How Should you Write Salutations and Signatures?

Dear First Gen,

The Tuesday after Memorial Day is often the start date for many internships, externships, or any other experiential opportunities where you are placed in a professional or business setting. During this important week, it may serve you to know some professional etiquette for written correspondence with your supervisor, fellow intern/extern, or anyone else you are communicating with.
 
As early as middle school, we were taught the difference between a business letter and a personal letter, and much of those lessons stand true today. But there’s always room for adjustment. Personally, it took me a few attempts to decide on the salutation and signature that was both proper and fitting of my personality. Every so often, I switch my greeting and sign-off depending on the recipient, i.e. a judge, legislator, dignitary, or colleague.  Here are a few suggestions:

SALUTATIONS -
Business: Dear Sir/Madam: OR Dear Mr./Mrs. Smith: OR To Whom It May Concern:
Personal: Dear Stacey, OR Hello Stacey, OR Hi Stacey,

SIGNATURES -
Business: Sincerely, OR Respectfully,
Personal: Yours Truly, OR Best wishes,

The ABA Journal discusses this topic in further detail.

Tell me: How do you begin or end your correspondence?

Fellow Riser,

Irnande






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