Cover Letter – Before Interview: Networking Letter

Acquaintence Assistance

January 1, 2006

Glen Coleman
87646 Fifth Blvd.
Seattle, WA 98136

Dear Mr. Coleman:

For the entire time we've been acquainted, I have been in the field of _______________(FIELD). Although I have enjoyed my years of experience and broadening opportunities, I feel it is time for a change. I have always wanted to be involved with _______________(FIELD), and there is no better time than the present to make this change. Naturally this led me to think of you, since you have contributed so much to this field throughout your career.
I believe my enclosed resume demonstrates that I have a reputation as a self-sufficient, innovative problem-solver with a background in teamwork and superior performance. I also believe that I could be just the type of employee that companies in this industry are searching for.

I would appreciate any advice or referrals you might be able to give me and will be in contact with you early next week.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

Common Acquaintence Referrence

January 1, 2006

John Rubin
94788 Howard Road
Shawsville, VA 24162

Dear Mr. Rubin:
Your name was given to me by _______________(NAME), from _______________(COMPANY). I was led to believe that you both knew each other from previous opportunities you had to work together in the past. _______________(NAME) and I have also worked together, both as _______________(TITLE) and as _______________(TITLE).
As an upcoming graduate in _______________(FIELD), I am interested in joining the staff of a progressive company in the field of _______________(FIELD). My interest in this area developed from independent research that I completed during my final year at _______________(INSTITUTION). I learned to appreciate the need a dynamic and growing firm has for capable and efficient personnel.

I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you in more detail about my career plans. You no doubt have ideas and suggestions that I haven't even thought of and possibly even names of other people whom I could contact. I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

Community Leader Solicitation

January 1, 2006

Mark McGinty
47643 Greene Blvd.
Mission Viejo, MD 21740

Dear Mr. McGinty:
I am writing to you as a member of the _______________(TITLE) Association. After _______________(NUMBER) years in the _______________(FIELD) industry, I am planning a career move. As a leader in the community, I feel you might be in a position to suggest avenues that I may take in this pursuit.
As the enclosed resume indicates, I have a _______________(DEGREE) in _______________(FIELD) and _______________(NUMBER) years of experience in the _______________(FIELD) field. I am known for my attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet tight deadlines.
I will call you next week after you have had a chance to review my resume. Perhaps we can set up a convenient time to meet.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

Consulting Focus

January 1, 2006

Renee Corcoran
69185 Hammond Road
Baltimore, MD 21209

Dear Ms. Corcoran:

It has been a while since we spoke at your company's __________(TITLE) event last winter.

As you may know, I have been helping a number of organizations with significant challenges as part of their executive team after successfully selling my company, __________(COMPANY) in ____(DATE).

Now that time has come to move on, I was wondering if you could help me identify contacts that I can approach at __________(FIELD) ventures, where I can combine my technological and general management skills to provide strong, decisive, and hands-on leadership, preferably to an operations, professional services, or consulting division. I currently reside in __________(LOCATION), but am open to relocation.

My success, both with my own company, my consulting projects, and during prior employment, lies in my ability to quickly generate results. Never satisfied with the status quo, I developed a keen eye for identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities and am adept at swiftly responding to market changes and customer demands. Even though my track record goes back only ___(NUMBER) years, I have demonstrated achievements in:

¤ Managing businesses to turn around performance and achieve full potential.
¤ Analyzing and controlling all aspects of multi-site operations to reduce costs and improve profits.
¤ Negotiating favorable domestic and international deals, acquisitions and strategic alliances, and partnerships.
¤ Combining expertise in strategic/tactical marketing and business development.
¤ Creating and introducing cutting-edge technologies and procedures.
¤ Training, motivating, and directing ___ personnel to improve individual and group effectiveness.

Since I value your experience and perspective, I have taken the liberty to enclose a resume to assist you in evaluating appropriate contacts and suggestions. I would greatly appreciate any ideas, recommendations, or referrals you could offer. Rest assured that I would happily do the same for you if the situation ever arises. I will call you next week to follow up.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

Coworker Referrence

January 1, 2006

Vincent Albright
88471 Howard Lane
Shawsville, VA 24162

Dear Mr. Albright:
_______________(NAME) suggested that I contact you. He/She and I have worked together in the past on various projects and have learned to respect and admire each other's professionalism and work ethic.
I began my career in _______________(FIELD) with _______________(COMPANY) in _______________(YEAR). Since then I have established myself and my reputation in the field with _______________(NUMBER) years of continual experience. My latest assignment is with _______________(COMPANY) as a/an _______________(TITLE). I am now ready to make a change and _______________(NAME) thought you might be able to assist me.

I will take the liberty of calling you next week to see if we can schedule a time to meetÑperhaps go to lunch. Your insight and perception are of tremendous value to me and I look forward to meeting with you.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

For Alumni Assistance

January 1, 2006

Renee Corcoran
69185 Hammond Road
Baltimore, MD 21209

Dear Ms. Corcoran:

I will be receiving a _______________(DEGREE) from _______________(INSTITUTION) _______________(DATE). I have thoroughly enjoyed my years at _______________(INSTITUTION) and look forward to a new and challenging career. As a former alumni member who entered the field of _______________(FIELD), you are a perfect contact to ask about my future plans.
Please find enclosed a copy of my most recent resume. I am seeking challenging assignments in an environment that supports continuous learningÑand I can guarantee that any employer who hires me will be more than pleased with my abilities and accomplishments.

Your time and consideration are deeply appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you about further interviews.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

For Relocation Assistance

January 1, 2006

Glen Coleman
87646 Fifth Blvd.
Seattle, WA 98136

Dear Mr. Coleman:

Even though I have a tremendous passion for my job here in __________(LOCATION), it's not my family's hometown and we are anxious to move back to __________(LOCATION). In order to be successful at this endeavor, I realize I need contacts, people who are willing to be my eyes and ears and let me know about opportunities. Would you be willing to provide that kind of help and guidance? My resume is attached for your review and to give you a better understanding of my background.

Here is a brief overview on my qualifications. I'm an executive manager with a large grocery chain, with more than __(NUMBER) years experience in leadership positions. I started out as a store director and earned my way up the corporate ladder to unit director and team leader. My reputation is built on hard work, strong work ethics, honesty, mutual respect with all employees, and the highest integrity. Currently, my position requires that I wear multiple hats.

I was brought to __________(ACTIVITY) and this has become a very important aspect of my job. My involvement is everything from concept to opening. The two most recent projects were completed under budget and saved a significant amount of money. My primary focus, however, is managing one of the store's I opened, the __________(NUMBER) location. It is on track to produce $__(AMOUNT) million in annual revenue this year, which is well above our expectations. Additionally, I serve as a leader and mentor to executive management personnel at three other stores. I assist them in creating an atmosphere that promotes success.

My greatest strength is my ability to work cohesively and create synergy, not only throughout my store but also with the other partners who are part of my team. Because of an open door policy, everyone feels comfortable approaching me with opportunities, issues, and to ask for advice. When you are expecting people to take higher than normal risks, it is especially important to let them know that their unit and team leader is there to provide support, leadership, and a safety net.

I realize you have a busy schedule, so I will call you at the beginning of next week to follow up and answer any questions you might have.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

Former Employee Suggestion

January 1, 2006

Carol Wilke
21216 Larkin Drive
South Easton, DE 19720-1295

Dear Ms. Wilke:
I met a former member of your staff, _______________(NAME), at _______________(LOCATION). He/She gave me your name and felt it would be a good idea for me to get in touch with you concerning my future career plans.
Enclosed you will find a copy of my resume for your review. I have a _______________(DEGREE) in _______________(FIELD) from _______________(INSTITUTION), and over _______________(NUMBER) years experience in _______________(FIELD). Most recently, I am serving as _______________(TITLE) of _______________(COMPANY), one of the Fortune 500 firms.
I know that your time is very valuable, and I respect your busy schedule. I would like to meet with you personally, if possible, and will contact your office to determine if a mutually agreeable time is available.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

Mutual Benefits

January 1, 2006

Jennifer Clever
91217 Normandy Blvd.
Indianapolis, TX 78247

Dear Ms. Clever:
_______________(NAME) gave me your name and suggested that it would be a mutually beneficial opportunity for us to meet. I have known _______________(NAME) for many years and highly value his/her opinion and influence in the community.
Currently I am _______________(TITLE) of _______________(COMPANY). I have elected to make a career change in order to pursue a company that offers long-term advancement prospects. _______________(NAME) thought you might be able to help lead me in the right direction.
Perhaps we could arrange a meeting in the next few days to discuss this. How does your calendar look the week of _______________(DATE)? I will call to confirm that you received this letter and to see if a meeting can be arranged.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

Personal Recommendations A

January 1, 2006

Emmuel Klein
17645 Hellman Lane
Arlington, TX 76016

Dear Mr. Klein:

At lunch the other day I ran into _______________(NAME). He/She mentioned your name and suggested that I get in touch with you. _______________(NAME) and I go way back and have known each other for _______________(NUMBER) years.
I have taken the liberty of enclosing a resume with this letter. With a _______________(DEGREE) in _______________(FIELD) and _______________(NUMBER) years of experience in _______________(FIELD), I am especially interested in utilizing my experience to help solve the needs and problems of the business community.

I will plan to contact you in the near future to determine if you are aware of any openings in this field. I would certainly appreciate any suggestions or counsel that you may have and sincerely hope with your busy schedule that we may have a moment or two to discuss my career potential.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

Personal Recommendations B

January 1, 2006

Peter Roberson
51214 Veterans Blvd.
Shawsville, VA 24162

Dear Mr. Roberson:
A friend of mine, _______________(NAME), suggested that I write to you. _______________(NAME) and I grew up together in _______________(LOCATION), and spent many years in the same _______________(LOCATION). He/She knew that I was anticipating making a career move and believed that in your current position, you may be able to help.

The enclosed resume details the specifics of my experience and accomplishments. After _______________(NUMBER) year(s) of experience as a/an _______________(TITLE), I am seeking a position where my experience and skills can be more fully realized. Positions which fall within the scope of my abilities include: _______________(SKILL), _______________(SKILL), and _______________(SKILL).

On the assumption that you might have suggestions and/or counsel that would assist me, I will contact you early next week to see if a convenient time may be arranged for us to meet. My time is certainly flexible and I would be willing to work around any availability you may have.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

Professional Advice

January 1, 2006

Ron Kridler
44072 Gough Blvd.
Glendale, AZ 85308

Dear Mr. Krindler:
As the _______________(TITLE) of one of the most renowned companies in the _______________(FIELD) industry, I feel you might be in a position to give me advice concerning my career. I have been active in the _______________(FIELD) field since _______________(DATE), and have experience in _______________(ACTIVITY) and _______________(ACTIVITY). I am seeking a career change at this time and would appreciate any suggestions you may have.
I am a/an _______________(TITLE) with over _______________(NUMBER) year's experience in the field who is ready to pursue a new career using the skills that I have sharpened through my previous work experience. It seems that working for _______________(COMPANY) would provide the opportunity to combine my experience with today's corporate objectives.

I will be contacting you in the next few days to set up an appointment. Thanks again for your help.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure