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September 2, 2005
How to Write a Formal Business Letter
A formal business letter includes three sections - the header, the body, and the signature. Here are some tips for writing an effective professional business letter.
Get started by using a professional letterhead. If the company you work for doesn't already have printed letterhead, get an image file of your company's logo and create a letterhead in your word processor. Using a company letterhead gives your letter authority that it wouldn't have otherwise. In the header of your letter you will also want to include the date and inside address for the recipient. Use a courtesy title for the person who will be receiving your business letter.
When writing the body of your letter, be brief. Businesspeople love efficiency and hate wasting time. Don't write phrases with five words that you could say in one word (i.e. "at a later date" vs. "later"). You may think it makes the letter sound more professional, but the longer your letter gets, the better change that your message will become muddled. In your last paragraph you should include the action that you want the reader to take. Communicate your request clearly to get results!
Complete your letter by signing it and include your title. If you are enclosing anything with the letter, make sure to mention it in the body of your letter and under your name (use ENC:). If you are writing the letter for someone, include your initials and their initials (jam/ds).
Posted by Jon at September 2, 2005 8:23 AM
Comments
A professional I know signs his/her name at the bottom of a letter (as should be), but also SIGNS his/her title (for example: M.S.Ed.). Do you know where I can find a list of things NOT to do which will hopefully include this faux pas? Please help; I find this not only unprofessional, but TACKY!
Posted by: Ayn at November 9, 2005 10:23 AM
its really good
Posted by: hend at February 26, 2007 6:51 AM