How to Start a Letter: 13 Powerful Openings & Examples

The opening of your letter sets the tone and grabs the reader’s attention. A weak or generic opening can cause your letter to be dismissed, while a strong opening can make a lasting positive impression. Consider your audience and the purpose of your letter when choosing how to begin. Tailoring your opening to the specific situation will significantly improve your letter’s effectiveness and the likelihood of achieving your desired outcome.

Before diving into specific greetings, it’s crucial to consider a few key factors. First, assess the relationship you have with the recipient. Are you writing to a close friend, a potential employer, or a customer service representative? Second, think about the letter’s purpose. Are you applying for a job, making a complaint, or simply catching up? The level of formality should align with both your relationship and the letter’s objective. Using the wrong tone can undermine your message.

The distinction between formal and informal greetings is vital. Formal openings are best suited for professional correspondence, official requests, and situations where maintaining a respectful distance is important. Informal openings, on the other hand, are appropriate for friends, family, and close colleagues. Misusing either type can create a negative impression. Always err on the side of formality if you’re unsure.

1. Dear [Recipient’s Name], (Most common, suitable for many situations)
2. To Whom It May Concern, (Use only when you don’t know the recipient’s name – avoid if possible)
3. Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name], (Formal and respectful)
4. Hello [Recipient’s Name], (Slightly more informal than “Dear”)
5. Hi [Recipient’s Name], (Informal, for close relationships)
6. Greetings, (Formal, but somewhat outdated)
7. Good Morning/Afternoon [Recipient’s Name], (Suitable for business correspondence)
8. I hope this letter finds you well, (Formal, expressing good wishes)
9. It has been a while, (Informal, for reconnecting with someone)
10. Thank you for your email, (Direct and professional, responding to an email)
11. Following up on our conversation, (Professional, referencing a previous discussion)
12. I am writing to you regarding…, (Direct and formal, stating the purpose)
13. Happy [Day/Occasion], (Informal, appropriate for celebratory messages)

Sample 1: Formal Business Letter

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position advertised on LinkedIn.

Sample 2: Informal Letter to a Friend

Hi Sarah,

It was great seeing you last week! I wanted to share the recipe for that amazing chocolate cake.

Sample 3: Letter of Complaint

Dear Customer Service,

I am writing to complain about the poor service I received at your branch on July 27th, 2024.

Sample 4: Letter of Recommendation

To Whom It May Concern,

It is with great pleasure that I recommend John Doe for the position of Software Engineer.

Sample 5: Thank You Letter (Professional)

Dear Mr. Johnson,

Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the Project Manager position.

Sample 6: Thank You Note (Personal)

Hi Aunt Mary,

Thank you so much for the wonderful birthday gift! I absolutely love it!

Sample 7: Cover Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the [Position Name] at [Company Name]. My [Number] years of experience in [Relevant Field] align perfectly with the requirements outlined in the job description.

Sample 8: Apology Letter (Professional)

Dear Mr. Davis,

Please accept my sincerest apologies for the error in your invoice. We have rectified the issue and a corrected invoice is attached.

Sample 9: Apology Letter (Personal)

Hi Emily,

I’m so sorry for forgetting our lunch date last week. Please forgive me! Can I make it up to you this weekend?

Sample 10: Letter of Inquiry

Dear Admissions Office,

I am writing to inquire about the application process for the Master of Science in Computer Science program.

Sample 11: Letter Requesting Information

Dear [Name of Organization/Department],

I am writing to request information regarding your policies on data privacy and security.

Sample 12: Congratulatory Letter

Dear [Name of Individual],

Congratulations on your recent promotion! Your hard work and dedication are truly admirable.

Sample 13: Networking Letter

Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name] and I came across your profile on LinkedIn and was impressed by your experience in [Industry].