If you are a student conducting research for your thesis, you may need to conduct interviews with experts in your field. In order to do so, you will need to write a letter of intent to request an interview. Here are some sample letters of intent to conduct an interview for your thesis:
Before we get started, it’s important to note that these are just examples. You will need to edit each letter to fit your specific needs and research goals. That being said, these letters can provide a helpful starting point for crafting your own letter of intent.
A letter of intent is a formal request for an interview. It should include information about your research project, the purpose of the interview, and the expertise of the person you are requesting to interview. The letter should be clear, concise, and professional.
When writing your letter, be sure to address the person by name and explain why you are interested in interviewing them. You should also provide information about your research project and how the interview will contribute to your research goals.
Each letter should be different, depending on the reason for the interview and the person you are requesting to interview. But these examples can help you get started.
Example 1: Requesting an interview with a professor
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am writing to request an interview with you for my thesis project. I am a graduate student in the Department of History at XYZ University, and my thesis is on the history of women’s education in the United States.
I am particularly interested in your work on women’s education in the early twentieth century, and I believe that an interview with you would be an invaluable contribution to my research. I would be honored if you would be willing to speak with me about your research and your experiences in the field.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Example 2: Requesting an interview with a policy expert
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I am a graduate student in the Department of Political Science at XYZ University, and I am writing to request an interview with you for my thesis project. I am researching the impact of the Affordable Care Act on low-income communities, and I believe that your expertise in health policy would be invaluable to my research.
If you would be willing to speak with me, I would be grateful for the opportunity to learn from your experiences and insights. I believe that your perspective would be particularly important given your work in the field of health policy and your experience working with low-income communities.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Example 3: Requesting an interview with a business leader
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I am a graduate student in the Department of Business Administration at XYZ University, and I am writing to request an interview with you for my thesis project. I am researching the impact of leadership on organizational performance, and I believe that your experience as CEO of XYZ Corporation could provide valuable insights for my research.
If you would be willing to speak with me, I would be grateful for the opportunity to learn from your experiences and insights. I am particularly interested in your leadership philosophy, your approach to managing change, and your insights into the role of leadership in shaping organizational culture.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Example 4: Requesting an interview with a scientist
Dear Dr. Lee,
I am a graduate student in the Department of Biology at XYZ University, and I am writing to request an interview with you for my thesis project. I am researching the impact of climate change on biodiversity, and I believe that your expertise in ecology and conservation biology would be invaluable to my research.
If you would be willing to speak with me, I would be grateful for the opportunity to learn from your experiences and insights. I am particularly interested in your research on the impact of climate change on ecosystems, and your insights into the role of conservation biology in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Example 5: Requesting an interview with an artist
Dear Ms. Lee,
I am a graduate student in the Department of Art History at XYZ University, and I am writing to request an interview with you for my thesis project. I am researching the impact of feminist art on contemporary art practice, and I believe that your work as a feminist artist would be invaluable to my research.
If you would be willing to speak with me, I would be grateful for the opportunity to learn from your experiences and insights. I am particularly interested in your use of mixed media and your exploration of themes related to gender, sexuality, and identity.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Example 6: Requesting an interview with a community leader
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
I am a graduate student in the Department of Sociology at XYZ University, and I am writing to request an interview with you for my thesis project. I am researching the impact of community organizing on social change, and I believe that your work as a community leader and activist would be invaluable to my research.
If you would be willing to speak with me, I would be grateful for the opportunity to learn from your experiences and insights. I am particularly interested in your work on issues related to gentrification and displacement, and your insights into the role of community organizing in shaping public policy.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Tips for Writing a Letter of Intent
Starting Your Letter
When writing a letter of intent, start by addressing the person by name and explaining why you are interested in interviewing them. Be sure to provide information about your research project and why the interview is important to your research goals.
The Body of Your Letter
The body of your letter should be two paragraphs long. In the first paragraph, provide more information about your research project and why the interview is important to your research goals. In the second paragraph, explain why you are interested in interviewing the person and how their expertise would be valuable to your research.
Closing Your Letter
End your letter with a complimentary close, such as “Sincerely,” and your name. Thank the person for their time and consideration, and express your appreciation for their willingness to speak with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in my letter of intent?
Your letter of intent should include information about your research project, the purpose of the interview, and the expertise of the person you are requesting to interview. Be sure to explain why you are interested in interviewing the person, and how their expertise would be valuable to your research.
How long should my letter be?
Your letter should be clear, concise, and professional. Aim for two paragraphs, for a total of 40 to 50 sentences.
How should I address the person in my letter?
Address the person by name, and use a formal greeting such as “Dear Dr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Rodriguez.”
What if the person I want to interview is busy?
If the person you want to interview is busy, be flexible and offer to work around their schedule. Be sure to express your appreciation for their time and consideration.
How long should I wait for a response?
Give the person at least a week to respond to your letter. If you do not receive a response, feel free to follow up with a polite email or phone call.
Can I request an interview via email?
Yes, you can request an interview via email. Be sure to follow the same guidelines as you would for a formal letter, including addressing the person by name and explaining why you are interested in interviewing them.
Conclusion
Writing a letter of intent to conduct an interview for your thesis can be a daunting task, but these examples and tips can help you get started. Remember to be clear, concise, and professional, and to express your appreciation for the person’s time and consideration. Good luck with your research!