GUIDELINES
- 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.
- Start by stating that you want the reader's advice. Express confidence in his/her ability to help.
- Briefly, explain the problem.
- You can suggest talking about the issue in detail.
- Request a reply.
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'm sorry to bother with this, but I need your perspective on some issues I've been struggling with lately. I know that you've had a lot of experience dealing with difficult professional situations in a reasonable manner. At the same time, you're one of the few people I trust to keep a secret.
I have been having quite a bit of difficulty with one of the members of my team. He has a tendency to be abrasive as well as tactless. I have caught him talking about confidential office matters with other people by the coffee machine. I am not quite sure how to deal with this situation.
I have already brought this up with him before, but now I'm not so sure he understood the gravity of the situation. Perhaps I was too diplomatic when I first discussed this with him, but he has quite a volatile personality, and there was no point stirring things up more than I have to. However, I am afraid that if we don't give him a stronger warning, these things will continue, and the overall morale in the office will worsen.
Where do you think I should go from here? Thank you so much for any advice you can give me on this!
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Letter sample to ask for personal advice about your job.
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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