I asked a former client to write a letter of reference, and he sent me a draft addressed "To whom it may concern." I prefer to have letters addressed to me personally. I edited his draft and returned it for his approval with this note. We had made a sales call to him earlier in the day. That's when I asked for the letter. Kent and I are good friends, so it was OK to insert a "dammit." I'd never do that otherwise.
From: Bill Frank at CareerLab [mailto:wsfrank@careerlab.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 20— 12:45 PM
To: Kent Vivas
Subject: Edits to your reference letter
Hi Kent,
What fun seeing you today in your own digs—complete with 4" dartboard, foreign currency, and golf swings!
I feel that we have a friendship that goes far beyond business.
I found your letter in my inbox and edited it slightly to be addressed directly to me, rather than "to whom it may concern." (It concerns ME, dammit.)
If this meets with your approval, please print on company letterhead and mail to me.
It's destined to be framed.
Thanks,
:B