Write an Email I: Greeting and Introduction

In this task, you will begin drafting an email to ask someone to be your reference. The email will start with a greeting and an introduction. While it might be ideal to ask for a reference in person, circumstances often require making such requests via email. An email is not only practical when in-person communication isn’t possible, but it also serves as a useful follow-up to remind your potential reference of your request, especially since they may have a busy schedule. Your email should be polite, brief, and appropriate for your audience. It’s crucial to use complete sentences, correct grammar, and proper spelling to ensure your message maintains a professional tone. Start by opening your Gmail account and composing a new email. Enter the email address of your reference in the “To” field, which you can conveniently copy and paste from the table you previously created. Include a clear subject line to convey the main point or purpose of your email.

Begin your message with an appropriate greeting, choosing one that suits the individual you are addressing. Using formal titles like Ms., Mr., Doctor, or Coach is a way to show respect. Following the greeting, introduce yourself by reminding your reference how they know you, such as being a former teacher, employer, or coach. Since you may not be in regular contact with your reference, or they might oversee many students or employees, this reminder helps them remember your connection. Next, explain the reason for reaching out, perhaps mentioning how they inspired you, mentored you, or assisted you in another way. After you have introduced yourself and re-established your connection with the reference, you’ll be ready to move on to the next steps in completing your email. Your current task is to open a new email, add a recipient and subject, and write a greeting and introduction.