Writing a business letter to request a meeting with the general manager of a company or organisation should be clear and concise. It is important to appear aware of what the general manager does and of the company that he runs. Be friendly but not informal and avoid waffling. There are many examples of business letters online. The example below can be found at jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/requestmeeting.h along with many other sample letters.
Your name and address should be written at the top of the letter and right-aligned. If you have headed paper, use this instead. Include any contact details that you feel are appropriate. Write the general managers name and address at the left of the page, before the start of the letter. The letter, in this case to arrange a meeting with the general manager of New York Times, can then follow something like this:
Dear Mr. Tally,
For the past 10+ years I have followed your career through news events, interviews and web research. Your dedication to the Fourth Estate and your understanding of the important role journalists play in today's fast-paced information highway, coupled with your belief in the power of the press is exemplary. In addition, I know you were a student at Columbia with John Smith, my journalism professor at Missouri State.
I have had the privilege of honing my journalistic abilities on three widely different publications. When I left college, I immediately went to work for the typical small town newspaper and learned all aspects of getting the paper to the people in a timely manner. I then moved to regional manager for a media corporation composed of small to mid-size newspapers in the Midwest. In my current position, I am Chief Correspondent for one of the largest newspapers in the southwest.
I would like an opportunity to visit with you to get your insight and suggestions on where my skills and abilities would be of the greatest value to the journalist field, not only newspapers but other mediums as well.
The week of March 15 - 19, I will be in New York City. I'd like to visit with you and get your feedback on my writing ability, along with suggestions on where my skills would be of the greatest value from your point of view. I do have a portfolio of my work that I will have with me.
I will call your office to set a convenient time. I do look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Mark Smith
Your name and address should be written at the top of the letter and right-aligned. If you have headed paper, use this instead. Include any contact details that you feel are appropriate. Write the general managers name and address at the left of the page, before the start of the letter. The letter, in this case to arrange a meeting with the general manager of New York Times, can then follow something like this:
Dear Mr. Tally,
For the past 10+ years I have followed your career through news events, interviews and web research. Your dedication to the Fourth Estate and your understanding of the important role journalists play in today's fast-paced information highway, coupled with your belief in the power of the press is exemplary. In addition, I know you were a student at Columbia with John Smith, my journalism professor at Missouri State.
I have had the privilege of honing my journalistic abilities on three widely different publications. When I left college, I immediately went to work for the typical small town newspaper and learned all aspects of getting the paper to the people in a timely manner. I then moved to regional manager for a media corporation composed of small to mid-size newspapers in the Midwest. In my current position, I am Chief Correspondent for one of the largest newspapers in the southwest.
I would like an opportunity to visit with you to get your insight and suggestions on where my skills and abilities would be of the greatest value to the journalist field, not only newspapers but other mediums as well.
The week of March 15 - 19, I will be in New York City. I'd like to visit with you and get your feedback on my writing ability, along with suggestions on where my skills would be of the greatest value from your point of view. I do have a portfolio of my work that I will have with me.
I will call your office to set a convenient time. I do look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Mark Smith
