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Do you need to write a letter introducing yourself to a prospective employer, networking contact, or potential new client? A well-written letter of introduction can result in a valuable relationship, and help you find a new job or acquire a new client. As a result, you should learn why and how to send a letter, email, or LinkedIn message introducing yourself that makes the best possible impression on the reader.
Not every networking success story involves a direct connection. Sometimes, it’s less about who you know, and more about who your friends know. A letter of introduction is one way to forge a new connection.
There are two types of letters of introduction.
In the first type, you introduce a connection to someone else you know. That someone might be a potential candidate for employment, or someone looking for career assistance.
In the other type of letter of introduction, you write to someone you haven’t met. You introduce yourself to ask them for a job referral or request assistance with a job search.
A letter of introduction can be a useful way to network and gain job search advice, or even possibly a job opportunity.
The most important tip to remember when writing a letter of introduction is to keep it short and to the point. The person you are contacting is a busy professional, and you want to get his or her attention right away.
When writing your letter, make sure the tone matches your relationship. If you are close friends, you can write in a slightly less formal style. However, if you are introducing yourself, make sure your letter is extremely professional.
First, include a quick introduction that explains who you are, or a short synopsis of the person you are introducing.
Then, briefly describe what you would like to accomplish by sending your letter. Does the other person wish to apply for a job opening? Are you hoping to set up an informational interview for yourself? Be as clear as possible.
Conclude with a description of how the recipient of the letter can either get in touch with you or the third party. Make it as easy as possible for the recipient to respond.
Whether or not you are already acquainted, be sure to thoroughly edit and proofread your letter before sending it.
In many cases, the letter can be sent via email because that's the quickest and easiest way to connect.
This is a letter of introduction example for introducing two people. This type of letter is typically sent to someone you know well. Download the letter of introduction template (compatible with Google Docs and Word), or see below for more examples.
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Barbara Nygaard
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-212-1234
barbara.nygaard@email.com
Bob Smith
Talent Evaluation
Acme Recruiting
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321
I'm writing to introduce you to Janice Dolan, who I have the pleasure of being acquainted with through the Brandon Theater Group. I am the Technical Director for the group, as you know, and I have worked with Janice on several local theater projects. She is a terrific stage manager with over ten years of experience.
Janice is interested in relocating to the San Francisco area soon and would appreciate any recommendations you could offer her for conducting a job search for a theater position and any help you can provide with the logistics of relocating to California.
I've attached her resume for your review, and you can contact her at janicedolan@email.com or 555-555-5555. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.
Signature (hard copy letter)
This letter is an example of a letter written to introduce yourself.
Subject: Introduction From Katherine Sussman
Dear Mr. Randall,
My name is Katherine Sussman, and I am currently a recruitment associate for XYZ Recruiting. I have been working as a recruiter for the past three years.
I am interested in moving from recruitment work in a large corporation to internal recruitment for a nonprofit. I used to work in development for ABC Nonprofit and would love to bring my current skills to a similar nonprofit. I know you do this kind of work for Sunshine Nonprofit, and I would appreciate hearing a bit about your experience in this field. I would love to arrange a time to meet with you for an informational interview.
I have attached my resume for your review. If you have time for a brief conversation, please let me know. You can contact me via email (ksussman@email.com) or phone (555-555-5555). I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much.
Here's more information on introducing yourself, including how to introduce yourself in a job interview, and tips on reaching out to others for career advice.
People often confuse a letter of introduction with other types of job search letters:
A cover letter is a document sent with your resume and other job application materials. Your cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume. Sometimes, you’ll mention a referral from a mutual acquaintance who told you about the job or passed on the hiring manager’s name. The letter explains why you are qualified for the specific job for which you are applying.
A referral letter is a letter you write to someone you don’t know following a lead by a mutual acquaintance. In the letter, you would begin by mentioning your common contact, and then make your request—perhaps you are applying to a job they have available, or you are looking to conduct an informational interview or learn about career opportunities.
A letter of recommendation is a letter written by someone who is familiar with your academic work or your job skills and can endorse your candidacy for a position. The letter would be addressed to the admission officer, department head, or hiring manager, and would include specific skills and experiences that highlight your suitability for the position you’re applying to.
