GUIDELINES
- If someone asks for your help, respond quickly. Don't deviate from the subject, keep it straightforward and comprehensive. Keep your tone helpful. Make it easy for the reader to respond if he/she wants to discuss it further.
- Explain the reason for writing this letter. Briefly, mention the problem your advice will address.
- Give your advice and suggest what course of action the reader should take.
- Support your information and the work you recommended with strong reasons.
- You can also include a disclaimer if you think that it's necessary.
- Encourage the reader to respond and make it easy for him/her to do so.
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 was surprised and at the same time flattered with the letter that you sent me. I know that we haven't spent much time together the past few months, but I appreciate the fact that you have asked me to share with you some of my insights regarding the direction of your future, specifically with regards to your profession.
I think that it's a great idea that you want to get into the Information Technology field. As you know, it's an industry that has continued to boom throughout the past few decades and doesn't show any signs of slowing down! But being that it's such a vast market, the first step you need to take is to determine your area of specialization. There are many choices out there! The most important thing here is to pick what is close to your heart.
I hope I've been able to help, if only in a small way. I wish the best for you and hope that you continue to keep in touch.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Sample general advice letter about choosing the IT field.
Further things to consider when writing advice letters to friends
Advice Letters
Advice letters are letters meant to give recommendations or guidance concerning prudent future action. Typically, these letters are written by a person who is regarded as knowledgeable or authoritative. Advice letters can be from a company to clients, managers to subordinates, or employee to employee. People write advice letters to help others make informed decisions and avoid bad actions. Some of the situations where you may want to offer advice through a letter include giving guidance on how to choose a career, advising clients on the best products, or advising a friend on how to deal with an issue. You may also send a letter to a subordinate to advice about certain behavior at work, etc.
When writing advice letters, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First things first, state the reason for this letter and maintain a formal and truthful tone. Communicate the advice being asked of you clearly and precisely, making sure that there is nothing that the reader can hold against you. State why you think it is important that the reader follows your suggestion. Where necessary, quote references you have consulted. Before closing the letter, you can ask for a reply.
Letters to Friends
Letters to friends are letters you write to people with whom you have a bond of mutual affection. These letters are like conversations and can be just about anything. They could be thank-you letters to thank your friends, congratulation letters to congratulate them, apology letters to say sorry, condolence letters to comfort the bereaved, etc. You could also write to your friends to share general information such as school and family news, what has been happening in your town, or just tell funny stories. Letters are special and show the other person that you are thinking about him/her. The recipient can keep the letters for years and read them over and over again.
Letters to friends are personal and are usually addressed to specific individuals. Since the recipient is a person with whom you have a close relationship, the salutation is more personal and less formal. Greet the recipient warmly and proceed to stating the reason for your letter. Share some information about yourself. Maintain a polite and friendly tone. End your letter on a note of anticipation to seeing the recipient soon or reading from him/her. You can also add a postscript for something you forgot to say.
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