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Letter of Introduction: Examples and Writing Tips for Networking

A good letter of introduction explains who you are, why you chose the recipient, and what you’re asking for. Use these examples to write a networking email, warm referral, or introduction between two people—and distinguish each from a job-application cover letter.
From TheFinanceBase Team5 min to read

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A letter of introduction is a short professional message that helps you start a conversation or connect two people. For a networking email, say who you are, why you chose this recipient, and what modest next step you’re requesting. If you’re applying for a specific job, write a tailored cover letter instead—the purpose and supporting details are different.

Choose the right kind of introduction

People use “letter of introduction” for several different messages. Decide what you need the message to do before choosing a template.

Message type Purpose What to include
Self-introduction Start a professional relationship with someone you do not know well. Your relevant background, why this person is a good contact, and a focused request such as a short conversation.
Warm introduction or referral Contact someone after a mutual connection suggested you reach out. The connector’s name and relevant context, your brief background, and the reason for contacting the recipient. Only say the person suggested outreach if they did.
Introduction between two people Connect two people who may have a useful reason to meet. A brief explanation of the connection and a sentence of relevant context about each person.
Cover letter Apply for a specific role at a specific employer. A tailored explanation of your fit for the role, supported by concrete examples.

A networking letter is not ordinarily tied to a particular job opening; a cover letter accompanies an application and explains why you are applying. Monster’s explanation of letters of introduction distinguishes the networking purpose from a job-specific application. For a cover letter, Penn Career Services recommends tailoring it, using examples, and keeping it to one page.

What to put in a networking introduction

Keep the message brief, relevant, and easy to answer. A useful structure is:

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  1. Subject: Name the purpose, such as “Request for a brief conversation about [field]” or “Introduction through [Mutual Contact].”
  2. Greeting: Use the recipient’s preferred name or title if you know it.
  3. Connection: Explain how you found them, including a mutual contact, event, or shared community when relevant.
  4. Context: Give one or two sentences about your current role, study, or relevant experience.
  5. Reason: Explain why this person is relevant and what you hope to learn or discuss.
  6. Request: Ask for one clear, modest next step, such as a brief call, and be flexible about timing.
  7. Close: Thank them and include your name and contact details.

UT Austin Career Services’ professional-correspondence guidance also recommends introducing yourself, naming a mutual contact when applicable, proposing a meeting topic, and providing relevant education or experience. For an initial email whose purpose is a career conversation, it advises against attaching a résumé as though you were applying for a job.

Examples you can adapt

Replace the bracketed text with accurate, specific details. A genuine detail about the recipient’s work is more useful than a generic compliment.

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Introducing yourself to a new contact

Subject: Request for a brief conversation about [field]

Hello [Name],

I’m [name], a [brief role or background] interested in [specific area]. I came across your work on [specific, genuine detail] and am reaching out because [reason this person is relevant]. Would you be open to a brief 15–20 minute conversation about your experience in [topic]? I’m glad to work around your schedule.

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Thank you for considering it,
[Name]

The 15–20 minute request follows the sample on the University of Victoria Career Services informational-meeting page; it is an example, not a universal expectation.

Reaching out through a mutual contact

Subject: Introduction through [Mutual Contact]

Hello [Name],

[Mutual Contact], [their title or relationship], suggested I reach out. I’m [brief relevant background], and I’m currently [specific goal or context]. I’d value the chance to ask you about [focused topic]. Would you be available for a brief conversation, or is there someone else you recommend I contact?

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Thank you,
[Name]

Use the first sentence only when the contact actually suggested you get in touch. UNLV Career Services’ correspondence example likewise identifies the connector and recommendation before giving context and asking to speak.

Connecting two people

Subject: Connecting [Person A] and [Person B]

Hi [A] and [B],

I’m connecting you because [brief, specific reason they may benefit from meeting]. [A] is [relevant context]; [B] is [relevant context]. I’ll leave it to you both to take it from here if useful.

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Best,
[Name]

Before sending, confirm that both people are comfortable with the introduction and with sharing their contact details. Keep the reason for connecting them clear so each person can decide whether to follow up.

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Make the request clear and considerate

A strong networking request asks to learn about the person’s work or field; it does not disguise a request for a job as an informational interview. UT Austin’s Career Conversations Guide describes a career conversation as a way to learn, not as a job interview or a way to ask for a job. Its sample requests about 20–30 minutes, while the University of Victoria sample uses 15–20 minutes. These are examples from university career-services materials, not fixed rules for every recipient or region.

  • Ask for one specific next step rather than a broad favor.
  • Give the recipient room to decline or suggest someone else.
  • Offer flexibility instead of assuming a particular date or meeting format.
  • Be candid if your purpose is to ask about a job opening; do not label a job inquiry as a career conversation.

Tailor a cover letter to a specific job

If you are applying for a named position, use a cover letter rather than a general networking introduction. Address the employer and role, explain why you are applying, and show how your experience matches the work with specific examples. Avoid a broad list of unsupported skills. Penn Career Services advises keeping a cover letter to one page and proofreading it carefully; employers may treat the application as evidence of your writing. See Penn’s cover-letter guidance.

Review the message before sending

  • Check the recipient’s name, title, employer, and any dates or details about a mutual contact.
  • Make sure every claim about a referrer is accurate; do not imply an endorsement that was not given.
  • Remove background that does not explain why you are contacting this person.
  • Confirm that the request is clear, small, and easy to answer.
  • Proofread for spelling, grammar, and the correct names.
  • Attach a résumé only when it fits the purpose. For an initial networking email seeking a career conversation, UT Austin advises not attaching one as though applying for a position: Professional Correspondence.

Professional norms and employment terminology vary by location. The university guidance linked here comes from U.S. and Canadian career-services contexts, so adapt salutations and phrasing to the recipient and local conventions.

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