Letter of Introduction: Templates for Making a Connection

A letter of introduction opens a connection between people who may not know one another. It can introduce you to a professional contact or introduce two people to each other. It differs from a cover letter, which normally responds to a specific hiring opportunity.

Decide who is being introduced

When introducing yourself, explain who you are, why this person is relevant to your request, and what small next step you hope for. When connecting two other people, get permission before sharing contact details or attaching private material. Do not assume a colleague wants to make a referral, mentor someone, or review a resume.

Keep the request narrow enough to answer. “Can you help me find a job?” asks the reader to design the task. “Would you be open to a brief conversation about moving from support into customer success?” gives them a concrete decision.

Self-introduction template

Subject: Introduction — support operations to customer success

Hello [Name],

I am [Your name], a [current role or accurate background]. I found your [public talk or relevant professional work] while researching [specific topic].

I am exploring [clear goal]. In my current work, I [one relevant example]. Would you be open to [small request] at a time that suits you?

Thank you for considering it, [Name]

Replace every bracket. Do not invent familiarity with someone's work: reference only something you have actually read or attended.

Introducing two contacts

After both agree, write a short shared message: “Maya, meet Sam, who is exploring support operations roles. Sam, Maya has experience building service teams. You both said you would be happy to connect about that area. I will leave you to arrange a suitable time.” This fictional example explains the connection without promising an interview or endorsement.

Avoid turning an introduction into an application

Do not attach a large portfolio, ask multiple favors, or copy additional contacts without a reason. If a contact asks for your resume, send the relevant version and clarify the role you are considering. If you are approaching an employer about future openings, use a letter of interest instead.

A polite introduction may receive no reply. That is not evidence of a hiring decision. Respect the contact's boundaries and any stated preference about follow-up.

Sources and further reading

• CareerOneStop interview preparation