Job Inquiry Letters: How to Write & Send Them (+Examples)
7 min read
Are you in the market for a new job, but struggling to find advertised openings in your field? If so, then you should consider a more proactive approach and start sending out some job inquiry letters. Some job seekers use these letters to look for exclusive potential employment opportunities.
Of course, to get any real benefit from this strategy, you will need to learn the proper way to craft and deliver job inquiry letters. Fortunately, we have the tips you need--as well as some examples you can follow to write a job inquiry letter.
What are job inquiry letters?
A job inquiry letter is a great tool to use when you’re trying to get your resume out to companies that may not even have started the hiring process. Contrary to what some job-seekers assume, companies don’t always post job ads as soon as an open position becomes available.
By writing a job inquiry to companies before they’ve had a chance to begin looking for candidates, you can give yourself a head start on your job-seeking competition.
Job inquiry letters are exactly what they sound like. They are unsolicited letters that request information about potential job openings. These letters are a useful tool that can get you noticed by employers--even when they are not yet ready to hire. They are also a great way for you to express interest in working for a firm that may not currently be looking for someone with your skillset. Sometimes, that simple line of inquiry can pave the way toward future opportunities with the company.
How do you write job inquiry letters?
To write effective job inquiry letters, there are a few things you need to do. First, try to obtain the name of a contact person within the company. Sure, you could just write one of those “to whom it may concern” or “dear sir or madam” letters, but put yourself in the company’s shoes. If you were a hiring manager or employer, would that approach really spark your interest? Probably not.
Instead, you should take the time to search for the company on LinkedIn, and try to locate someone in human resources or management. You can then direct your letter to that person, for a more personal touch. Alternatively, you could just call the company and ask.
Your job inquiry letters should include the following information:
Information about how you learned about the company
A brief explanation about why you’re interested in working for the firm
Details about how your specific skill set and experience can enrich that company if you’re hired
A call to action, or details about when and how you will follow-up on the letter
Your contact information
Below, we’ve included some examples to show you how it’s done. Note that there are several different ways to accomplish your goals, depending upon your unique situation and needs.
How should you send a job inquiry letter?
You have a couple of options when it comes to sending your job inquiry letters. The first is to mail a printed copy of your letter, along with a chronological resume, to the contact person. This has the advantage of being both traditional and professional. It also ensures that human eyes will see the submission, even though they may not actually read it. Alternatively, you could send it via email. Again, there is no guarantee that anyone will read it.
The real question, though, is this: should you email your resume if you choose to email the letter? Opinions are divided. Some hiring managers are reluctant to open file attachments from unknown addresses, so there is always the risk that your email will be ignored. Others are more open to the idea, especially when they are accustomed to receiving emails in that manner. Use your best judgment.
Examples of job inquiry letters
Here are two sample job inquiry letters that you can use as guides to create your own inquiries. The first can be an effective option when you need to send an email inquiry. The second can be used for the more traditional postal submission.
Example: job inquiry emails
With an email submission, you can typically skip the otherwise-obligatory contact heading details, and instead get right to the matter at hand. It is still important to ensure that the presentation is professional, well-organized, and informative. For example:
Subject Line: Letter of Introduction and Job Inquiry – [Your Name]
Dear [Contact Name],
Thank you for taking the time to consider my job inquiry. I have been following your company for several years now, and have been impressed with its growth and innovative success.
I’ve been employed in the [company’s industry] industry for [number of years] years now, and am currently interested in applying my skills and experience in new and creative ways. I believe that my unique skill set can be of real value to [company name], and help to fuel its continued success for years to come.
I have been employed as a [job title or titles] for more than [number of years] years. Over the course of my career, I have consistently strived to advance company goals, increase productivity, and enhance the work environment. In my current job, I have successfully overseen {list one or two specific accomplishments that have improved the company]. I am hopeful that I can bring those types of benefits to your firm as well.
It would be my great honor to meet with you to discuss potential job openings and career opportunities at [company name] and how my skills might benefit the firm. I am prepared to provide any other details you might need in anticipation of such a visit.
I eagerly look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Email Address
LinkedIn Profile URL
Phone Number
If you want, you can add your resume to this email as well. Not everyone will read it, but it will give your recipient more information about your skills and background up front. Just make sure that your attached resume is optimized for both the hiring manager and the ATS resume test.
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Example: job inquiry letters
With the letter option, you should pay attention to standard letter guidelines regarding formatting. That will help to ensure that the letter you send showcases your professionalism and attention to detail. That means using the right contact information presentation, and including a standard greeting and close. For example:
Your Name
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Company Contact Name
Contact Title
Company Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. [Contact Name],
Thank you for reviewing my resume. I have been employed in the [industry name] industry for [length of experience] years, and have watched your company’s progress and success with interest. Currently, I am looking for new opportunities and challenges in the industry, and your company’s name was the first one that came to mind.
It would be an honor to work with your team, as I have heard nothing but glowing reviews about [company name]. I am confident that my experience and proven value can contribute to your firm’s continued success in the future, and hope that you will consider me for any potential job opening.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address] if you have any questions about my resume or qualifications. I hope to hear from you soon, and look forward to having the opportunity to discuss a future with your great firm.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
Summary
Is it really worth the time and effort?
Yes! The process of creating and sending out job inquiry letters is time-consuming, and there’s no guarantee of success. However, the potential benefits can be enormous!
If you’re serious about landing that dream job, writing a job inquiry letter can be a better option than waiting for that company to announce an open position. So, be proactive and take control of your own job search efforts. This could be just what you need to finally land that great career you’ve been looking for!
Related links:
Best Email Subject Lines When Sending a Resume (+ Examples)
Written by
Steve Guntli, Editor & Content Writer
Steve started his career as an editor/journalist/photographer for a small weekly newspaper before joining Zipjob. Born in California, Steve has also lived in Colorado and Washington, and recently relocated to Austin, Texas. In his free time, Steve is an actor, comedian, and podcaster, and an avid long-distance runner.
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