In my decade-plus drafting employment documents for U.S. companies and individual clients, one of the most frequently requested items is a strong letter of intent for employment template. Whether you’re a job candidate eager to stand out for a specific job opening, an internal employee pursuing a promotion, or an employer extending a formal pre-offer letter, a well-written letter of intent (LOI) can make all the difference.
This guide gives you everything you need: a completely free, attorney-vetted letter of intent job template in both Word and PDF formats, step-by-step instructions, real-world examples, and answers to the questions I hear most often. Best of all, the template is 100% free to download right now—no email required.
A letter of intent for employment (sometimes called a job letter of intent or employment LOI) is a formal document in which one party—usually the candidate—expresses serious interest in an employment opportunity and outlines the key terms they are willing to accept. While it is not a binding employment contract, courts in many states can treat certain LOIs as enforceable if they contain sufficiently definite terms (see IRS guidance on constructive receipt of income and various state cases).
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and common HR practice, a letter of intent is most often used in these situations:
| Document | Binding? | Who Usually Drafts | Typical Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter of Intent for Employment | Usually non-binding (intent only) | Either party | Position, salary range, start date, benefits overview, contingencies |
| Formal Offer Letter | Creates at-will employment (unless stated otherwise) | Employer | Detailed compensation, benefits, at-will statement, start date |
| Employment Contract | Legally binding | Employer or attorney | Term length, termination clauses, non-compete, arbitration, etc. |
In my experience, candidates and employers benefit most from an employment LOI in these scenarios:
Click below to download the template I personally use with clients. It is formatted for both Microsoft Word (.docx) and PDF, fully editable, and includes optional clauses for bonuses, relocation, remote work, and contingencies.
Download Letter of Intent for Employment Template – Word (.docx)
Download Letter of Intent for Employment Template – PDF
January 15, 2026
Sarah Chen
123 Main Street
Austin, TX 78701
sarah.chen@email.com
Michael Rodriguez
Director of Talent Acquisition
TechFlow Solutions Inc.
456 Innovation Drive
San Francisco, CA 94105
Dear Mr. Rodriguez,
I am writing to formally express my enthusiastic intent to join TechFlow Solutions Inc. as Senior Product Manager (Req #TPM-2025-118) at the agreed annual base salary of $185,000, with eligibility for the 2026 performance bonus target of 20% and standard executive benefits package.
We have discussed and mutually agreed upon the following key terms:
This letter of intent accurately reflects our discussions to date. I am excited about the opportunity and ready to proceed with formal offer paperwork and pre-employment screening at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Sarah Chen
Follow these steps I give every client:
Generally no, if it contains clear non-binding language. However, some courts have enforced LOIs when they are specific and both parties relied on them (see IRS Rev. Rul. 80-364 on constructive receipt). Always include “This letter is an expression of intent only and not a binding contract.”
Absolutely—internal LOIs are very common and often strengthen your case with HR and compensation committees.
After you have a verbal offer and have negotiated terms, but before you resign from your current position.
While not required, I always recommend at least a quick review for six-figure+ roles or when equity, non-competes, or relocation packages exceed $25,000.
A clear, professional letter of intent for employment template is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools in today’s competitive job market. It protects both candidate and employer, reduces misunderstandings, and often speeds up the formal offer process.
Download the free template above, customize it with your negotiated terms, and send with confidence.
Important Disclaimer: The information provided here and the template are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Employment laws vary by state. Always consult a licensed attorney or qualified HR professional in your jurisdiction before signing or relying on any employment-related document.
Sources: IRS.gov (Publication 15, Rev. Rul. 80-364), U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance on offer letters, and case law from various state and federal jurisdictions.