Mastering the art of writing formal letters for different situations can help you achieve various goals in your professional and personal life.
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Adobe Express . Get tips for crafting great letters, including job applications, resignations, business letters, and formal recommendation letters.
What should you do to write a formal letter?
Besides the body copy, which contains your main message, here are five key elements that appear in almost every type of formal letter.
Enter your address
Always include your full address at the top of the letter so the recipient knows who to send their reply to. You can also add your phone number and email below your address.
Add the date the letter was written
Write the date the letter was written just below your address. Dates are important for establishing a correspondence schedule.
Mention the recipient’s address
The full address of the person or company you are writing to should appear below the date. Include the recipient’s name, title and position, if known.
Use an appropriate greeting
Always use a formal greeting if you know the recipient, such as “Dear Ms. Jacobs.” If you do not know the recipient’s name, use a professional salutation such as “To Whom It May Concern.”
Provide a positive conclusion
End your letter with a formal statement or phrase. Good examples include “Sincerely,” “Yours sincerely,” or “Best regards.” Sign your name below this formula, either by hand or electronically.
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The best types of formal letters to use.
Here are six formal letters designed to help you respond to a variety of common scenarios.
Communicate formally using a business letter
If you must correspond with clients or partners, write a business letter with a clear intent, using a professional tone and concise language.
Secure your next job with a professional cover letter
While it’s not always mandatory to include a cover letter, it’s often a great opportunity to stand out from other candidates. Make a lasting first impression by using an Adobe Express cover letter template .
Sponsor someone with a letter of recommendation
References can do wonders for people looking for new opportunities, so make sure your references are professional and convincing, detailing the person’s qualifications and suitability for the position you are recommending them for.
Leave a job by sending a resignation letter
If you need to formally inform your company of your departure, a letter with a brief statement of resignation is a great idea. Detail your notice period and end the letter with a polite thank you.
Application letter for a community manager position
Types of official letters for all professional occasions.
Share business, partnership and project proposals
When you’re planning to present a formal proposal for a business idea, partnership, or project, a cover letter can help you grab your interviewer’s attention and set a professional tone. Make sure your proposal and letter feature your brand logo and reflect your brand style.