Letters of Inquiry
If you are very committed to making your way into a particular organization and cannot find a contact, one possible route is a letter of inquiry, the written equivalent of a cold call.
Sample Letter of InquiryJames Fox
Fox@CrazyLaneExpeditions.com
Dear Mr. Fox,
I found your name and the name of Crazy Lane Expeditions on the Internet when I was researching agencies specializing in unusual travel arrangements. Your trips to Patagonia sound fantastic.
As a sophomore at Northeastern University, majoring in anthropology, I am exploring possibilities for summer internships. I would love to find one that involves travel — specifically travel combined with outdoor adventure. Hiking, mountaineering, biking, rafting and kayaking are strong interests of mine. I have led school and scouting groups during school and summer vacations for the past two years, and would love to participate in the leadership of outdoor trips for any age group this summer. On most of the trips I have worked on, I was working also with local guides.
I believe I could play a part on one of your summer trips, and I would really appreciate the chance to talk with you about this possibility. I am enclosing my resume so that you will have a sense of my background and skills. I will call you next Friday afternoon to follow up. If that time is not convenient, could you please e-mail me some times that would work better for you.
Thank you in advance for your attention.
Sincerely yours,
Suzanne Carolina
Cover Letters
Networking Letters
Letters of Inquiry
Thank-You Notes
List of References