This page will discuss how to write a letter of inquiry. A letter of inquiry is a very effective and professional way to find a job, to receive grant money, to advertise a product or to answer questions on an article or paper that you have read that you feel are unanswered. This particular kind of letter must be short and straight to the point, but at the same time contain substance.

To start off your letter of inquiry, the first and foremost important thing is the heading. The heading should include address of the sender (you) and occasionally the sender's name, but in a traditional letter this is unnecessary. The heading should look something like this:

Your Address

The date

Name of person you are inquiring

Their department and/or position

Address

After this you need the salutation. Since this is a business letter and not a personal one, you will need a colon instead of a comma. Your salutation should appear as shown:

Dear Sir or Mam:

or

To Whom It May Concern:

If the name of the person you are sending to and their position is available, it should look something like this:

Dear Mr. Jones:

or

Dear Dr. Schultz:

When you are done with the salutation, you need to write your introduction. The introduction should be short, but at the same time must politely state the purpose of the letter. It must also state the source, or contact that has pointed you to the recipient in some way, whether it be a person that works for that particular person or an advertisement or article in a magazine or newspaper. Hear is an example of a letter I have written:

PO Box 31

Keosauqua, IA 52565

March 6, 2007

Miley Cyrus

CESD Talent Agency

10635 Santa Monica Blvd.

Suite 130/135

Los Angeles, CA 90025

Dear Miss Cyrus:

I am writing as a fellow songwriter and musician. Currently I am working on pieces of my own, and I was hoping for a collaboration of sorts, possibly a "dynamic duo" of musical geniuses. Growing up, I too have had a very musical family; my grandfather played guitar, my sister an astounding pianist, my brother on trombone (as well as guitar) and I too play bass in my spare time. My main influences when I write music are greats such as Kurt Cobain, Johnny Cash, Angus Young, Jimi Hendrix, and Axle Rose just to name a few.

If you are curious about my pieces and my musical style, you can send for samples of my work at the above address or contact me at my email address: adam_otaku@hotmail.com.

Thanks for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Adam Cole

Student/Musician