Business Email Writing

The following are some tips to help you when you are writing business letters through email.

A heading is not necessary in an email (your return address, their address, and the date).

Use a descriptive subject line.

Avoid using an inappropriate or silly email address; register a professional sounding address if you don't have one.

Use simple formatting, keep everything flush with the left margin; avoid special formatting and tabs.

Keep your letter formal, just because it's an email instead of a hard copy is no excuse for informality (don't forget to use spell check and proper grammar).

Try to keep your letter less than 80 characters wide, some email readers will create line breaks on anything longer and ruin the formatting.

If possible, avoid attachments unless the recipient has requested or is expecting an attachment. If it is a text document, simply cut and paste the text below your letter and strip out any special formatting.

If the person's name is unknown, address the person's title e.g. Dear Director of Human Resources.