to write a letter of intent: Step-by-step guide 
• Tips for writing an effective letter of intent 
• Letter of intent examples for Filipino job seekers 
• Common mistakes to avoid in your letter of intent 
• Crafting a letter of intent that opens doors
• FAQs 

What is a letter of intent? 

A letter of intent expresses your interest in working for a firm, even if there are no open positions. It introduces you, highlights your abilities, and shows your willingness to contribute to the firm. Sending a letter of intent is an excellent approach for young graduates or career changers to show their initiative and contact potential employers. 

Letter of intent vs. cover letter 

The professional community in the Philippines considers the phrases "letter of intent" and "cover letter" to have the same meaning. However, the two mean different things: 

• Letter of intent: These emphasize your interest in the company without stating that you seek a specific position. It shows your adventurous, forward-thinking spirit and enthusiasm for the company's values and mission.  
• Cover letter: A cover letter accompanies an identified job opening. It explains how your qualifications satisfy the position's requirements and should be role-specific and concise. 

The job market in the Philippines is competitive, so employers value personal interaction. Vorecol explains that 76% of recruiters  believe personalization is the most significant aspect in job applications. Well-written letters of intent show the employer the applicant's inventiveness, initiative, and genuine enthusiasm. 

When to use a letter of intent 

A letter of intent is a clever way to get an employer's attention before the hiring process even starts. It can mean you come first to an employer's mind when they have a vacancy. Below are the best times for sending a letter of intent: 

• When you express interest in a company that doesn't have current job openings. 
• When an employer explicitly requests a letter of intent in a job listing. 
• When you apply for executive and upper-management roles or specialized positions. 
• When you look for hidden job markets or networking opportunities. 
• After you attend a networking event to formalize your interest. 
• When a company is potentially hiring or already employs people in your area of expertise. 

Standing out is essential in the Philippines, where over 2.2 million people actively sought jobs in 2023. A powerful letter of intent can be your secret weapon, allowing you to reach out, connect, and show the firm you're ready, even before it lists the job. 

Key components of a letter of intent 

Professionalism is about more than good grammar. Below are the key components that every job seeker ought to include in a well-structured, easy-to-understand letter of intent: 

Language 

Most industries in the Philippines require excellent English, especially for corporate, multinational, or government positions. However, a bilingual approach is fine if you're interested in a local or community-based organization where Tagalog is the common language. 

Contact Information 

Your name, address, phone number, and email should be at the top left corner of the letter. Enter the addressee's name, job title, company, and office address after a line space. 

Example format: 
Juan Dela Cruz 
123 Mabini St., Manila, Philippines 
[email protected] | 0917-123-4567 

[Date] 

Ms. Maria Santos 
HR Manager 
ABC Corporation 
678 Quezon Ave., Quezon City, Philippines 

Formal greeting 

Wherever possible, ensure you send the letter to a specific person. It adds a personal touch. 

Example: 
Dear Ms. Santos, 
or 
Dear Hiring Manager at ABC Corporation (if no name is available) 

Introduction 

The first paragraph is your opener, briefly outlining your purpose (e.g., you want the position or opportunity), and telling the reader how you learned about the company.  

Example: 
"I am writing to express my genuine interest in exploring career opportunities with ABC Corporation. As a communications graduate passionate about digital marketing, I have long admired your company's innovative campaigns and dedication to community engagement." 

Body paragraphs 

This is where you present your qualifications and skills. Show that you have taken the time to learn about the company and that you can somehow contribute to its successful operation.  

Example: 
“I have successfully led campaigns that increased audience engagement by 40% in my three-plus years of experience in content strategy and social media management. My creativity and familiarity with local markets would be a strong asset to ABC Corporation's growing digital team.” 

Call to action 

Respectfully ask for an interview or continued communication. Be confident but humble at the same time – this is essential for Filipino work etiquette. 

Example: 
"I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and goals align with your team. Thank you for considering my letter; I hope to hear from you soon." 

Professional closing 

Ensure you end the letter with a respectful closing phrase.  

Examples of closings: 

Sincerely, 
Respectfully yours, 
Best regards, 

Juan Dela Cruz 

How to write a letter of intent: Step-by-step guide 

Following these few steps will help if you haven't drafted a letter of intent before. An eye-tracking research project found that recruiters only glance at application forms for six to seven seconds, so every sentence you write matters. The following instructions should help you write a letter that leaves a lasting impression. 

1. Research the company  

Take a minute to learn about the company before you start to write. What are its values? What work does it do? What is its objective in the market? Visit the company's website, check its social media profiles, and read recent news about it. This will ensure that you're not sending a generic letter – you're expressing your genuine interest in working with the company. 

2. Choose the right format 

Begin with your layout and ensure it's professional. You can follow the format above. Contact information should come first, followed by the date and the prospective employer's information. Leave space for your signature on printed letters. Include your contact information at the bottom if you're sending an email. A well-designed letter conveys professionalism from the start. 

3. Write a compelling introduction 

Start strong. State your intent and what excites you about working with the company. Your opening sentence should grab the reader and make them curious. Be straightforward and self-assured.  

4. Highlight relevant skills and achievements 

It's your time to show off. Let the employer know your abilities, relevant achievements, and experiences that match the company's potential needs. It's not enough to just mention them; ensure they make sense in the given context. Use some accurate facts and figures to support your claims. 

5. Show alignment with the company 

Make the prospective employer understand your suitability for their company culture, apart from your skills. Tell them about the similarity of your goals to their mission and show that you understand the company's objectives. Almost all recruiters confirm that personalization leads to better results, so you may want to present those thoughts in depth and detail.   

6. Craft a strong closing 

Close the letter positively. After restating your interest, motivate the employer gently but firmly by inviting yourself for a conversation or a job interview. Finally, remember to show your good manners and appreciation by thanking them for their time and consideration of your application. 

7. Proofread and edit 

Don't let little mistakes get in your way. Typing and grammatical errors could quickly lower your letter's score. Reread, read aloud, and have someone else review your work. An error-free letter shows your attention to detail and builds trust with the company.   

Tips for writing an effective letter of intent 

Here are some tips that will help you write an effective letter of intent and leave a strong impression:   

• Keep it concise: Hiring managers prefer short letters, so yours should be no longer than one page. Concisely describe your skills, achievements, and interest in the company.  
• Use strong, active verbs: Make your statements more impressive with action-oriented language. Use words such as "spearheaded," "implemented," "coordinated," or "delivered" instead of "responsible for." 
• Tailor each letter: Letters that are too generic may not get you positive results. Customize your message to the company's goals, values, and culture, which makes your letter more personal and targeted. 
• Highlight transferable skills: Mention the generic transferable skills you possess that are applicable across different sectors, such as communication, teamwork, or project management, even if you're switching job focus.   
• Use a professional tone: You shouldn't be over-friendly or too formal. Keep your tone warm and respectful.   
• Include quantifiable achievements: Give proof of your skills using numbers and percentages rather than stating, “I improved customer service.” Instead, say, “I increased customer satisfaction ratings by 20% in six months.” 
• Follow up: Wait about a week after sending your letter to contact the firm. You can be proactive without being forceful by sending a brief, polite email to confirm the letter arrived, demonstrating your interest.    

Letter of intent examples for Filipino job seekers 

Below are two sample letters of intent. One is for a particular job application and the other for general interest in a company. Each sample is appropriate for the Philippines business environment and uses the abovementioned tips. 

Letter of intent sample for a specific job posting  

[Your Name]   

[Address]   

[Mobile number]   

[Email address]   

[Date]   

[Hiring manager's name]   

ABC Corporation   

[Company address]   

Dear [Hiring manager's name], 

I am writing to express my keen interest in the marketing associate position your company recently posted on JobStreet. My bachelor's degree in business administration and over two years of experience in digital marketing make me confident in my ability to contribute to ABC Corporation's mission of delivering innovative marketing strategies to Filipino audiences. 

In my previous role at a local startup, I led social media campaigns that increased engagement by 35% within three months. I also managed content creation for targeted ads, resulting in a 20% boost in lead generation. These achievements reflect my ability to generate measurable outcomes and my deep understanding of the Philippine consumer market. 

What draws me to ABC Corporation is your focus on community-driven branding – an approach I strongly believe in. I am excited about the opportunity to bring creativity, strategic thinking, and a collaborative spirit to your marketing team. 

I welcome the chance to discuss how my skills align with your company's vision. Thank you for considering my application. 

Sincerely,   

[Your full name] 

Why it works: The position-specific letter is brief and to the point. It highlights results, uses action language, and fits the company's culture. The serious and polite wording respects Philippine business etiquette, and the call to action is appropriate.  

Letter of intent sample to express general interest  

[Your name]   

[Address]   

[Mobile number]   

[Email address]   

[Date]   

[Hiring manager's name]   

JKL Solutions Inc.   

[Company address]   

Dear [Hiring manager's name], 

I am writing to express my interest in exploring potential employment opportunities at JKL Solutions Inc. As an IT professional with four years of experience in software development and systems integration, I admire your company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions in the Philippine tech landscape. 

I have developed web applications for SMEs, automated manual processes, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to deploy scalable software systems throughout my career. My ability to adapt and innovate aligns with JKL Solutions' forward-thinking culture. 

Although there may not be an opening at this time, I would be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to your team should a suitable position become available. I am confident that my technical skills and passion for continuous learning make me a strong consideration for future opportunities within your organization. 

Thank you for considering my expression of interest. I look forward to the possibility of connecting with you soon. 

Sincerely,   

[Your full name] 

Why it works: This letter isn't targeting a position. It presents the writer as enterprising and interested in the company. The writer uses formal language, mentions digital market talents, and is polite and cheerful.  

Common mistakes to avoid in your letter of intent 

Your letter of intent should leave an impact. Sometimes, it's not the content you put into the letter that makes you unique, but what you choose to omit. Avoid the common mistakes below to help you convey the appropriate impression.   

• Generic salutations (e.g., "To Whom It May Concern") – use the hiring manager's name. 
• Rehashed resumes – provide fresh information. 
• Too many details about what you want – tell the employer what you can offer them. 
• Lack of information – research the company thoroughly. 
• Overly formal or complicated language – keep it simple. 
• Spelling and grammatical errors – proofread your letter. 
• No further contact – follow up appropriately. 

Crafting a letter of intent that opens doors 

Writing a letter of intent might feel unfamiliar, but it’s a powerful way to show initiative and stand out in a competitive job market. Whether you’re reaching out about a dream company or applying for a role not yet posted, a well-crafted letter can help you get noticed and remembered. 

By tailoring your message, highlighting your strengths, and showing genuine interest, you can make a strong impression even before the hiring process begins. Use the tips and examples in this guide to shape a letter that reflects both your professionalism and personality. 

Remember: you don’t need to wait for an opening to make a connection. A thoughtful letter of intent could be the first step toward your next opportunity. 

FAQs 

1. What are the current employment trends in the Philippines that make a letter of intent important? 
   ⁠The 2025 Philippine job market is very competitive, and unemployment was around 1.94 million individuals in February. A compelling letter of intent will differentiate you from others. 
2. How do Filipino employers typically view letters of intent compared to other job application documents? 
   ⁠Filipino employers think of a letter of intent as a document demonstrating the job seeker's energy and sincerity.  
3. What are the preferred fonts and formatting styles for business letters in the Philippines? 
   ⁠Business letters typically use standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, with a font size of 11 or 12. Basic formatting includes single spacing, precise arrangement, and one-inch margins. 
4. How do multinational companies operating in the Philippines view letters of intent from local applicants? 
   ⁠Multinational companies consider letters of intent as a gesture of interest and energy. They appreciate it when people send letters despite the lack of job openings because they show an understanding of the company's values. 
5. What are some common mistakes specific to Philippine job seekers when writing letters of intent? 
   ⁠Typical errors include using overly formal language, not customizing the letter to the company, and forgetting to research the company. These mistakes can make a letter seem impersonal or irrelevant from the company's perspective.