GUIDELINES

  1. You express confidence in someone if you ask for that person's advice. It's a compliment to him/her. But the reader should be worthy of your trust. He/she should be willing to keep your request confidential.
  2. Start by stating that you want the reader's advice. Express confidence in his/her ability to help.
  3. Briefly, explain the problem.
  4. You can suggest talking about the issue in detail.
  5. Request a reply.

SAMPLE LETTER

[Senders Name]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]

[Letter Date]

[Recipients Name]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]

[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-


Dear [Recipients Name],

I need your help! You had always been the most sensible one of us since the beginning of our friendship ten years ago. You are also more knowledgeable than me when it comes to professional relations. Most importantly, I appreciate the fact that you can keep a secret.

I sent my resume to a headhunting company a month ago. At first, I thought that I did not get the management position I was applying for, but they contacted me two days ago and would like to schedule an interview within this week. They mentioned that this is an urgent hiring situation, so this would have been a great opportunity for me, that is if I had not discovered just last week that I am pregnant.

I know that while companies should not discriminate against women who are pregnant, they would certainly not want to take on someone who will have to go on an extended leave less than a year after being hired. As such, I don't know if I should tell them about my condition immediately during the interview. I don't think they will ask me since I am not yet showing, but it seems wrong not to inform them. On the other hand, I want this job and don't want to risk losing the opportunity.

I am not very sure if I am thinking straight right now. Could you please give me your take on this? Thank you so much for your help. It means a lot to me.

Sincerely,

[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-

[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -

Letter asking for personal advice about a job interview.

Further things to consider when writing advice letters to mentors

Further things to consider when writing advice letters to mentors

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 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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