GUIDELINES
- When you contact a prospective customer through a mutual acquaintance, you should use a less formal tone. Use this opportunity to refer to your mutual friend. Tell the reader what he/she liked about your product or service. Also, list the benefits the reader can get by purchasing your product or service.
- State the name of the person who told you about the reader. Also, mention why you wrote this letter.
- Promote your products by giving some information that will interest the reader. Either you can give a few details to spark the prospective client's interest, or you can choose to provide detailed information.
- Discuss what the mutual acquaintance liked about your product or service.
- Ask the reader to contact you or offer to communicate with him/her yourself. Also, invite to answer any questions.
SAMPLE LETTER
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Letter Date]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
I know that it has almost been a full year since we last got together to chat over dinner. Despite that, however, I can still remember all your stories and the insights you have about the information technology industry.
To be honest, at this point, I am looking for a new career opportunity and am hoping that you could provide me with some guidance on this. I am looking for a job as a Computer Programmer and would love to hear your thoughts as to where I should direct my search. Your vast experience in this field is enough for me to know how valuable your thoughts will be.
I would love to hear from you soon. Perhaps I can visit you at your office or maybe meet you for lunch or dinner so we can discuss my request in more depth. Please send me a message or give me a call at 333-3333 to let me know what arrangement would be most convenient for you. I'd like to thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Letter example to ask help for job hunt.
Further things to consider when writing cover letters to mentors
Cover Letters
Cover letters are letters written to explain the contents of other documents. In most cases, cover letters are sent together with resumes to provide additional information on the applicant's' skills and experience. They explain in detail why the applicants are qualified for the job they are applying for. A cover letter creates a critical first impression as it is often the earliest contact you will have with a potential employer. Employees use cover letters to screen applicants for available positions and to determine the ones that they would like to interview.
Cover letters are an essential part of every job application. You, therefore, need to make sure that your cover letter sells your abilities and skills to recruiters. Do not just repeat what is on your resume, rather, explain in details why you feel that you are the best match for the applied job. Do this clearly and concisely, and in such a way that the recipient would want to meet you. Mention the employment position that you are applying for, how you learnt about it and how you are qualified for it. Request the recipient to contact you at the end of the letter.
Letters to Mentors
Letters to mentors are letters you write to your mentor, or any other trusted and experienced adviser. Mostly, these are thank-you letters to show gratitude to the person for mentoring and guiding you. Sometimes it could be hard to find the right words to express yourself to someone from who you have learned so much and who means so much to you. Don't worry. You don't have to write a whole book to show that you are grateful. You only need a short message to say thank you. Many people would choose to say thank you using chats or text messages, but nothing beats that old-fashioned letter. A letter is something the mentor can keep for years and read it over and over again.
Letters to mentors are informal and usually have a casual tone. Address your letter warmly, making it personal and sincere. Explain the purpose of your letter. Mention how you cherish the recipient's advice and how you have benefited from it. Enquire after the recipient to show that you care about him/her. To wrap up nicely, let the recipient know that you appreciate his/her advice one last time. Close the letter by signing your name.
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