How to Write Letters to Apply for Job Shadowing

"The best fertilizer is the gardener's shadow." -- Author Unknown

Clearly, someone grossly misnamed "job shadowing." While shadows suggest darkness and mystery, job shadowing experiences illuminate and enlighten. Job shadowing allows you to dip your toe into a career before diving in. Over the course of a half day or longer, you quietly follow and observe an executive doing his job at a firm. Then you can better assess whether that job would be a good fit for you going forward. To get the opportunity to job shadow, you need to reach out to companies with a well-crafted request. Your letter should be formal, informative, direct and to a degree, persuasive.

Instructions

1. Create a subject line to describe the purpose of your letter. While optional, many busy executives appreciate the "heads-up" of a subject line. For example, "SUBJECT (or RE:): Request to Job Shadow You Next Month."

2. Begin with a friendly remark or a unique detail regarding your relationship with the recipient. Then, state the reason you are writing. For example, "My father, (name), suggested that I reach you to inquire if I may job shadow you next month. Dad says that besides being a good golfer, you're an excellent architect."

3. Introduce yourself in the next paragraph and provide details of your request. For example, "I am sophomore at XYZ University and have always had a keen interest in architecture. I would be honored by the opportunity to observe you and your workplace for a day. Without any effort on your part, you would help me decide whether to pursue your profession as my career."

4. Acknowledge the executive's valuable time and reassure her that no extra effort will be needed to accommodate you. Perhaps suggest a shorter period of time, such as a half day or a couple of hours, as alternatives. Then, request a brief 15-minute chat at the end of your job shadowing experience to discuss some of your observations.

5. Thank the executive for considering your request. Indicate that you will be calling him in a few days to ascertain his reply and arrange a specific job shadowing date and time. Offer your own phone number and email address in case he needs to reach you.

6. Summarize your request and then thank the executive again for her consideration. For example, "Thank you again, Ms. Barton. I look forward to speaking with you on Friday, March 16, to arrange my job-shadow experience." Close with "Sincerely yours" or "Respectfully yours." Then sign your letter.

Tips & Warnings

• To identify organizations in which to job shadow, check the resource centers of local school districts, colleges, universities and workforce-related community organizations. They often have precompiled lists of area establishments that welcome job shadowing applicants.

• Alternatively, identify sites on your own; enlist the help of family members, colleagues and contacts within the organizations that interest you.

• You may send a copy of your letter to the person who suggested contacting the recipient. This will confirm your mutual relationship to your recipient, which often is very persuasive. Add your contact's name to a distribution list preceded by "CC:" beneath your signature.

• The more advanced notice you can give your recipient, the better your chances of job shadowing at his organization.

References

• QuintCareers: Research Companies and Careers through Job Shadowing
• University of Wisconsin: Job Shadow Program
• Marquette University: Job Shadowing
• Junior Achievement: Programs -- JA Job Shadow

Resources

• Virtual Job Shadow