GUIDELINES
- Networking is useful when you search for a job or other opportunities because you make a lot of friends and associations who can help you out. You have to provide enough information about your qualifications and needs to make this strategy work. So, they will know which job suits you whenever any opportunity comes up. This letter should serve this purpose.
- Keep in mind the person's association with you before addressing him/her.
- Mention your need for a job. Explain what kind of job you need by specifying the industry and position.
- Skip the first two steps if you don't know the person. Directly state your qualifications, area of expertise and experience.
- If you know the reader very well, and he/she asked for your resume, send the documents. Don't forget to refer to these enclosed documents. Don't send your documents to anyone you don't know very well.
- Mention any particular job requirements such as industry type, location, salary, health and other packages, etc.
- Request the reader's help. End with an expression of appreciation.
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 believe that it was a great honor to be given the chance to meet and speak with you during the Architects' Assembly last March. I have been an admirer of your work these past few years and found it a privilege that I finally got to know you better.
The advertising office I was working for then has recently been plagued with financial hardship, and the management has decided to relieve a large number of their staff to minimize expenses and cut losses. Unfortunately, I was given notice already last week and will be clocking in my last day at the end of the month.
With this, I would like to ask for your help with regards to information on any openings for me in your office or your area. I know that you have a relatively extensive contact list and would appreciate it if you could point me towards the right direction. I have attached my curriculum vitae for you to review. I anticipate hearing from you soon. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Sample letter to ask help for a job search.
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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