How to write a formal letter
FORMAL LETTERS
Instructions
1. Choose formal 8 1/2-by-11 inch stationery with a matching envelope. The paper should be a neutral color such as white, cream or beige. Avoid stationery with bright colors or distracting graphic elements. If the letter is for businesses purposes, use company letterhead.
2. Include your return address in the top-right corner of the letter. Add the recipient's address on the left of the page just below the return address.
3. Skip two lines and write the date. Be sure to spell out the month. Always avoid abbreviations in a formal letter.
4. Skip two lines and begin the letter with an appropriate greeting. Include the name of the recipient if possible. If you are unable to determine the name, direct the letter to "Sir or Madam." Be sure to include the correct title in the salutation (such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms. or Dr.). If the recipient is a woman and you are not sure how she likes to be addressed, use the neutral title "Ms."
5. Skip two lines and write the introduction. The initial paragraph should state the purpose of the letter, whether to inquire about a job, file a complaint or request information. Do not be vague. The recipient should not have to guess at the meaning of your letter. This is also the place to introduce yourself if the recipient does not know who you are.
6. Write the main body of the letter. This should include relevant information that supports the purpose of the letter. Make sure your comments are organized in a clear and concise manner, and avoid unnecessary information.
7. Create a closing paragraph that communicates an action you expect the recipient to take, such as sending you information, contacting you for an interview or providing you with a refund. This is also a good place to make reference to future contact if you expect to see this person or talk to her at a future date. If the purpose of the letter was to make an apology or express appreciation, restate that intention.
8. Write closing
Instructions
1. Choose formal 8 1/2-by-11 inch stationery with a matching envelope. The paper should be a neutral color such as white, cream or beige. Avoid stationery with bright colors or distracting graphic elements. If the letter is for businesses purposes, use company letterhead.
2. Include your return address in the top-right corner of the letter. Add the recipient's address on the left of the page just below the return address.
3. Skip two lines and write the date. Be sure to spell out the month. Always avoid abbreviations in a formal letter.
4. Skip two lines and begin the letter with an appropriate greeting. Include the name of the recipient if possible. If you are unable to determine the name, direct the letter to "Sir or Madam." Be sure to include the correct title in the salutation (such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms. or Dr.). If the recipient is a woman and you are not sure how she likes to be addressed, use the neutral title "Ms."
5. Skip two lines and write the introduction. The initial paragraph should state the purpose of the letter, whether to inquire about a job, file a complaint or request information. Do not be vague. The recipient should not have to guess at the meaning of your letter. This is also the place to introduce yourself if the recipient does not know who you are.
6. Write the main body of the letter. This should include relevant information that supports the purpose of the letter. Make sure your comments are organized in a clear and concise manner, and avoid unnecessary information.
7. Create a closing paragraph that communicates an action you expect the recipient to take, such as sending you information, contacting you for an interview or providing you with a refund. This is also a good place to make reference to future contact if you expect to see this person or talk to her at a future date. If the purpose of the letter was to make an apology or express appreciation, restate that intention.
8. Write closing