How to Type a Professional Letter

When you write a letter to a friend, the letter can be relaxed and casual. However, when you type up a professional letter, called a business letter, there are certain guidelines that you need to follow. It is completely acceptable to type a warm, friendly correspondence to a business associate with whom you have an affable relationship. The key is to do so following the proper letter format, which is explained in the following steps.

Things You'll Need

• Word-processing program or typewriter Printer (if using computer) Paper

Instructions

1. 

   Start the letter with an address block showing your return address. If you are typing the letter onto letterhead, this step is not necessary, provided the letterhead shows your full name and return address. Skip a line.

2. 

   Enter a line showing the date of the letter. The date format should be either month, day and year or date, month and year. You should spell out the month, no matter which format you choose. It is acceptable to include the day of the week, but not necessary. Skip a line.

3. 

   Type in the recipient's information in an address block. Type her full name, including title such as "Ms." or "Dr.", on one line. On the next line, type in the street address. Type the city, state and zip code on the final line.

4. 

   Skip a line and enter the salutation. Professional letters should always be addressed "Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./etc." followed by the recipient's last name. Follow the name with a colon. If you do not know the name of the recipient, address the letter with a general yet professional salutation, such as "To Whom It May Concern," or "Dear Sir or Madam."

5. 

   Enter another blank line and type the body of the letter. You do not need to indent the first lines of paragraphs in professional letters. Keep the letter concise, typing no more than three or four paragraphs. Type double spaces between each paragraph.

6. 

   Skip a line following the final paragraph. Enter a closing line, such as "Sincerely," or "Yours Truly." Enter four blank lines and then type your full name. Type your title on the line after your name, if applicable. When you are done typing and printing the letter, sign your name in the space between the closure and your name.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are enclosing other documents with the letter, add a line at the bottom of the page that says "Enclosures:" and the number of pages enclosed. If you are sending a carbon copy to someone else, enter a line at the bottom that says "cc:" followed by the names of anyone receiving an exact copy.

Resources

• Job Letter Writing Tips