Writing a business letter

• Parts of letter– Sender’s address– Date– Inside address– Salutation– Body– Closing – Signature

Sender’s Address

• The sender's address usually is included in letterhead. If you are not using letterhead, include the sender's address at the top of the letter one line above the date.

• Include only the street address, city, and zip code.

Date

• The date the letter is written• If it took several days, use date finished• Use U.S. based format (month, day, year)• Write out month

Inside Address

• The inside address is the recipient's address. • It is always best to write to a specific individual

at the firm to which you are writing.• Ms. Versus Mrs.

Salutation

• Greeting• Use same name as in inside address• Use title• If reader is unknown, use “Dear Sir or

Madam” or “To whom it may concern”

Body

• Left justified• No indentations• Leave blank line between paragraphs• State purpose right away• Be concise• Include pertinent information to resolve issue

Closing

• Capitalize first word only• Comma after closing• Leave four blank lines

Signature

• Type name four lines after closing• Space between is for your signature• If including any enclosed documents such as a

resume, type “Enclosures” one line below

Font

• Times New Roman• Size 12

Letter to mentor

• Purpose of this letter is to thank your mentor for their assistance.

• Be specific about something your mentor assisted with.

• Invite mentor to presentation.• Send original to mentor• Copy of letter goes in portfolio

Letter to panel

• Give brief introduction of self and research project.

• Brief summary of product• Thank them for sitting on panel• This will be the first thing in portfolio• Inside address will be:

NC Graduation Project PanelWayne Early/Middle College High School