Business Letter Salutations: Guide & 24 Examples

Choosing the right salutation for a business letter is crucial for making a good first impression. Your salutation sets the tone for your entire message. Selecting an appropriate greeting conveys respect, professionalism, and understanding of the recipient. The best option depends on your relationship with the recipient and the formality of the situation. This guide provides examples of formal, semi-formal, and informal salutations to suit various business correspondence needs.

In formal business letters, where you have little or no prior relationship with the recipient, stick to classic options like “Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name]”. Semi-formal salutations, such as “Dear [First Name] [Last Name]”, are suitable when you’ve established a slightly more personal connection. When you’re unsure about the correct title or gender of the recipient, use gender-neutral salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” (although this should be a last resort due to its impersonal nature) or “Dear Hiring Manager.” It is always best to research and address someone directly.

24 Sample Business Letter Salutations

1. Dear Mr. Smith,
2. Dear Ms. Johnson,
3. Dear Dr. Lee,
4. Dear Professor Davis,
5. Dear [First Name] [Last Name], (e.g., Dear Jane Doe,)
6. Dear [Job Title], (e.g., Dear Marketing Director,)
7. To Whom It May Concern,
8. Dear Sir or Madam,
9. Dear Hiring Manager,
10. Dear Team,
11. Hello [First Name], (Use with caution, often informal.)
12. Hi [First Name], (Very informal, only use with close colleagues.)
13. Good Morning, (Use only when timing is relevant and known.)
14. Good Afternoon, (Use only when timing is relevant and known.)
15. Greetings, (A general and neutral option.)
16. Dear Valued Customer,
17. Dear [Company Name] Team,
18. Dear Admissions Committee,
19. Dear Review Board,
20. Attention: [Department Name], (e.g., Attention: Human Resources,)
21. Dear Members,
22. Dear Colleagues,
23. Subject: [Add your Subject] Dear [Recipient’s Name],
24. Dear All,