Do you want to make yourself stand out and create a connection with professionals, or do you want to help someone connect to them? Letter of introduction is your answer! However, this type of letter is different from the typical letters that you know- a letter of intent and a cover letter. And so it is important to know how to do this right!
In this article, we will walk you through what exactly a letter of introduction is, when to use them, and how to write them.
What Is a Letter of Introduction?
A letter of introduction is used to introduce one party to another. It is most commonly used for networking, applying for a job, and for other scenarios such as applying for college admission, a visa, and even opening a bank account.
Types of Introduction Letters
Here are the two types of letters of introduction:
- Introducing a connection to someone you know. This applies to a potential candidate for a job opening or when someone asks for your career assistance.
- Write to someone you haven’t met. It is the opposite of the first one. You will introduce yourself to ask them for a referral for your career job.
When To Use Introduction Letters
1. Letter of Introduction for Students
The student usually submits their portfolios to their teachers or professors with a letter of introduction. They may also use this letter to apply for college admissions through scholarships.
This is also may use for a student who has a student visa. It is a document sent from the visa office to confirm approval of the following – study permit, work permit, or extending your stay for your parent from a country that does not require the Super Visa program.
2. Letter of Introduction for Employment
It is a document to introduce yourself to your desired company to work with you. It can also be used if you want someone to help you to create new contacts in your preferred industry.
3. Letter of Introduction for Visa
It is a document that may be required as part of your visa application. It is a letter that introduces the applicant, employment status, salaries, leaves period, and purpose of your travel.
4. Letter of Introduction For Opening Bank Account
It is intended to support your application for a new bank account. This letter is helpful mostly for online applications. Some local banks will accept this as confirmation of study permit and semester-time residence.
Letter of Introduction VS Cover Letter
Format-wise, both of these letters have a lot of similarities. However, these are the main difference between the two letters:
- A letter of introduction is used to notify a job candidate of your credentials and interest in possible future employment.
- A cover letter is used to apply to a current job posting .
How To Write A Letter Of Introduction
Your chances of securing your position or getting a job, even if there isn’t a posting yet, are high if you have a good letter of introduction. Here is a list of tips when writing an introduction letter.
How To Write:
1. Write a greeting
To start your letter, write a greeting and keep it short and thoughtful. Address it to who you’re sending it to and follow up with a sweet message.
2. Write the purpose of the letter
Write here and explain your purpose in emailing them. Clear your purpose, like who you are and why this letter involves them.
3. Add relevant information
Add some information on why you created a letter for them and what it is for them. Remember that you are making connections here, so you must be compelling.
4. Add contact information
Add the full name of the person you are introducing to the recipient. He may need it in order to follow up.
5. Write their role and how it is relevant to the recipient
Write a short explanation for the position and what the person you introduce can do. Include their job title and a short overview of their success in their previous job.
6. Closing
In composing your conclusion, write any actions that the recipient may take. Make it short and friendly.
7. End The Email
In ending your email, sign it off with your full name and job title.
Example & Template
Now that you understand how to write your letter of introduction. You can now create a letter of introduction for yourself. This is the basic format:
- Opening
- Paragraph 1
- Paragraph 2
- Paragraph 3
- Conclusion
We also include an example and a template for you!
Example
Dear Mr. Scott,
My name is Jennie Han, and I’m a freelance writer based in Canada. I have five years of writing experience across various corporate and non-profit organizations.
I’m contacting you because I’m a fan of Web Solution Incorporation, and I’ve heard great things about your operations. I’d love to arrange a meeting with you to discuss how you work and whether there may be opportunities to work together in the future.
I’d love to hear from you when you have a moment. You can contact me at 122 345 000 or jenniehannn@email.com. If you’re interested, my website itsmejennie.blog has examples of my work.
Thanks for your time. I look forward to hearing from you. Hopefully, this opportunity works out for both of you.
All the best,
Jennie Han
Template
[Your name]
[Street Address]
[City, St. Zip]
[Optional – Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Name of recipient]
[Title]
[Company]
[Address]
[City, St. Zip]
Dear [Name of the receiver],
[First, greet and introduce yourself. Send it to the recipient.]
[Write the email’s purpose here. Be clear with your purpose.]
[Provide your contact information.]
[Thank them and use a proper valediction.]
[Your Signature]
[Typed Name]
Related Types of Letters
Many letters are similar to the letter of introduction, and sometimes they might confuse you. We have prepared some related types of letters for you to know more about them!
A letter of intent is a formal introduction you write to prospective employers. You may submit a letter of intent to hiring managers or recruiters at a company with no openings that match your skills.
It is a formal business letter that brings prospective employees to a firm that has yet to post a job opening. Its purpose is to showcase your talent, experience, and qualifications as an applicant.
It is a written reference that provides information about your character and work ethic. Previous employers, professors, coworkers, customers, or instructors usually write these letters. They discuss the candidate’s qualifications for a job, college, or graduate program.
It is a document that you send together with your resume to add more information about your skills and experiences related to the position you’re applying for and make you best suited for the position.
An acceptance letter is a type of letter that is written to say yes to a job offer, invitation, gift, offer, contract, scholarship, or anything else that needs a positive response.
Wrap Up
- A letter of introduction has two types: introducing a connection to someone you know and writing to someone you haven’t met.
- There are different uses of a letter of introduction depending on when you will use it.
- The introduction and cover letter have almost the same format but not their purpose.
- Many letters are similar, especially in the format. So you better familiarize them to avoid confusion.