Are you struggling with how to craft an opening letter that captures your reader’s attention and compels them to take action? Look no further. In this article, we’ll provide you with real-life opening letter examples that have proven to be successful. Not only that, but we’ll also break down the elements of these letters so that you can understand what works and apply the principles to your own writing. Whether you’re writing a cover letter, a sales letter, or a letter of recommendation, you’ll find valuable insights and tips in this article. So grab a pen and a notebook, and let’s dive into some opening letter examples that you can use and customize for your specific needs.
The Best Structure for Opening Letter
When it comes to writing a letter, the opening is arguably the most important part. The opening sets the tone for the rest of the letter and can either captivate or bore the reader. In order to ensure that your opening is effective and attention-grabbing, it is essential to use a certain structure.
The first paragraph of your letter should be focused on establishing a strong connection with the reader. This can be done by using a personalized greeting or referencing something specific about the reader’s life or interests. This will immediately create a sense of familiarity and make the reader more invested in what you have to say.
After establishing the connection, it is crucial to clearly state the purpose of your letter. This should be done in a concise and straightforward manner, as this will provide the reader with a clear understanding of what you hope to achieve through this correspondence.
Once the purpose of the letter has been established, the third paragraph should be used to offer some context or background information. This may include explaining why this issue is important, or providing additional details that the reader may not be aware of.
Finally, it is important to end the opening with a strong call-to-action. This should be a clear and specific request that encourages the reader to take action. Whether it is asking for a response, a meeting, or simply further consideration, a clear call-to-action will help ensure that your letter receives the attention it deserves.
In conclusion, the best structure for opening a letter starts with a personalized greeting, clear purpose statement, contextual background information, and a strong call-to-action. By following this structure, you can capture the reader’s attention while also demonstrating your professionalism and expertise in the matter at hand.
Recommendation Letter Samples
Letter of Recommendation for a Teacher
Dear [Name],
It is my pleasure to recommend [Teacher’s Name] for any teaching position he/she may be pursuing. [He/She] has been an integral part of our school for [number of years] years and has shown an outstanding ability to connect with students and colleagues alike.
[Teacher’s Name] has a gift for creating a nurturing and challenging learning environment, which motivates students to achieve their best. [He/She] is an expert in [Subject] and has been instrumental in creating and implementing innovative lesson plans that have had a significant impact on our students’ academic performance.
It is with great confidence that I recommend [Teacher’s Name] for any teaching position. If you should require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for a Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Position] position at your company. I have known [him/her] for [number of years] years and have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] in several different capacities.
I am confident that [Name] would be an excellent addition to your team. [He/She] is a highly motivated individual with a can-do attitude, and has a track record of success in [Industry/Field]. [His/Her] ability to work collaboratively with others and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget is exceptional.
In summary, I highly recommend [Name] for the [Position] position. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for a Graduate School
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Name] for admission to [Graduate School]. [He/She] has been a student of mine for [number of years] years and I have watched [him/her] grow and develop into an exceptional candidate for post-graduate education.
[Name] has an outstanding academic record and has demonstrated a deep commitment to [Field of Study]. [He/She] has also been actively involved in [Extra-curricular Activities] and has shown great leadership skills through [His/Her] involvement.
In summary, I give [Name] my highest recommendation for admission to [Graduate School]. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for a Volunteer
Dear [Organization Name],
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for [Name] in [His/Her] proposal to volunteer with your organization. I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] in [Volunteer Capacity] and have found [Him/Her] to be an exceptional and dedicated volunteer.
[Name] has a passion for [Cause] and has demonstrated [His/Her] commitment through volunteering with several different organizations. [He/She] has a remarkable ability to connect with people and make them feel valued and heard, which makes [Him/Her] an asset to any organization.
I strongly recommend [Name] for any volunteer position with your organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for a Student
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for admission to [University/College] for the upcoming academic year. [He/She] has been a student of mine for [number of years] years and I have been continually impressed by [His/Her] academic ability, leadership skills, and dedication to [Field of Study].
[Name] is an exceptional student who has demonstrated a deep commitment to [Extra-curricular Activities]. [His/Her] ability to balance academic and extracurricular pursuits is admirable and is a testament to [His/Her] time management skills and determination.
In summary, I give [Name] my highest recommendation for admission to [University/College]. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for a Tenant
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter to provide a reference for [Name], who has been a tenant of mine for [length of tenancy]. During this time, [Name] has been an outstanding tenant, always paying rent on time and maintaining [His/Her] property in excellent condition.
[Name] is a responsible and reliable individual with a positive attitude. [He/She] has been a pleasure to have as a tenant and I recommend [Him/Her] without reservation to any potential landlords.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for a Colleague
Dear [Management Team/HR Department],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [His/Her] hard work and dedication to [Company Name]. [He/She] has been a valuable part of our team for [length of time], and [His/Her] contributions have been invaluable.
[Name] exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and skilled employee. [He/She] consistently demonstrates initiative and a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected. [His/Her] positive attitude and excellent communication skills make [Him/Her] an asset to any work environment.
I highly recommend [Name] for any new opportunities, as I am confident [He/She] would be a valuable addition to any team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Research-Backed Tips for Powerful Letter Openings
If you’re sending a letter, you want to make sure that your message gets read. But how can you capture your reader’s attention and interest right from the start? Here are some research-backed tips for crafting powerful letter openings:
- Ask a Question: One effective way to engage your reader is to start with a thought-provoking question. According to research, questions are a powerful tool for capturing attention and stimulating curiosity. Choose a question related to the topic of your letter, and frame it in a way that encourages the reader to keep reading to find the answer.
- Use a Shocking Statistic or Fact: If you want to grab your reader’s attention, try opening with an surprising or striking statistic or fact. This can be a powerful way to make the reader sit up and take notice. Ideally, choose a fact that is relevant to the topic of your letter, and be sure to source your information carefully.
- Share a Personal Story: Another way to build connection and interest is to begin with a personal anecdote. By sharing a story, you can make your message more relatable and human. Choose a story that highlights the issue or problem you want to address in your letter, and try to make it engaging and memorable.
- Highlight the Urgency: Sometimes, the best way to motivate someone to act is by emphasizing the urgency of the situation. If your letter is addressing an urgent matter, be sure to emphasize it clearly and succinctly in your opening sentence. This can help you get your reader’s attention and generate a sense of concern or urgency.
- Pique Their Curiosity: Finally, one of the most effective ways to draw your reader in is by piquing their curiosity with a tantalizing statement or hint. This can create a sense of mystery and anticipation that makes the reader want to learn more. Try opening with a statement that offers a surprising or unusual perspective on the issue at hand, or tease a surprising revelation that the reader will learn more about later in the letter.
By using these research-backed tips, you can create powerful and engaging opening sentences for your letters. Remember, the goal is to hook your reader’s interest and motivate them to keep reading, so experiment with different approaches until you find the one that works best for your message.
Opening Letter Example FAQs
What is an opening letter?
An opening letter is the first communication that you send to a potential employer or business contact. It is typically used as a way to introduce yourself and express your interest in a job or collaboration opportunity.
What should I include in my opening letter?
Your opening letter should include a brief introduction of yourself, a statement of why you are interested in the opportunity, and a summary of your relevant skills or experiences. It should also be personalized and tailored to the specific job or contact you are reaching out to.
How long should my opening letter be?
Your opening letter should be brief and to the point, ideally no longer than one page. It should include all of the necessary information, but be concise enough to hold the reader’s attention and leave them wanting to learn more about you.
Should I follow up after sending my opening letter?
Yes, it is a good idea to follow up after sending your opening letter. A short email or phone call can show that you are proactive and interested in the opportunity, and can also give you an opportunity to ask any questions or clarify any points from your letter.
When should I send my opening letter?
You should send your opening letter as soon as possible after you become aware of the opportunity. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest, and also give you a better chance of being considered for the position or collaboration.
How can I make my opening letter stand out?
To make your opening letter stand out, focus on the employer’s or contact’s needs and show how your skills and experiences can meet those needs. Use a professional yet conversational tone, and be sure to proofread and edit your letter for grammar and spelling errors.
Is it okay to use a template for my opening letter?
Yes, it is okay to use a template for your opening letter as long as you personalize it to the specific job or contact. However, it is important to avoid copying and pasting large sections of a generic template, as this can come across as insincere and unprofessional.
Happy Writing!
That’s it for our opening letter example. We hope this has given you the inspiration and confidence to start writing your own letters with ease. Remember, the key to a great letter is to make it personal and sincere. So, take your time, gather your thoughts, and start writing! And don’t forget to come back and visit us for more useful writing tips and tricks. Thank you for reading, and best of luck with your writing endeavors!