Steps On How To Write A Letter Of Introduction

These days, networking is everything. Every connection is precious, and if you know the right people, you can learn about opportunities and job openings before they even go public. How do you build new relationships yourself and help others develop new contacts

The easiest way is to write a professional letter of introduction—and you’re about to learn how.

This guide will show you:

• What a letter of introduction is.
• How to write a letter of introduction for a job, step by step.
• How to introduce yourself or a person to someone and establish a connection—with a letter of introduction
• example for both.
• What to write in your introduction letter to get the result you want.

What Is a Letter of Introduction?

An introduction letter is a type of letter used to initiate a new business relationship between two or more people. You can introduce yourself (for example, when joining a company through a referral) or others (colleagues, prior clients, a freelancer, a job prospect, and so on).

The reasons for writing a letter of introduction for a job may vary:

• You want to gain a new connection, which may lead to a new job opportunity/interview.
• You’d like to exchange connections for future collaborations.
• You wish to put your professional contacts in touch regarding a job opening/project.

An introduction letter is a powerful networking tool designed to optimize mutual benefits and increase value for both parties. For example, you end up getting a position with the company because you’re a good fit, and the firm gains a good employee who meets their needs.

How to Write a Letter of Introduction

In the business world, time is money. Studies show that people receive up to a whopping 87 emails daily, and opening each of them creates at least a minute-long interruption to the person’s workday.

That’s why if you want your letter of introduction to deliver results, you have to respect the recipient’s time and explain the value of that email ASAP.

To do that, follow the basic rules of writing a letter of introduction for a job:

• Introduce yourself. It has to be clear who you are and how the person might know you.
• Present the reason for writing immediately. Explain why you decided to write, who you’d like to introduce, and why. If you’re introducing another person, explain how you know them and what their greatest relevant accomplishments are. If you’re introducing yourself, talk about your motivation and potential value.
• Get to the point. Make each line count—describe the outcome you want to achieve and the potential benefits for all parties involved.
• State the desired next step. Whether it’s just an exchange of contact info, an interview, or a meeting, let the other person know what action needs to be taken.
• Sign off. Use a professional closing, your full name, and your job title.

Here are two examples of an introduction letter for a job application written with those guidelines in mind:

Letter of Introduction Example—Introducing Another Person

Dear Rachel,

I’m writing to introduce my friend, Irena Chapman, and submit her candidacy for the position of Director of Product. Irena is an experienced product manager and business analyst that I had the pleasure of studying and working with, and I’m certain she could be an asset to our company.

Irena has worked as a product manager for Accenture for the last five years, successfully overseeing the three most significant projects the company has ever had. She’s known to be a great leader and an outstanding manager, respected and beloved by her colleagues.

I put Irena in the copy, and she can be reached at irena.chapman@email.com. I’ve also attached her resume—please, let me know what you think.

Kind regards,

Gary Shipley

Project Manager
gary.shipley@email.com
415-358-0283

Letter of Introduction Sample—Introducing Yourself

Dear Ms. Allen,

My name is Richard Levingston, I’m a former colleague of your Marketing Director, Scott Storch. Scott has mentioned recently that Balthazar Inc. has an opening in Sales that I’m a possible great fit for.

I have over 10 years of experience in Sales and Marketing, working with several Fortune 500 companies and bringing in over $1M in revenue annually through regular sales and upselling.

If that’s something you’d be interested in discussing, I’d be happy to jump on a call. Please, find my resume attached to see my experience and qualifications in greater detail.

Sincerely,

Mike Green

Sales Lead

m.green@email.com
973-309-3016

What to Include in a Letter of Introduction for a Job

Just as with other formal letters, good structure is key. Aim for maximum clarity, politeness, and a length of 2–3 paragraphs.

Here are the things you should include in your introduction letter:

1. A professional greeting, such as Dear [Name], or Dear [Ms./Mr. Name]
2.  An opening sentence that clarifies who’s writing and why
3. A paragraph presenting the desired course of events, or a call-to-action, for example:

•  You/another person would like to get some recommendations.
• You want the recipient to put you in touch with someone else within the company.
• You wish to schedule a meeting or a job interview.
•  You’d like your resume added to the company database for future reference, etc

4. A mention of how the parties could get in touch:

• The person you’re introducing is put in copy (“Peter is CC’d”).
• There’s an alternative form of communication (you provide a phone number, personal email, etc.

5. Attachments (e.g., a resume), if you’re including any

6. A sign-off with your contact information (according to the same rules as for how to close a cover letter or pretty much any business letter)

Don’t forget to check your work before sending it. Double-check that you’ve copied the individual you’re introducing and attached any essential files.

Key Takeaways

Here’s how to write a letter of introduction:

• Be straightforward, make it clear who you are/whom you’re introducing and why.
• Aim for maximum value for all parties—stress how the collaboration could be beneficial.
• Suggest a desired course of action and a convenient contact method.
• Add attachments.
• Close your business introduction letter with a professional sign-off.