Letter of Introduction Examples and Writing Tips

A good letter of introduction is like a trusted friend saying, “Hey, you two should really meet.”
Whether you’re introducing yourself to a hiring manager, connecting two people in your network,
or kicking off a new client relationship, a thoughtful introduction letter can open doors that
a cold résumé or generic email never will.

In this guide, you’ll learn what a letter of introduction is, how it differs from a cover letter,
when to use one, and how to structure it step by step. We’ll also walk through practical examples
you can adapt, plus real-world tips and “lessons learned” so your letters sound human, confident,
and not like they were copied from a dusty office template from 1998.

What Is a Letter of Introduction?

A letter of introduction is a message (usually an email) that connects one person to another
to start a new relationship or conversation. You might:

• Introduce yourself to someone you’d like to work with or learn from.
• Introduce a colleague, friend, or job seeker to someone in your network.
• Introduce a new employee or account manager to clients.
• Introduce your business to a potential partner, investor, or customer.

Unlike a cover letterwhich responds to a specific job postinga letter of introduction is
more proactive. It’s often sent before a job is posted or before any formal opportunity exists.
Think of it as a friendly knock on the door, not a hard sales pitch.

In today’s world, most letters of introduction are emails, but the same principles apply if
you’re writing a more formal business letter on letterhead.

When Should You Use a Letter of Introduction?

You don’t need a letter of introduction for every situation (please don’t send one to your cousin
about the family barbecue). But it’s incredibly useful in a few key scenarios:

1. When you’re job hunting proactively

Maybe there’s a company you admire, but there’s no job posting yet. A letter of introduction lets you:

• Show genuine interest in the company.
• Briefly highlight relevant skills and experience.
• Ask for an informational interview, referral, or future consideration.

2. When you want to grow your network

Networking letters or intro emails are perfect when you want to:

• Connect with someone in your field.
• Ask for advice from a more experienced professional.
• Follow up after a conference, webinar, or LinkedIn interaction.

3. When you’re introducing two other people

This is the classic “double opt-in” introduction. You’re connecting, for example, a designer who’s
looking for freelance work with a marketing manager who needs help. Your job is to:

• Give quick context on how you know each person.
• Explain why you think they should connect.
• Then gracefully step out of the way.

4. When you’re introducing a new team member to clients

Companies often use an introduction email to:

• Introduce a new account manager or customer success rep.
• Reassure the client that support will remain strong.
• Set expectations for how the new person will help.

5. When you’re introducing your business

A business introduction letter is used to:

• Introduce your company to potential customers or partners.
• Briefly explain what you do and how you can help.
• Invite further conversation, a call, or a demo.

Different situations call for slightly different wording, but the core ingredientsclarity, context,
and courtesystay the same.

Anatomy of a Strong Letter of Introduction

No matter the scenario, most effective introduction letters follow a simple structure. You can think
of it as: Who you are → Why you’re writing → Why they should care → What you’re asking for → Thank you.

1. Subject line (for email)

Your subject line should be clear and calm, not clickbait. A few examples:

• Introduction – Jane Smith, Product Designer
• Intro: Alex (content strategist) & Priya (startup founder)
• New account manager introduction – Acme Co.

2. Greeting

Keep it simple and professional:

• Hi Ms. Lee,
• Hello Jordan,
• Hi Alex and Priya, (for two-person introductions)

3. Opening line: your purpose in one sentence

Your first sentence should answer: “Why are you in my inbox?” For example:

• “I’m reaching out to introduce myself and express my interest in future marketing roles at Brightwave.”
• “I’d love to introduce you to my colleague, Sam, who specializes in nonprofit fundraising strategy.”
• “I’m excited to introduce myself as your new account manager at Northstar Media.”

4. Brief context and credibility

Next, add one or two short sentences that explain who you are and why this introduction makes sense:

• Your role or background: “I’m a senior HR generalist with eight years of experience in tech.”
• Your connection: “We met at the UX Summit in Austin last month.”
• Your relationship to the person you’re introducing: “Sam and I worked together for three years at GreenLeaf.”

5. Why this matters to the reader (the value)

This is where many people go wrongthey talk only about themselves. Instead, briefly highlight how
the introduction benefits the recipient:

• “I admire the work your team is doing in sustainable packaging and would love to learn how my lifecycle analysis background could support those initiatives.”
• “Sam has led several successful capital campaigns for organizations similar to yours and could be a helpful resource as you plan your fall fundraiser.”

6. A clear, low-pressure ask

Make it easy for the recipient to say “yes” by keeping your request small and specific:

• “If you’re open to it, I’d love to schedule a 15–20 minute call to learn more about your team.”
• “Would you be willing to connect with Sam for a brief call to explore whether there’s a fit?”
• “Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions as we transition your account.”

7. Polite closing and signature

Close with a short thank-you and your contact info:

• “Thank you for your time and consideration.”
• “Thanks so much for being open to this connection.”

Then add a simple sign-off (Best regards, All the best, Warm regards) and your name, role,
and key contact information.

Letter of Introduction Examples You Can Adapt

Below are five flexible letter of introduction examples you can customize to your situation. Replace
the bracketed sections with your own details, and tweak the tone depending on how formal or casual
you want to be.

1. Introducing yourself to a hiring manager (job seeker)

Subject: Introduction – [Your Name], [Role or Field]

Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m writing to introduce myself and express my interest in potential opportunities in [field or team]
at [Company Name]. I’ve spent [number] years working in [industry or specialty], most recently as
a [current or most recent role] at [Current/Previous Company].

I’ve followed [Company Name] for some time, especially your work on [specific project, product,
or initiative]. I’d love to explore how my experience in [two or three relevant skills or achievements]
could support your team’s goals.

If you’re open to it, I’d be grateful for a brief conversation or informational interview to learn
more about your upcoming priorities and how I might add value.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn or portfolio link]
[Phone or email]

2. Networking introduction to someone in your field

Subject: Quick introduction from a fellow [role/industry]

Hi [Recipient’s Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m a [your role] at [Company or “independent consultant”] focused on
[your specialty]. I came across your work on [specific project, article, talk, or company initiative],
and I was impressed by [something specific you appreciated].

I’m currently [brief context: “transitioning into product management from UX,” “building my skills in data storytelling,” etc.],
and I’d love to learn from someone who’s already doing this well.

If you have 15–20 minutes in the coming weeks, I’d be grateful for a quick call or virtual coffee
to hear about your path into [role/field] and any advice you might have for someone looking to
[goal you have].

Either way, thank you for sharing your workit’s been genuinely helpful.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn profile]
[Optional portfolio or website]

3. Introducing two people to each other

Subject: Introduction: [Person A] & [Person B]

Hi [Person A] and [Person B],

I’m happy to introduce you twothank you both for being open to connecting.

[Person A], [one-sentence description: “Alex is a content strategist who helps B2B brands create
high-performing thought leadership campaigns.”] We worked together at [Company/Project],
and I’ve seen firsthand how strong their work is.

[Person B], [one-sentence description: “Jordan leads marketing at BrightSeed, where they’re exploring
ways to uplevel their blog and email strategy.”]

Given [brief reason for intro: “Alex’s experience with B2B SaaS content” and “BrightSeed’s plans
to scale content in 2025”], I thought a conversation could be mutually helpful.

I’ll let you two take it from here. 🙂

All the best,
[Your Name]

4. New employee introduction to clients

Subject: Meet your new [Job Title] at [Company Name]

Dear [Client’s Name],

I’m pleased to introduce you to [New Employee’s Name], who will be your new [Job Title] at
[Company Name] starting [Date]. [First Name] has [number] years of experience in [area of expertise]
and has worked with clients in [industry or type of projects].

Going forward, [First Name] will be your primary point of contact for [list items: account questions,
project updates, strategy discussions, etc.]. I’ll be working closely with them over the next few
weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

[New Employee’s Name] is copied here and will reach out separately to schedule a quick call so you
can connect directly.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Company Name]

5. Business introduction letter to a potential client

Subject: Introduction – [Your Company Name]

Hi [Recipient’s Name],

I’m [Your Name], [your title] at [Company Name], where we help [brief description of who you help
and how: “small e-commerce brands simplify inventory planning with data-driven tools,” for example].

I’ve been following [Recipient’s Company] and noticed your recent focus on [specific initiative,
market, or challenge]. Many of our clients were facing similar issues until we helped them
[brief result: “reduce stockouts by 20%,” “shorten onboarding time,” “improve campaign performance,” etc.].

I’d love to introduce our team and learn more about your goals for the next few quarters to see
whether we might be able to support you.

Would you be open to a brief 20-minute call sometime in the next couple of weeks?

Thanks for considering this, and I hope we can connect.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Company Name]
[Website]

Practical Writing Tips for Great Introduction Letters

1. Be clear about your goal

Before you start typing, decide what “success” looks like. Do you want:

• A short informational call?
• Permission to send a résumé?
• A warm connection between two people?
• A chance to pitch your services?

One clear goal keeps your letter focused and respectful of the other person’s time.

2. Do light research first

Skim the recipient’s LinkedIn profile, recent projects, or company news. Mentioning something specific
shows you’re genuinely interested, not sending the same template to 500 people in a caffeine-fueled spree.

3. Keep it short and skimmable

Aim for 3–6 short paragraphs, or 200–300 words. Avoid long blocks of text. Use:

• Short paragraphs (2–4 sentences).
• Bullet points for key skills or value.
• Clear spacing so it’s easy to read on mobile.

4. Focus on what’s useful to them

Instead of only listing your accomplishments, connect them to the recipient’s needs:

• “My background in onboarding analytics could help your team reduce time-to-productivity.”
• “Sam’s experience with capital campaigns might be helpful as you plan your fall fundraiser.”

5. Match your tone to the context

For a conservative industry or senior executive, keep it more formal. For a startup, creative agency,
or someone with a casual online presence, a warmer, more relaxed tone can work well. When in doubt,
stay professional but friendly.

6. Use a professional format

Even in email form, your letter of introduction should look polished:

• Use a clear font and normal text size.
• Avoid colorful backgrounds or multiple fonts.
• Double-check names, titles, and company spellings.

7. Proofread (and then proofread again)

Typos happen, but you don’t want them in your first impression. Read your letter out loud, or paste
it into a plain text editor to catch mistakes. Check especially:

• Recipient’s name and pronouns.
• Company and product names.
• Links that you include (do they work?).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Being vague about why you’re reaching out

“I’d love to connect sometime” doesn’t tell the reader what you want. Always spell out your requesteven
if it’s something small like a 15-minute call or permission to send a résumé.

2. Sending a wall of text

If your email looks like an unbroken gray paragraph, most people will quietly close the tab and
promise to “come back later.” (They will not come back later.) Use spacing and structure.

3. Sounding overly formal or robotic

You don’t need Shakespearean language. Phrases like “To whom it may concern” or “Esteemed sir or madam”
can feel stiff and outdated. Use clear, modern language“Hi Ms. Chen” works just fine.

4. Overselling or pressuring the reader

An introduction letter is the start of a conversation, not the final pitch. Avoid pushy language like
“I am certain this will be a perfect fit.” Focus on curiosity and fit-finding instead.

5. Sending mass, generic templates

People can spot copy-paste outreach from space. A few minutes of personalization will dramatically
improve your reply rateand your reputation.

Checklist Before You Hit Send

• Did you clearly state why you’re reaching out in the first sentence?
• Is your letter under about 300 words and easy to skim?
• Did you show how the introduction benefits the reader?
• Is your ask specific, reasonable, and low-pressure?
• Did you personalize at least one detail (their work, a project, mutual contact)?
• Did you proofread names, titles, and links?

If you can check off most of these, your letter of introduction is probably ready to go.

Real-World Experiences and Lessons from Using Letters of Introduction

Beyond templates and best practices, the real magic of a letter of introduction shows up in how it
plays out in real life. Here are some common experiences and lessons that professionals often report
after sending dozens of introduction letters over the course of their careers.

1. Short, sincere messages almost always outperform long, “perfect” ones

Many people delay outreach because they want to craft the perfect message. Meanwhile, shorter, sincere
notes often get faster replies. Professionals frequently find that a 5–7 sentence email that clearly
explains who they are, why they’re writing, and what they’re asking for gets more engagement than a
carefully polished, multi-page explanation of their life story.

Over time, patterns emerge: the messages that get the most responses are usually the ones that sound
like a considerate human being, not a pitch deck. A simple “I admire your work on X and would love
15 minutes of your advice on Y” goes a long way.

2. Specificity builds trust quickly

People who write lots of introduction letters notice that adding one or two specific details makes
a big difference. Mentioning a particular talk, article, project, or shared connection shows that
the outreach is intentional. It signals respect for the recipient’s time.

For example, “I enjoyed your recent podcast episode on remote leadership, especially your point
about setting communication norms” feels very different from “I love your content.” The first
sounds like someone who actually paid attention; the second sounds like someone who pasted a line
from an outreach script.

3. Warm introductions are often career-changing

Many job seekers and career changers report that a warm introduction from someone in their network
led to major opportunitiesa new job, a client, or a long-term mentor. A brief email from a mutual
contact can move a conversation out of the cold-inbox void and into “real person” territory.

Over time, people who generously introduce others build a strong reputation. Colleagues start to
see them as connectorspeople who “know someone great” for many different problems. That reputation
often comes back in the form of referrals, partnerships, and invitations.

4. Not every letter gets a replyand that’s normal

Even the best introduction letters won’t get a 100% response rate. Busy schedules, overflowing
inboxes, and timing all play a role. Professionals who use introduction letters effectively learn
not to take silence personally. A polite follow-up after a week or two is often enough.

A helpful mindset shift is to see each message as a “tiny experiment” rather than a verdict on
your worth. You’re simply giving someone the opportunity to say “yes” to a conversation. Some will;
many won’t. That’s okay.

5. The best time to build relationships is before you need something urgent

Another common lesson: letters of introduction work best when they’re part of ongoing, low-pressure
relationship buildingnot a last-minute scramble when you desperately need a job or client. People
who regularly send short, thoughtful introductions while things are going well tend to have stronger
networks when they eventually need support.

6. Over time, your “voice” becomes more natural

The first few letters might feel awkward or stiff. That’s normal. As you send more, you’ll get
comfortable with a tone that feels like you: professional but not stiff, friendly but not overly
casual. Many people find it helpful to imagine they’re writing to a colleague they respect but
haven’t met yetthat balance often produces the right voice.

The more real-world practice you get, the less you’ll rely on rigid templates and the more your
letters of introduction will sound like a confident, authentic version of youwhich is exactly what
most recipients want to hear.

Conclusion

A well-crafted letter of introduction can quietly do a lot of heavy lifting for your career or
business. It helps you open doors, spark conversations, and connect the right people at the right
timewithout feeling pushy or awkward.

By understanding when to use a letter of introduction, following a clear structure, and adapting
the examples and tips in this guide, you can create messages that feel polished, personal, and
genuinely helpful. Add in a bit of practice and thoughtful follow-through, and your introduction
letters will become one of your most powerful networking tools.

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