In life, we often need to ask for advice often. Looking for a job, dealing with the world of relationships, surviving bullies or figuring out what to do with a first crush are just some of the circumstances in life that can lead you to seek the advice of other people. Asking for advice in writing is different from doing it in an in-person conversation, because it means you need to think ahead of time on what to say, provide all the necessary information, and ask appropriate questions.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Compose the Letter
Step 1. Introduce yourself
If the person you want to write to doesn't know you, include a short paragraph where you introduce yourself at the beginning of the letter (after the greetings). Enter information about who you are and why you are writing.
- For example, if you want to ask for advice on how to look after children, you can say: "My name is Laura Rossi, I am 36 years old and I am the mother of two daughters". In this case, it is not necessary to talk about your job if you do not want to know how to find the balance between the responsibilities of a mother and a full-time profession.
- If you are writing to someone you don't know, briefly let them know how you found them. For example: "I was given your name by [person name], who thinks you can help me."
Step 2. State why you are writing
After introducing yourself (if necessary), go straight to the point. You should start by explaining the purpose of your letter. There are many ways to start a letter politely. Here are some examples:
- "I'm writing to ask if you can help me with…".
- "I would appreciate if you could give me some advice regarding…".
- "I'm writing to ask for your advice."
- "I was wondering if you could help me with a problem."
Step 3. Express specifically what advice you need
You should think about 3-5 questions you are looking for answers and write them down. Avoid presenting a list of complicated questions that take hours to answer. Composing a short, direct letter increases the chances of getting a response.
Step 4. Briefly explain why you are having trouble achieving the goal on your own
If you're asking for advice for a problem or situation you've been trying to solve on your own, you probably haven't been able to. Briefly describe what your attempts were and why they didn't work.
- This can help the recipient understand that you really need their help and that you are not simply lazy. It can also save you time and effort, because you won't get hints on something you've already tried.
- For example, if you want advice on how to deal with bullying at school, you can say: "Bullying is a big problem in my school. How can I deal with bullies? How can I defend abused people? What can I do to reduce the frequency with which episodes of this type occur? ".
Step 5. Try to be concise
The person you're asking for advice is less likely to respond to a long, detailed letter, as it should take a long time to read and understand it. If and when he writes a reply, it will have to be lengthy and detailed to satisfy all your requests. Writing a short letter will make you more likely to get a response, especially if you are contacting a famous person.
Write a letter of 300-400 words. This length allows you to introduce yourself and ask your questions without going overboard
Step 6. Include final comments
Before closing the letter you should write "Thank you in advance". You can also describe some ways to contact you and talk about what you wrote. It is important to show your gratitude in the final part.
- Remember, the recipient doesn't have to help you, and if they take the time to read your letter, you owe them a thank you.
- For example, you might say, "Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I know you are a busy person and any advice you can offer me is greatly appreciated. If it helps, I am more than happy to discuss my questions at phone or over coffee. You can find my contact information at the end of the letter."
Method 2 of 3: Giving the Right Structure to the Letter
Step 1. Include a greeting
This part must be the first of the letter and must make it clear to the recipient that you are addressing him. If you don't know the other person, you need to use a formal tone. If, on the other hand, you know the recipient well, it is not as important. Remember not to be too conversational, as education is key.
- When writing to someone you don't know, you should say, "Dear Mr. [recipient's last name]".
- In a less formal letter, you might say, "Dear [recipient's name]."
- Regardless of the recipient, it always starts with "Dear".
Step 2. Include a final part
In the epilogue of the letter, congratulate the other person and include your name. Some of the more common closing words include "Yours sincerely" and "Sincerely yours".
- If you are writing the letter by hand, put your name carefully a couple of lines below the closing sentence, then put your signature in the space you left.
- If you are typing the letter on your computer, insert a couple of spaces between the final greetings and your name, then print the letter. Sign it by hand before sending it.
Step 3. Include contact information
At the end of the letter, under your name, add your phone number, email address, and any other possible ways to talk to you. If you have a mobile phone or an e-mail box you should definitely include them. If you are hoping to receive a reply in the mail, make sure you write your name and address correctly on the outside of the envelope.
If you are hoping to receive a written response by post, please include an envelope already addressed to you and stamped with the letter. This way the person giving you the advice will just have to write down their answer and put it in the envelope you provided before sending it back
Method 3 of 3: Decide Who to Write to
Step 1. Write down the list of people who could help you
If you want advice on a specific topic, you should contact people who have experience or knowledge in those fields. For example, if you want to know how to solve a health problem, you could write to a nurse or doctor you know.
- If you wish to work as a writer, write down the names of established authors, agents and publishers you may contact.
- Include the names of people you know and even strangers, such as past teachers, former bosses and colleagues, famous people in the field you are interested in, or even specialized advice columns.
- Don't forget relatives. Some people, like your grandparents, have had many life experiences. This makes them perfect for giving advice. If you're having trouble finding someone to ask, think about family members as well.
- You can write to famous people, but the chances of getting a response are low. If you are being considered, an intern or agent may be contacting you. The answers can be generic and not aimed directly at you.
Step 2. Identify what you hope to achieve by asking for advice
Before deciding who to write to, you need to understand what you really want from the letter. Are you really interested in a simple piece of advice or maybe you are hoping to start a business relationship and get to know people better in a particular area?
- For example, your adviser might connect you with specific resources or people, teach you how to do something, or send you a written response.
- Some people have more hooks and methods of introducing you to an environment than others. If you want simple advice and nothing else, write to a person you know directly or to an advice column.
Step 3. Research people who can give you advice
You don't have to do this if you know the recipient well, but if you're writing to a stranger, find out about their background so you can be sure they can help you.
- For example, if you are looking for advice for your romantic relationship, find out if the person you want to write to has received a specific education or has worked with couples in the past.
- These searches allow you not to waste time. For example, many column writers specialize in a few topics, such as tips for romantic relationships or life as a single mother.
Step 4. Think about why the recipient would want to help you
A psychologist's job is to give advice, while the other people you write to may not be as used to recommending others. Think about why a person would want to help you and what you can do to entice them. You can appeal to the recipient's generosity or offer an exchange of services.
- For example, if you already know the person you can say, "I know it's not your job to respond to requests for advice; however, I believe you are the best person to help me. I would be happy to invite you to my house for dinner in exchange for yours. weather".
- If you don't know the person, you could offer compensation for their time if you can afford it.
Advice
- If you are sending the letter by regular mail, make sure you write the recipient's name and address correctly on the envelope. You can also include your name and address in case the envelope returns to the sender. Make sure you put the stamps correctly.
- If you write the letter by hand, be sure to write it in beautiful handwriting. It is rare to get a response to a badly written letter. Consider copying the letter to your computer after you write it to make sure it looks as neat as possible.
- If you intend to send the letter by e-mail, you can follow the same instructions as for regular mail.
