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How to Write A Professional Business Letter

Member
By misscourtneyk
User-Submitted Article
(9 Ratings)
Write A Professional Business Letter
Write A Professional Business Letter

Writing a business letter is an important skill! Whether you're contacting the head of a corporation or writing a letter to your congressman, you'll present yourself better if your letter is polished and professional.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Paper
  • Pen
  • Or:
  • Computer
  • Printer
  1. Step 1

    Place the date of your letter at the top of the page. Right beneath it, list your full name and address.

  2. Step 2

    Skip about two lines and list the full name, title, and address of the person you're contacting. Make sure to include the person's full title and/or suffixes if they have any (i.e. Reverend, Your Honor, Mr/Mrs. etc.....

  3. Step 3

    Write the greeting of your letter. It doesn't need to be long; a sentence or two will do. Greet the person; inquire about their health and personal life if appropriate.

  4. Step 4

    Write the body of your letter! Think for a minute before starting. What message are you trying to get across? What points are you trying to make? Do you have any questions for the person? Make sure you communicate yourself in a clear manner. Read over your letter several times. Is it understandable? Can the flow of thought be followed easily?

  5. Step 5

    Write your closing. Summarize the main statement of your letter and thank the person for taking the time to read your it.

  6. Step 6

    Sign or print your name! Some business letters also include Enclosures (Encl:), Carbon Copy Recipients (cc:), and Reference Initials (of the typist).

Tips & Warnings
  • Use proper grammar and spelling in writing your letter; it's hard to take seriously a letter that is full of typographical and grammatical errors!

Comments  

kimarkent said

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on 1/31/2009 Man, I get so nervous with having to do business letters!! I must have missed that class in school! thanks for the help,, I know I'll need it again! 5*

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on 1/26/2009 Great article

PORAMA said

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on 1/25/2009 Great article. and very useful. Thank you for sharing.

sneedc said

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on 1/25/2009 Exactly, knowing your purpose and getting it across are critical in the business letter! 5*

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