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How to Write a Formal Letter?
Formal letters are essential in the business world for communication with clients, vendors, and other professionals. They convey important information, requests, or proposals and demonstrate professionalism and etiquette.
This blog post will guide you through the steps to create an effective and polished formal letter, covering key items to include and resources for finding contact information.
Contact Information
Begin your letter by including your contact information, which should consist of your full name, mailing address, email address, and phone number.
This information allows the recipient to know who the letter is from and how to contact you. Place this information at the top-left corner of the page or centered at the top in the header.
Date
Immediately below your contact information, write the date in a formal format (e.g., March 29, 2023). This helps establish a timeline for any necessary follow-up or action.
Recipient's Contact Information
Next, include the recipient's contact information. This should comprise their full name, title or position, company name, and mailing address. Place this information below the date, aligned with the left margin.
Finding Contact Information
To ensure that your formal letter reaches the right person, it is essential to have accurate and up-to-date contact information. Here are two resources that can help you find contact information for individuals at companies:
VoilaNorbert
VoilaNorbert is an online email finder tool that allows you to search for email addresses by entering the recipient's name and company domain. This can be particularly helpful when trying to find contact information for someone whose email address is not readily available on their company's website.
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that connects people across various industries. By searching for the individual or company you want to contact, you can often find the recipient's job title, company name, and sometimes email address or phone number. Additionally, you can leverage LinkedIn's InMail feature to send a direct message to the recipient, even if you don't have their email address.
Salutation
The salutation sets the tone for your letter and demonstrates respect for the recipient. Use formal salutations such as "Dear [Recipient's Full Name]" or "Dear [Recipient's Title and Last Name]."
If you are unsure of the recipient's gender or prefer a more neutral approach, use "Dear [Recipient's Full Name]" or "To Whom It May Concern."
Body
The body of your formal letter should be concise, clear, and structured. Divide your content into three main sections:
Introduction
Start with a brief introduction, stating the purpose of your letter and providing relevant context. Be specific and to the point to ensure your recipient understands the reason for your communication.
Main Content
In the next paragraph or paragraphs, provide detailed information, arguments, or explanations about your letter's purpose. Use clear language and maintain a professional tone. Break complex ideas into smaller paragraphs to improve readability.
Conclusion
Summarize your main points and outline any required actions or next steps for the recipient. Express gratitude for their time and consideration, and provide your contact information once more for easy reference.
Closing and Signature
End your letter with a formal closing, such as "Sincerely," "Kind regards," or "Yours faithfully," followed by a comma. Leave a few lines of space for your handwritten signature (if applicable), then type your full name.
Include your title and company name (if relevant) below your typed name for additional context.
Additional Tips for Writing a Formal Letter
Keep it concise
Formal letters should be clear and to the point. Avoid using lengthy sentences and unnecessary jargon. Stick to the main purpose of the letter and ensure that your message is easily understood.
Use an appropriate tone
When writing a formal letter, maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout the text. Avoid using colloquialisms, slang, or overly casual language. Be polite, even if the subject matter is difficult or contentious.
Use a clear and legible font
Choose a font that is easy to read and professional in appearance. Avoid using decorative or overly stylized fonts that may be distracting or difficult to read. A common choice for formal letters is Times New Roman, size 12.
Use appropriate formatting
Align your text to the left margin and use single-spacing between lines, with a double space between paragraphs. This helps maintain a clean and organized appearance.
Add a closing
End your letter with a formal closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Yours truly," followed by your full name and signature (if sending a hard copy). Leave a few lines of space between the closing and your typed name for the signature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing a formal letter is an essential skill for business professionals. By following the guidelines and tips provided in this blog post, you can ensure that your formal letters are polished, professional, and effective.