How to Start a Letter: Top Tips and Examples

LetterLab
Sep 15
2 min read

Why a Strong Lettr Opening Matters

A letter’s opening sets the tone and grabs attention. Whether it’s a job cover letter or a financial aid appeal, the first few lines determine success.

First Impressions: Formal letters (e.g. letter to a judge) must establish respect and professionalism.
Engagement: Personal letters, like keepsake messages, need warmth.
Clarity: Clear openings prevent confusion, especially in legal or complaint letters.

Understand Your Letter’s Purpose

Formal Letters

Cover Letter: “I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Manager role at [Company].”
Financial Aid Appeal Letter: “I’m appealing the financial aid decision for [Program].”
Character Letter for Court: “I’m writing to support [Name]’s character in [Case].”
Noise Complaint Letter: “I’m addressing ongoing noise issues at [Location].”

Informal Letters

Letter of Recommendation for Citizenship: “I’ve known [Name] for [Years] and support their citizenship application.”
Keepsake Letter to a Grandchild: “My dear [Name], these are my hopes for your future.”
Parent Writing Letter to Teacher: “Dear [Teacher], I’m writing about [Child]’s progress.”

Top Tips for Starting a Letter

Address the Recipient Correctly: Use “Dear [Full Name]” or “Dear Judge [Last Name].” See GOV.UK guidance on writing to officials.
State Your Purpose Early: Be clear in one or two sentences.
Match the Tone: Formal for court letters; warm for personal messages.
Use a Hook: Show enthusiasm or relevance (e.g. highlighting a job success).
Keep It Concise: Avoid long-winded intros.
Proofread Carefully: External tool: Grammarly (but always double-check manually).

Examples of Effective Letter Openings

Cover Letter

Opening: “Dear [Hiring Manager], I’m thrilled to apply for the [Role]...”
Why It Works: Enthusiastic, shows value.

Financial Aid Appeal Letter

Opening: “Dear [Office], I’m appealing the financial aid decision...”
Why It Works: Respectful and clear. External reference: UCAS appeal advice.

Noise Complaint Letter

Opening: “Dear [Landlord], I’m writing to address ongoing noise issues...”
Why It Works: Polite but firm. Authority ref: Citizens Advice noise complaints.

Keepsake Letter to a Grandchild

Opening: “My dearest [Name], I’m writing to share stories and dreams...”
Why It Works: Emotional, personal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Vague Openings: e.g. “I’m writing to discuss something.”
Wrong Tone: Avoid casual phrasing in formal letters.
Overloading Details: Keep intros short.
Skipping the Salutation: Always include “Dear [Name]” or “Dear Sir/Madam.”

Why Use a Letter Writing Service?

Struggling with high-stakes letters? A letter writing service offers:

Expertise: Matching tone and purpose.
Speed: Quick turnaround.
Customisation: From complaints to cover letters.

Ready to Write Your Letter?

A great opening makes your letter unforgettable. Use these tips and examples to begin strong. For tailored support, explore LetterLab’s professional letter writing service.