How to Write a Business Letter

By MSheiko

Need Help Writing a Business Letter? Need Help Writing a Business Letter?

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So you want to write a business letter, but you're not sure what the proper protocol is? Here are nine easy steps to writing a proper business letter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • computer
  • printer
  • paper
  • envelopes or email
  • the name and mailing address/email address of the person/business to whom you are writing

Step1
At the top right-hand corner of your letter, type your street address, city, state, zip code, and the date. For example:
123 Main Street
Yourtown, Virginia 54321
January 1, 2010
Step2
Skip 4 lines.
Type the name, job title, business name, and address of the person to whom you are writing. For example:
Jane Doe, President
ABC Company, Inc.
456 Washington Avenue
Anywhere, Minnesota 98765
Step3
Skip 3 lines.
Next, for your salutation write "Dear Ms. Doe:" and be sure to use a colon.
Step4
Avoid clichés and being overly formal. Use short and clear sentences. Make sure your sentences each start out with something different. If they all begin with "you" or "I," your letter will start to sound repetitive.
Step5
Skip two lines.
Close with something like "Sincerely," or "Sincerely Yours."
Skip 4 lines.
Type your name and title (if any).
Step6
At the bottom of the letter, you may need to put one or more of the following.

* "MES:jta" An identification line. The first initials are the author's, while the second are the typist's.

* "Encl: Resume" This is an enclosure line for any included documents.

* "cc: Mr. James Whittington, Dr. Anna Taylor" This is a copy line in case there is someone else receiving a copy of the letter
Step7
Proof read. Again.
Step8
When reviewing your letter, consider it as if you were on the receiving end.
Step9
Once you have printed your letter, sign your name in the space between the close and your typed name. Be sure to use a fine black ink pen which gives a more professional look than, say, blue ink.

Comments

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MSheiko said

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on 4/30/2008 Thank you, jcurrier0254! That is not what my source indicates or what my experience has been. However, I am sure there are a handful of proper ways to write a business letter. Thanks again!

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on 4/30/2008 In a business letter that is not on letterhead, the sender's address goes underneath their name at the bottom of the letter. Everything is at the left margin.

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eHow Article:  How to Write a Business Letter

eHow Member: MSheiko

MSheiko

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Category: Internet

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