How to Properly Address an Envelope to a Company

It is important to address an envelope to a company or a business properly. A business envelope provides a memorable impression of the sender. When your business envelope is addressed properly, you give the impression that you value attention to detail and professionalism. There is standard etiquette to remember and follow when addressing a business envelope. Learn how to properly address an envelope to a company to ensure that the impression you portray is professional.

Instructions

1. Using your word processing software, set to the envelope setting, enter your name on the first line of the return address in the upper left corner of the envelope. Enter the company name (if applicable) on the second line. On the third line enter the street address and on the fourth line enter the city, state and ZIP code.

2. Enter any specific mail notation under the postage area flush with the right side of the envelope. Specific mail notations include: "Special Delivery" and "Certified Mail."

3. Include any special arrival instruction in the center of the envelope on the same line as the specific mail notation. Arrival instructions should be placed so that the end of this notation lines up with the point where the recipient's address begins. Special arrival instructions include: "Personal" and "Confidential."

4. Leave two or three blank lines under the mail notation and/or arrival instructions.

5. Enter the recipient's name on the first line of the address. Include a job title and department after the recipient's name. Enter the company name on the second line of the address.

6. Enter the street address on the third line of the address. The city, state and ZIP code are entered on the fourth line of the recipient's address. Include the extra four-digit ZIP code for faster mail processing.

7. Print out your business envelope and send your letter.

Resources

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Parts of a Business Letter