How to start a letter: top tips and examples.

How to start a letter in five steps.

A good start to your letter can help engage your reader and convince them to take the action or have the response that you are intending to generate. Here are five steps to follow when you start writing any type of letter.

1. Open with a respectful greeting.

Regardless of the content of your letter, try to begin with a friendly and respectful greeting. Use the recipient's name and open with a salutation such as “Dear Miss Adkins”, followed by “I hope this letter finds you well.”

Whether you use the first, last or full name and title of your recipient will depend on your relationship with them and the nature of the letter. More formal letters require a more formal address, while personal letters can start with the recipient’s first name.

2. Choose your tone of voice.

Your tone should reflect the content of the letter from the start. If your letter is full of good news, use an enthusiastic tone. If your letter is one of complaint, extending condolences or raising a serious matter, keep the tone polite and professional. Even when complaining, it’s important to remain respectful.

3. Show your appreciation.

Letters that begin by acknowledging a person’s circumstances or appreciating a recent action taken by that person can help strike the right tone.

4. Draw attention to common ground.

If you don’t know the recipient all too well, use your opening to lay a foundation for rapport. Refer to a shared experience or a shared interest to connect with your recipient.

5. Clearly state your letter’s purpose.

Sometimes it is best to get to the point. Set expectations and provide context for further detail in your letter by setting out exactly why you are writing. Are you applying for a job? Requesting a reference? Expressing interest in a project? Whatever your purpose, state it clearly in the opening paragraph of your letter.

No matter how you choose to start, make sure your letterhead design doesn’t let you down. Create your unique letterhead with Adobe Express.

Editable letterhead templates to help you craft your opening.

How to start a formal letter that sounds professional.

Are you writing a more formal letter to a business contact, client or other stakeholder? You’ll need to adapt your opening accordingly. Here are some extra tips on how to start a formal letter that sounds professional, reads politely and motivates the recipient to respond or take action.

1. Personalise the greeting.

Always try to personalise the letter from the very beginning. Aim to address your recipient with personalised identifiers by using their name where known, or acknowledging a shared interest. For example, “Dear Fellow Environmentalists…”. That way, they know a bit more about who you are and your motivations.

2. Capture your reader’s attention with a compelling opening line.

For professional letters where you are competing for your reader’s attention, it’s great to start off with a highly engaging or thought-provoking opening line. This will help capture the recipient’s attention and ensure you make a good first impression. For example, if you’re writing to a potential investor or stakeholder, you might want to lead with some striking facts and figures about your business to immediately grab their attention.

3. Express sincerity, politeness and respect.

Formal letters should always strike a balance between professionalism and warmth. Too direct and your letter may come off as rude. Too polite and your letter may be branded as disingenuous. Keep your tone civil, address your recipient with respect and write with sincerity.

4. Use formal formatting for a professional look.

Choose a layout that looks simple and clean and use a professional font. This not only helps your reader understand the contents of the letter, but it also gives a positive professional impression of you and whoever you may represent. If in doubt, use Adobe Express to create your formal letter with ease.

Editable examples of how to start a professional letter.

How to start a cover letter.

Applying for a new job role? You’ll probably be asked to provide a cover letter. Here are four elements you’ll need to include in the start of your cover letter, and some tips to help ensure it’s both relevant and engaging.

1. Include your details.

The very top of a cover letter should start in a similar way to any formal letter, including the sender’s name, address and contact details, the date written, and then the name and contact details of the recipient.

2. Start with the appropriate salutation.

If you know the name of the recruiter or employer, you can address them directly at the start of your cover letter using “Dear [Full Name]”. If you do not have those details, then “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Head of Human Resources” (if you know their job title) are acceptable alternatives.

3. Summarise the role and relevant experience.

The opening sentence or paragraph should state the role you are applying for and a clear reason why. You can use this as an opportunity to mention how you heard of the vacancy and why you are interested in this specific company. For instance, “I am writing to you about the Marketing Executive role I recently saw advertised on [your website/LinkedIn]. As a recent Business graduate with one years’ experience in […], I am keen to develop my skills at [Company] as I’ve always been interested in […].”

4. Back it up with evidence.

Build on your opening and summarise the most relevant experience you have for this position. Focus on one or two of your key skills and align them to the job description, to highlight your suitability for the role. This should help your employer pick out some of the key attributes they’re looking for as they scan the opening of your letter.

Check out these cover letter examples for more inspiration on how to start one.

Free examples of how to start your cover letter.

How to start a resignation letter.

A letter of resignation should be short, clear and concise. It should also be polite and include a thank you for the experience of working for this particular employer. Learn how to start a resignation letter or resignation email with Adobe Express.

1. Adapt your salutation.

Start your letter with a polite salutation that aligns with your relationship to the recipient. If you’re sending it to your manager, you can use their name, such as “Dear Mr/Ms X”. However, if the letter needs to be sent to your HR or People Team, then you might want to make it more generic.

2. State that you’re resigning.

Your first sentence should get to the point and make it clear that this is your official resignation. For example, “I am writing to tender my resignation from my role as X, effective immediately”. Add details of when your last day of work will be, as per company policy regarding notice periods.

3. Outline initial next steps.

Your first paragraph can then go on to explain your willingness to help with any transitional period, including onboarding new employees. This is particularly important in terms of maintaining a positive relationship during your notice period, and securing a good reference.

Learn how to start a resignation letter with these template ideas.

How to start a complaint letter to a company.

A complaint letter can be an effective way to raise any concerns you may have over a product or service, or to address any type of grievance with a company. Learn how to start a complaint letter to ensure your concerns are taken seriously and a resolution can be reached.

1. Start with your personal information.

A complaint letter should start in the same manner as a business letter, with the contact details of both sender and recipient at the very top.

2. Address the person or company.

If you know the name of the person you are writing to, then “Dear X” is fine for the salutation. If not, then “To whom it may concern”, or the name of the company or department you are writing to, should replace that.

3. Make it clear you’re submitting an official complaint.

The first sentence should clearly state your reason for writing. As an example, “I would like to file an official complaint regarding X”.

4. Provide further detail.

Your first paragraph is where you can detail your cause for complaint. Outline why concerns have been raised and make suggestions as to how they can be effectively addressed. Remain polite but be clear about what you expect to happen next as a result of this letter.

Free complaint letter opening examples.

For more ideas, browse these letter templates from Adobe Express.

Browse free letter templates.

If you’re still wondering how to start a letter the right way, Adobe Express can help. Find professional letter templates and craft the perfect letter. Print it off or download it when you’re ready to send.