Letters of intent are used for a variety of purposes. Basically, they accomplish just what the name means; the define and delineate the intent of the writer. Such a letter can be sent to a job applicant stating that the writer will be hiring the prospective employee if criminal background checks and drug tests come back negative.

Letters of Intent and Partnerships

When you are exploring the possibilities of joining with another company or individual in any kind of venture, you may want to consider using letters of intent during the process. Intent letters are often used when contract negotiations are nearly finished and work is about to begin or has begun. These letters must be as concrete and specific as possible because they are intended to reduce or avoid confusion.

Basically, a letter of intent should include detailed funding parameters such as limits and conditions of spending. A letter of intent should also indicate the length of time during which it will be in force. The time frame should be as short as is reasonably possible because a letter of intent should be designed to move the process toward a full contract.

Letters of Intent Online

As with most small business documents, you can find letter of intent templates online for all kinds of situations. They can be used, for example, to inform bidders of a company's determination that the bidder's proposal is acceptable and that the company is awaiting final approval before actually signing an agreement to proceed. In some cases, work may actually be defined in and begun under the letter of intent.