Professional Letter Closings

Professional letters have a standard format that need to be strictly followed. The salutation or the opening lines as well as the closing lines are the important aspects of any business letter. Although these are the slightest components of the letter, it can make or mar your efforts in letter writing. But you need not get intimidated by the prospect of writing a professional business letter. There are certain rules and formats that will help you. Business letters form an important part of business writing. Firstly let us have a look at the following things that affect the format of the letter.

• The pattern of the formal letter may differ according to region, for e.g, the standard American letter format is different from the standard British letter format.
• The relationship of the sender to the recipient also plays an important role in the style of business letter closings.
• Sometimes, the professional letter closings wordings change according to the rank or the designation of the recipient.
• The tone of the letter, for e.g, whether the letter is a formal note or a friendly/congratulatory letter; is also important in determining the closing of professional letter. Read more on letter writing.

Format of Professional Letter Closings

You must remember that the first letter of the first word is only capitalized and not the second word. Also, one must not forget to put a comma (,) after the professional letter closing salutations. The letter closings is immediately followed by the sender's name and designation. Address can be optional. The following is the format of the professional letter closings.

Yours sincerely,
(leave 3 - 4 lines for your signature)
Sender's name
Designation

Professional Letter Closings Words

The following are the different formats of letter closings used in formal or business letters.

Business Letter Closings for New Business Contacts
The following are the general closings of professional letters that can be used when writing a letter to a new business contact, or to an employer. These can also be used in nearly all formal letters, as these are the traditional business letter closings that are be universally applicable. It can be noted that according to the format, when the sender does not know the recipient's name, he ends the letter with 'Yours faithfully', while when the sender and the recipient know each other well, 'Yours sincerely' is used.

• Yours truly,
• Yours sincerely,
• Sincerely,
• Yours faithfully,
• Yours respectfully,

Business Letter Closings for Old Business Contacts
The following formal letter closings can be used in letters for old business contacts or for the people you have known for a long time. Along with professionalism, it is necessary for the sender's approach to appear friendly. Therefore, the use of the word 'regards' cannot be considered inappropriate.

• Best regards,
• Warm regards,
• Best wishes,
• With appreciation,
• Cordially,

Professional Letter Closings For Thank you Notes
Sometimes, one may need to thank anyone for any help, advice, etc. You can mention the reason for thanking the person or can just use the simple 'thank you', both are acceptable. The following are the appropriate closing lines for formal thank you notes or mails.

• Thank you for your kindness and consideration,
• Thank you for your time,
• Thank you for your attention to the request,
• Thank you for your help,
• Many thanks,
• Kind thanks,
• Thank you,

Professional Letter Closings for Formal Yet Friendly Letters
The following letter closings can be used when writing a letter to a familiar person, while not making it look too casual. These wordings look friendly, yet retain the business like manner.

• With all good wishes,
• Best wishes for your future,
• Warm greetings to all,
• Wishing you a safe journey,
• With personal regards,
• Health and happiness,
• Peace and blessings,

Other Professional Letter Closing Words
Sometimes, in case of diplomatic circles, the letter closings can also be elaborate. In case of letters to any head of State or government officials, one can simply conclude with 'Sincerely'. On the other hand, the traditional style of letter closing is used when writing for kings or monarchs. Here are some examples.

• I have the honor to be Your Majesty's humble and obedient servant.
• May I always live to serve you and the crown.

Sometimes, the closings differ according to the subject of the letter as in apology letter, reference letter or a condolence letter. The following are a few situational closing lines for letters that can be used before the closing wordings given above.

• I apologize for the inconvenience.
• I look forward to seeing you again.
• I am looking forward to your reply.
• Please feel free to contact for further information.
• My deepest sympathies are with you and your family.

Read more on:

• Writing Business Letter
• How to Write a Business Letter

It is better to give a prior thought on professional letter closings wordings. You can use the traditional letter closings rather than risk offending the reader(s) with casual or informal closings.