what is a letter of introduction
A letter of introduction is a short, formal message used to introduce yourself or one person to another, usually to start a professional connection or open the door to future opportunities.
Quick Scoop
It is not the same as a cover letter. A cover letter responds to a specific job opening, while a letter of introduction is broader and focuses on building a connection first.
What it does
A letter of introduction is commonly used to:
- Introduce yourself to a potential employer, client, or business partner.
- Connect two people who may benefit from knowing each other.
- Share a brief professional background and explain why the connection matters.
Basic structure
A typical letter includes:
- Your contact details and the date.
- A greeting addressed by name if possible.
- A short opening that explains who you are and why you are writing.
- A brief body with relevant background or value.
- A closing with a clear next step and a polite sign-off.
Simple example
“Hi Maria, I’m Alex, a marketing analyst at Greenwave. I’m reaching out because I admire your team’s work and would value a chance to connect.” If you want, I can also give you a ready-to-use letter of introduction template for work, school, or networking.