How to start a letter: top tips and examples.

The start of a letter can have a big impact on how effective your communications will be. Maybe you’re trying to grab the attention of a potential employer, let a customer know you’ve resolved their issue or reaching out to a key contact. Whatever your reason for writing the letter, you should make sure your opening is as clear and engaging as possible.

Learn how to start a letter in a way that will draw in your reader and ensure they read the rest of the content. Make a lasting impact using free letterhead templates from Adobe Express and discover effective ways to capture your recipient's attention with these handy tips.

Why is the start of a letter so important?

The start of a letter is, by definition, the first thing the reader will see. It’s how many people determine who is writing, what they’re writing about and whether it’s even worth their time to continue reading. It is therefore essential that you get this opening right.

The start of a letter also helps:

• Set the tone. From the greeting you choose to the language you use, the way you start your letter sets the context for the rest of the content. For instance, how you start a letter of complaint will be completely different to how you start a thank you letter.
• Highlight the subject matter. Just like a subject line summarises the content of an email, the first sentence of your letter should do the same. Something like “I am writing to you about…” often does the trick.
• Encourage the recipient to read on. Depending on the type of letter, you could find that some never get read if you cannot craft a good opening. For example, the first paragraph of a cover letter needs to immediately pique the interest of a potential employer to progress your application.

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.

4 top tips for starting a letter.

If you’re looking for ways to make your correspondence stand out from the crowd, you might want to test out one or two new opening devices. These can work well for certain types of letters where you’re trying to persuade or engage the recipient, such as cover letters or business proposals.

Here are some different methods to try.

Open with a brief anecdote or story.

Stories can add significant value by setting a scene, encouraging your reader’s emotional engagement or winning them over altogether. Make sure the story is relevant, short and segues into the main body of your letter.

Kick-start your dialogue with a thought-provoking question.

Think about a question that your recipient wants the answer to. If you can capture your reader’s attention by asking or answering a burning question, you will be able to engage them before they move further into the main message of your letter.

Evoke your reader’s curiosity with an interesting fact or quote.

Start your letter with a fact or quote to provoke some curiosity in your reader. Just make sure that whatever you include brings value and is relevant!

Propose a challenge or a call to action.

Get straight to the point by outlining the message you’re so passionate about sharing. This directness can bring a liveliness to your letter and spark an energy that helps spread your message beyond your letter’s initial recipient.

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.

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Good to know.

What kind of letter templates does Adobe Express have?

Adobe Express offers letter templates for all kinds of letters, including professional, personal and official letter styles. So you can write out your letter on a template that suits your needs.

Can I use Adobe Express to format my professional letters?

Yes! Not only does Adobe Express provide free templates, but you can also use the online editor to format your letter. Try out different fonts, layouts and graphics, all in one place.

Is Adobe Express free to use?

Yes, our free plan offers many core features including thousands of templates, photo editing and effects, animation, and 2GB of storage. See our  pricing page for details and to compare plans.

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