The
meaning of inquiry letter
Inquiry
letter is a letters that are written for collecting information about job
seekers, prices, products, and services before awarding jobs, granting credit,
making contracts and giving promotions are known as letters of inquiry. These
letters are written to a third party seeking information about either a job or
a company that wishes to make business relationship.
Prospective
employers and business organizations usually write inquiry letters for
obtaining desired information. Prospective employers write this letter to the
referees mentioned in the job application to obtain information about the
applicant’s personal and family background, ability, skills, honesty,
character, integrity, quality of performance, fitness for job etc. on the other
hand, business enterprises write inquiry letters to third parties referred by
the customers to know about their business dealings, financial capabilities and
goodwill to determine whether to establish business relationships with those
enterprises.
Types
of inquiry letter
Based
on purpose, there are two most common types of inquiry letters such as (1)
personal status inquiry letter and (2) business status inquiry letter.
§ Personal status inquiry letter: The letters
that are written by prospective employers for obtaining information about job
applicants are called personal status inquiry letter. Employers write this
letter to obtain information relating to the applicant’s personal and family
background, ability, skills, honesty, character, integrity, quality of
performance, fitness for job etc. generally this letter is written to the
referees mentioned by the concerned applicant. In response to this letter, the
referees write a reply letter to the employer. This response letter may be
favorable, unfavorable or neutral to the applicant.
§ Business status inquiry letter: When a
business enterprise writes letter to another business enterprise for collecting
information about a prospective customer, it is known as business status
inquiry letter. This letter is usually written for collecting information about
financial capability, goodwill, nature of business dealings, honesty etc. of a
business enterprise to determine whether to establish business transactions
with it. Responses of this letter may be either favorable or unfavorable.
Why
to Write a Letter of Inquiry
A
letter of inquiry is a good way to connect with a company.
Because
the letter is unsolicited, sending it shows that you're proactive, and have a
genuine interest in the company. As well as inquiring about open or upcoming
positions, a letter of inquiry can also be used to set up an information
interview with human resources or higher level employees.
While
the company may not be hiring currently, or may not have a job posted that is
appropriate for you, a letter of inquiry will help you be on the company's
radar when opportunities that are suitable for you arise.
Finding
a Contact
It's
best to be able to address your letter of inquiry to someone specific, rather
than having a generic greeting such as "Dear Sir or Madam" or
"To Whom It May Concern." Check with your friends, family, and
network to see if you know anyone at the company.
LinkedIn
can be helpful for tracking down connections, as well as providing you with a
communication method. See more tips for how to find contacts at a company.
You
can send a letter of inquiry to people in the human resources department, or to
manager-level contact in the department you'd ideally like to work in.
What
to Include in Your Job Inquiry Letter
Inquiry
letters should contain information on why the company interests you, and how
and why your skills and experience would be an asset to the company.
Politeness
and brevity are key when it comes to writing a letter of inquiry — remember,
you're aiming to make a good impression, and show that you'd be an asset to the
company. Follow the same tone and guidelines you'd use if you were writing a
cover letter for an advertised job.
Unlike
a cover letter, you can't use the job description to determine which
qualifications and experience to highlight. Instead, emphasize how your skills
and experience would be helpful to the company overall. Use the letter of
inquiry to sell yourself, putting a spotlight on the strengths you'd offer the
company, and why the company's mission and goals appeal to you.
How
to Send a Job Inquiry Letter
Inquiry
letters can be sent via mail or email. However, because you are asking about
employment opportunities with a company rather than for a specific job opening,
a mailed paper letter can make a much better impression than an email message
which may not be opened or read.
Example
of inquiry letter
PT.
ABDURAHMAN PERSADA
Street
Ujung Harapan Raya No. 57
Bekasi
oct
14, 2016
PT.
PRIMA NUGROHO
Street
KrakatauBlok A7 No.43
BekasiTimur
Dear
Sir or Madam,
We
saw your product at International Design of Shoes Fair in Mega Bekasi on 1 oct
2016 and made interested us.
Please
send types of sample, the terms and catalogue of the shoes. If the cost is low
and the types of sample are interesting, we will order your product.
We
are looking forward to receiving your reply soon.
Your
Sincerely,
Purchasing
Manager
Aprilla
putrikasari
