Cover Letter – Before Interview: Request Letter of Recommendation

January 1, 2006

David Coobs
27273 Veterans Circle
Arlington, TX 76016

Dear Mr. Coobs:

I am writing to thank you for your career counseling and academic advising. My years at __________(INSTITUTION) were more instructive due to your direction. Now that I am searching for a job, I would appreciate it if you would write a letter of reference for me.

The positions I have targeted require high levels of __________(SKILL), __________(SKILL), and ___________(SKILL). As you have observed in the course of my academic career, I am a careful planner, my work is thorough, and the results I produce are of professional quality. While the primary focus of my targeted job matches my major of __________(FIELD), I am even more eager to apply the knowledge I gained in my minor of __________(FIELD).

I would like to thank you for considering this request. In a few days, I will call to see if I have your permission to include your name and contact information on my reference list. You can call me at _______(PHONE/E-MAIL) or e-mail me at _______(PHONE/E-MAIL) if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Thomas Mack
79773 West River Place
Philadelphia, MN 55446-0396

Dear Mr. Mack:

In our years together serving on fundraisers and donation drives for ____________(INSTITUTION), we have often discussed our careers and plans. I have decided recently to pursue my plans to begin a new job search and would like to list you as one of my references.

The __________(TITLE) position I have targeted will enable me to apply many of the skills I have acquired throughout my professional career and my experience performing volunteer work for _________(INSTITUTION). In particular, I anticipate obtaining a position in which I can apply high-level organizational skills, leadership and motivational support, and an aggressive work ethic.

Thank you for considering my request. I will call next week to confirm that I may include your name and your preferred contact information on my list of references, or you can contact me at _______(PHONE/E-MAIL).

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Louis Wallis
30667 Deer Ridge Place
Mission Viejo, MD 21740

Dear Mr. Wallis:

I am following up on our conversation last week in which we discussed the progress I have been making in my search for a ________(FIELD) job. Your offer to assist with a letter of reference is much appreciated. I am thankful for your continued support and advice.

In the _________(TITLE) position I am seeking, three qualities are most pertinent: attention to detail, ability to follow through without supervision, and providing quality service. It would be helpful if your reference letter described some of the ways that I exhibited these qualities, for example, when I managed the _________(TITLE) project. You might also mention the __________(TITLE) award I received.

Our years working together at ___________(COMPANY) were rewarding and productive. Thank you for your offer to provide a letter of reference. I will call you in a few days to verify your contact information, or I can be reached directly at ________(PHONE/E-MAIL).

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Ron Aliotta
37985 Seventh Place
Annandale, NH 03461

Dear Mr. Aliotta:

As we discussed the other day at lunch, I have decided to pursue other employment opportunities in the field of __________(FIELD). Working with you for the past ___(NUMBER) years has been very rewarding, and since you know my work habits and expertise firsthand, I would appreciate it if you could serve as one of my references.

I am applying for _________(TITLE) positions, which are going to require highly developed cooperative teamwork skills and an ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks. Since these positions have leadership responsibilities, special mention of my ability to serve as a role model Ð leading by example Ð would be appropriate to include in a reference. I am anticipating more frequent opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills that I acquired in the __________(TITLE) program.

Thank you for considering my request. I will call you soon to find out if you will be able to provide a reference for my professional abilities. I can also be reached at ______(PHONE/E-MAIL) or _______(PHONE/E-MAIL).

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Maria Taylor
72579 Greene Common
Arlington, TX 76016

Dear Ms. Taylor:

As I mentioned in our conversation over coffee, it is time for me to expand my range of professional responsibilities. I am considering opportunities both within and outside the company, and would appreciate a reference from you.

In order to advance my career, I am seeking a _______(TITLE) position where I can assume additional duties, motivate others to succeed, and solve problems effectively. In my role here at __________(COMPANY), I have enjoyed the many opportunities to encourage my staff to perform at their highest levels. One tangible sign of our success was receiving the __________(TITLE) award for __________(ACTIVITY).

Thank you for considering my request for a reference. I will call you early next week to find out if I can include you on my reference list, or I can be reached at _______(PHONE/E-MAIL).

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Kent Cash
53700 Bellevue Common
Glendale, AZ 85308

Dear Mr. Cash:

As we have heard many times in our meetings at the __________(INSTITUTION), the best way to find a new job is to network with professional colleagues. I have decided to search for a new _________(TITLE) position where I can increase my area of expertise and responsibility, and am contacting my network for leads. I am also gathering my references and would like to include you.

I have focused my job search on __________(TITLE) positions in which I can apply my _____(NUMBER) years of experience in integrating cutting edge technology into _______________(FIELD) and ____________(FIELD). As you have seen in the presentations I have made at __________(INSTITUTION), my knowledge of the latest developments and issues in __________(FIELD) management is extensive. I am planning to obtain a position where I can continue contributing to the advancement of __________(FIELD).

Thank you for considering my request. I will check with you soon to ensure that you agree to provide a reference, or I can be reached at _______(PHONE/E-MAIL).

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Glen Coleman
81559 Polaris Street
Worcester, MA 02375

Dear Mr. Coleman:

As one of my major professors, you have contributed a significant amount to my understanding of __________(FIELD). In your final class last semester, you offered to help any of the students with their job search. Since you know the quality of my writing and my command of ___________(FIELD), I would be honored if you would provide a letter of reference for me.

I am targeting a position as a __________(TITLE), and anticipate that my demonstrated command of __________(FIELD) and __________(FIELD) will play a crucial role in meeting the requirements of the job. As you mentioned in evaluations of my coursework, I have shown that I am able to communicate well in either written or oral form and have built a reputation for delivering professional quality results. With a solid theoretical foundation for my professional career, I look forward to applying the skills I have developed in school to advancing the field of __________(FIELD).

Thank you, in advance, for your assistance in my job search. I will contact you soon to confirm that I can include your name on my reference list, or you can reach me at _________(PHONE/E-MAIL) or _____________(PHONE/E-MAIL).

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Stan Chang
95435 West Geary Circle
Annandale, NH 03461

Dear Mr. Chang:

As you mentioned when we worked on the ___________(TITLE) project, opportunities to learn new skills and tackle new challenges need to be seized. I took your advice and am presently pursuing several new job opportunities. I will need references and would like to include you on my list.

The positions I have targeted involve expanded territories, more staff to supervise, and greater budgetary responsibility. I am confident I can meet these challenges, as I demonstrated last year when I temporarily assumed the role of __________(TITLE) for ___(NUMBER) months. To prepare for this next step in my career, I have recently completed the __________(TITLE) program at __________(INSTITUTION).

It was a pleasure working with you on the ____(TITLE) project, and I hope that we will have other opportunities to work together. I will contact you in a few days to see if I can add your name to my list of references. You can also reach me by phone at ____(PHONE/E-MAIL) or via e-mail at _____(PHONE/E-MAIL).

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Donna Gordon
58879 Second Ave.
Apt. 474
New Castle, CA 91360-0396

Dear Ms. Gordon:

Recently, we discussed our career plans and our aspirations for the future. As I mentioned then, my career is at the point where I would welcome new challenges. Since we have worked closely in the past, I would like to list you as a reference as I search for employment opportunities.

I am planning to move from my current role as a __________(TITLE) into a ______(TITLE) position where I can develop greater technical expertise, formulate plans for complex installations, and expand my management experience. To support this transition, I have recently completed the __________(TITLE) course at __________(INSTITUTION), which provided me with a deeper understanding of __________(FIELD) and __________(FIELD).

I will call to confirm that it is acceptable to include your name on my list of references. If you have any questions in the meantime, I can be reached at _______(PHONE/E-MAIL). Thank you, in advance, for helping me out with this request.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Scott Wilcox
69238 Seventh Circle
Houston, RI 02886

Mr. Wilcox:

As I mentioned at our last meeting, I am beginning a job search in the ___________(LOCATION) area. Our working relationship has been enjoyable and productive, and you have seen firsthand the quality of my work. I would be pleased if you would agree to serve as one of my references.

In my new environment, I plan to secure a ___________(TITLE) position in which I can continue to provide quality results through proactive service and timely project completion. As you have mentioned to me on several occasions, the hallmarks of my _____(NUMBER) years of service are my consistent attention to detail and my practice of providing frequent communications regarding __________(ACTIVITY).

Thank you for your help with this request. I will check in a few days to confirm that it is acceptable to include your name on my list of references and verify your contact information.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Scott Wilcox
69238 Seventh Circle
Houston, RI 02886

Mr. Wilcox:

I would like to thank you for the attention you have given to my education and professional development. You have identified many ways in which I could increase my skill in __________(SKILL) and further my knowledge of __________(FIELD). Now, I am beginning a job search and would appreciate your assistance by agreeing to write a letter of reference for me.

As you have advised, our industry needs more people who can provide strong team leadership. I seek a position where my reputation for significant contributions to achieving team goals, my skill in __________(SKILL), and my demonstrated history of ________________(ACCOMPLISHMENT) will serve as the basis for professional challenge and growth.

Thank you again for the opportunities to develop my professional career and for considering this request. I will contact you shortly to see if you agree to serve as a reference.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Glen Coleman
81559 Polaris Street
Worcester, MA 02375

Dear Mr. Coleman:

Our years on the __________(DEPARTMENT) team at __________(COMPANY) were challenging and productive. I remember our frequent conversations about our career paths and goals. I have decided to begin searching for the next opportunity in my career, and would like to ask you to provide a letter of reference for me.

To further my career in __________(FIELD), I am applying for positions as a __________(TITLE). The specific strengths I bring to a __________(TITLE) position are an eagerness to meet company needs, the ability to participate as a strong team member, and a history of achieving results that exceeded expectations. Any examples of these strengths from our work together should be included in your reference letter.

Thank you for your attention to this request. I will contact you soon to verify that I may include your name on my reference list.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure