How to Write a Letter to a Social Worker About Training
Writing to a professional or a practicing expert in their field--such as a social worker--can be a good way to gain valuable information about their work and answer specific questions. Just keep in mind that their time is important, so you must be as clear and concise as possible. Also, remember that you're not writing to a friend or casual acquaintance, so your letter should follow the rules of business letter writing.
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Instructions
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Shorten the focus of your letter to a simple one- to two-sentence request or question. Writing a letter to a social worker "about training" is far too broad. Practice the focus of your letter by writing down several of your main points in a notebook. For example, if you want to volunteer in a specific area of social work, write down a few sentences on this point in short, concise form.
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Outline your letter first. As a general rule, the bodies of business letters bodies are composed of three parts: an introduction; a request or proposal and a simple closing statement. Your introduction should tell who you are and note any professional credentials you have. The body of your letter should focus on your request or proposal. For example, if you're seeking information about a specific social work training program, name that program and ask what you want to know about it; like location, date, time or how to enroll. Your closing should merely thank your recipient for her time and consideration. Outlining your letter will allow you to practice to hone in your intent.
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Give your letter a heading, beginning with the date. Next, write the full name of the person you're writing to (including title if they hold one), business name, street address and then city, state and zip code. Next, write your salutation, which would follow as: Dear Leslie Cooke: Try to avoid the use of titles like Mr. or Mrs. if you do not know the sex of the person you are writing to. Make an effort to find out.
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Compose the body of your letter. Begin first with a brief introduction. That might read along the lines of, "My name is Amanda Hearst and I am an undergraduate in Louisiana State University's Sociology program." Next, move on to your intent or request. This might read along the lines of "I am interested in your company's summer training program" or "I am interested in learning how to apply for your organization's summer intern program."
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State any other reasons you may have for writing to your recipient about social work training. You may not necessarily be a student seeking an internship. You may be a professional in another field, like a psychologist, who simply has a professional interest in the social work program.
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The last sentence or two should be your closing statement. This should read along the lines of: "Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon."
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Complete the letter with a closing--"Yours truly" or "Sincerely"--and then skip two lines and type your name. Approximately three lines below your typed name you may type in your address. Remember to always sign your name between the closing line and your typed name.
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