Dear Ms. Alfonso:
My adviser, Dr. Andrew Williamson, and I have discussed how my skills might fit in with the planning you will be doing for your next conference in November of 2010. He said he had discussed with you the possibility that I could assist you in the conference's preparation.

Dear Mr. Partridge:
Your colleague Jared Zarkisian suggested I send my resume directly to you. We talked about your current need to expand the sales force and bring sales professionals in to augment Vanguard Standards Electronics market and how well I could fulfill that need.

Referrals and self-referrals based on informational interviews:

Dear Ms. McCloud:
I'm sure you remember my conducting an informational interview with you last November. The insight you provided into fashion merchandising was invaluable to me, and I thank you again for giving so generously of your time and information. I'm now closer to graduation and would like to meet with you again to discuss the possibility of my joining your firm.

Dear Mr. Alberts:
I enjoyed speaking with you at the University of Tampa Accounting Career Day, sponsored by our campus FICPA chapter. I had previously gained valuable information about your firm when I conducted an interview with Hillary Tyrrell last year. Ms. Tyrrell gave me constructive insight into exactly what is involved in this type of career and what skills are needed. Based on what she told me, I'm convinced my skills and experience are a perfect fit.

Dear Ms. Kervin:
Angie Stevens suggested I contact you about the opening you have for an assistant curator at your museum. When I interviewed Ms. Stevens about six months ago to obtain information about a career in museum work, she mentioned that the museum is looking for an efficient system for cataloguing its collections. I've given this issue some thought and would like to talk to you about how I could maximize your cataloguing efficiency in the assistant curator position.

Dear Ms. Yeargin:
You will recall that I interviewed you last April to collect information about the magazine publishing industry. I notice that you now have an assistant editor position open. Recalling our discussion about the difficulties of getting staff members to meet deadlines, I wondered if I could share my ideas with you while interviewing for the assistant editor position.

Referral based on networking at a professional meeting:

Dear Ms. Lansky:
Your colleague, Nikki Voorman, and I met a few days ago at the Big Bend Advertising Federation meeting. She informed me that you are interested in hiring a motivated individual who can sell your new line of jet-propulsion watercraft. I have the background and personality to excel in this capacity.

Self-referrals based on internships and summer jobs:

Dear Mr. Newton:
Thank you for the opportunity to work for you this past summer. Working with the kids was a very valuable experience. And next year will be even better. I am aware that the position will become available again at the end of 2010.

Dear Ms. Ashlyn:
My past experience as an intern in your department and my academic background in management will enable me to immediately contribute to the administrative assistant position that is being offered.

Self-referral based on meeting at a career fair:

Dear Mr. Cross:
It was a pleasure speaking with you last week at Whitworth University's annual career fair. I was particularly impressed by Atlantica's philosophy and hope that you will consider my resume in your search for new consultants.

Self-referral and referral in opener:

Dear Mr. Walker:
I enjoyed meeting with you at Kriner Pontiac-Buick-GMC Truck in Poughkeepsie last summer. Bill Howard, fleet manager at Kriner, suggested I contact you regarding possible openings in the financial management department of the Fleet Division.

Dear Mr. Bowman:
I truly enjoyed speaking with you on the phone last week. When Dr. Garrison informed me of your upcoming internship position in your promotions department, I was thrilled. My ability to communicate well and my strong interest in the music industry will enable me to make a genuine contribution to WAVE 105.9.

Self-referral based on social encounter (Be sure it's appropriate to refer to recipient by first name):

Dear Rick:
Once again, I must thank you for the interesting conversation we had at Christie's and Ken's wedding last week. I appreciated the information you gave me on the airline industry and the insights you provided about the company's work environment. I am writing in response to your invitation to share my resume with your company.

Self-referral with flattery added:

Dear Ms. James:
Thank you for the opportunity to have lunch with you during your visit to Azusa Pacific University. I also attended your seminar here regarding Wal-Mart and found it interesting and informative. I understand from our lunch that you are hiring college graduates in your marketing department.