What Is a Letter of Interest (and How Is It Different From a Cover Letter)?

Key difference

A cover letter is tied to a specific job posting. A letter of interest expresses general interest in working for a company, even without a current opening — useful for targeting a specific employer directly.

When to use one

If there's a specific company you want to work for regardless of current openings, a letter of interest paired with a direct message to a relevant hiring manager can put you on their radar before a role is even posted.