Spencer Lanoue
Writing a letter of continued interest can feel like you're walking a tightrope. You're trying to express your enthusiasm without coming across as desperate, all while hoping that your words make a genuine impact. If you've been waitlisted by a college or university, or if you're revisiting a job application after some time, a well-crafted letter of continued interest can help tip the scales in your favor. Let's break down how to write one so that your enthusiasm shines through naturally and persuasively.
Why Write a Letter of Continued Interest?
Before we jump into the details of how to write this kind of letter, it's important to understand why you would want to send one in the first place. A letter of continued interest serves as a reminder to the admissions office or employer that you're still very much interested in the position or spot. It keeps your application fresh in their minds and can highlight any new achievements or developments that weren't part of your original application.
For colleges, this letter can show that you're genuinely committed to attending their institution. For job applications, it can reinforce your interest in the position and keep you on the radar of hiring managers. Now, let's get into how to craft a letter that feels genuine, engaging, and impactful.
Getting Started: Know Your Audience
Like any piece of writing, understanding who you're writing to is crucial. Are you addressing an admissions officer at a college, or a hiring manager at a company? Each audience will have different expectations and priorities.
College Admissions: Admissions officers want to know why you're a great fit for their school. Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and how these align with what the college offers.
Job Applications: Hiring managers are looking for candidates who will add value to their team. Emphasize any new skills, experiences, or projects that make you a stronger candidate now than when you first applied.
Structuring Your Letter
There's no one-size-fits-all format for a letter of continued interest, but a clear structure can make your message more compelling. Here's a simple format to follow:
Opening Paragraph: Start by thanking the recipient for considering your application. Briefly mention why you're writing the letter.
Body Paragraphs: Use one or two paragraphs to update the recipient on any new achievements, experiences, or developments that strengthen your application.
Closing Paragraph: Reaffirm your interest in the position or program and express your gratitude once more.
Opening Strong
Your opening sets the tone for the rest of the letter. It's your opportunity to be polite yet assertive in reiterating your interest. Here's an example:
Dear [Admission Officer's Name/ Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing to express my continued interest in [Program or Position] at [School or Company Name]. I am grateful for the opportunity to remain on the waitlist/consideration list, and I wanted to update you on a few recent developments in my journey.
This opening is warm, respectful, and directly states the purpose of your letter without any fluff.
Highlighting New Achievements
The body of your letter is where you can share updates that weren't in your original application. This could include academic achievements, new skills, volunteer work, or even personal growth experiences. The key is to connect these updates to why they make you a better fit for the program or position.
For College Admissions: Maybe you've won a science fair, started a new club, or taken on a leadership role in an extracurricular activity. Explain how these accomplishments make you an even better candidate for the school.
For Job Applications: Perhaps you've completed a relevant certification, taken on new responsibilities at work, or spearheaded a successful project. These updates should demonstrate how you're more qualified for the position now than before.
Here's how you might write this section:
Since submitting my application, I've had the opportunity to [briefly describe achievement]. This experience has [explain the impact it has had on you]. I believe this further aligns with [School's or Company's] values and mission.
Demonstrating Fit and Enthusiasm
A letter of continued interest is not just about updates; it's also about reinforcing why you're a perfect fit and why you're still enthusiastic about the opportunity. Be specific about what draws you to the school or company and how you see yourself contributing.
For Colleges: Mention specific programs, faculty, or opportunities that excite you. Maybe there's a study abroad program that aligns with your career goals, or a renowned professor whose work you admire.
For Jobs: Highlight aspects of the company culture or projects you're excited about. Show that you've done your homework and understand what makes the organization unique.
Here's a quick example:
I'm particularly drawn to [specific program or opportunity] at [School or Company]. The opportunity to [specific detail] is something I am eager to be a part of. I am confident that my skills and experiences will allow me to contribute positively to your community.
Wrapping It Up
Your closing should leave a positive impression and remind the reader of your gratitude and enthusiasm. Always thank the recipient for considering your letter and express your hope to contribute meaningfully to their community.
Thank you for considering my continued interest. I am excited about the possibility of joining [School or Company] and contributing to your community. Please feel free to reach out if there are any further materials I can provide.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
The Role of Spell in Crafting Your Letter
Writing a letter of continued interest can be daunting, but tools like Spell can make the process more manageable. With Spell's AI-powered editing, you can draft your letter quickly and ensure it's polished and professional. Spell helps you refine your tone, check for clarity, and even suggest improvements to make your letter stand out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While writing your letter, be mindful of common pitfalls that can undermine your sincerity and effectiveness:
Being Overly Aggressive: While it's important to express your enthusiasm, avoid sounding desperate or pushy. Keep your tone respectful and professional.
Lack of Personalization: Generic letters are easy to spot. Personalize your letter to the institution or company by mentioning specific programs, values, or opportunities they offer.
Overloading with Information: Keep your letter concise. Focus on the most relevant updates and avoid overwhelming the reader with too much detail.
Neglecting Proofreading: Simple grammar or spelling errors can detract from your professionalism. Use tools like Spell to catch these mistakes and ensure your letter is polished.
Real-World Examples
Let's look at a couple of real-world examples to see how these elements come together.
College Admissions Example
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to reiterate my interest in the Environmental Science program at Greenfield University. Since submitting my application, I have had the privilege of leading a successful recycling initiative at my high school, which reduced our waste by 30% within four months. This experience has deepened my passion for environmental advocacy—a core value I know Greenfield University shares.
I am particularly drawn to the research opportunities available under Professor Smith, whose work in sustainable energy solutions I greatly admire. I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to the program and contribute to the university's commitment to sustainability.
Thank you for considering my continued interest. I look forward to the possibility of joining Greenfield University and contributing to your vibrant community.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Job Application Example
Dear Mr. Anderson,
I trust this message finds you well. I am writing to express my ongoing interest in the Marketing Coordinator position at Bright Media Group. Since my initial application, I have completed a certification in digital marketing analytics, which has equipped me with advanced skills in data-driven decision-making. I am confident this will enable me to contribute effectively to your team's strategic goals.
One aspect of Bright Media Group that excites me is your commitment to innovative marketing solutions. The recent campaign on sustainable packaging was particularly inspiring, and I would love the chance to bring my skills in creative strategy and analytics to your esteemed company.
Thank you for considering my continued interest in this role. I am excited about the opportunity to join Bright Media Group and contribute to your innovative projects.
Warm regards,
John Smith
Final Thoughts
Writing a letter of continued interest isn't just about reiterating your desire—it's about making a compelling case for why you're still the right choice. By following these guidelines and using tools like Spell to polish your writing, you can craft a letter that feels genuine and persuasive. Whether you're aiming to secure your spot at a college or land that dream job, a well-written letter of continued interest can make all the difference.
