Mastering the art of writing formal emails professionally. 10 Examples included.

A formal email is a professional message sent electronically to convey important information, requests, or updates. It typically adheres to a specific structure and tone, which helps maintain a sense of professionalism and respect between the sender and recipient.

The following article will discuss the art of crafting professional emails that get the work done, mainly in business settings. We will explain the importance of formal emails, and the context of when they are sent, expand on the format of an email, and provide key tips to ensure that your emails are clear, concise, polite, and effective.

What is a formal email?

A formal email is a communication method used for professional or official purposes, characterized by a respectful and professional tone. It adheres to established conventions and etiquette, ensuring clear and effective communication in various professional settings.


Why formal emails are important?

There are multiple reasons why formal emails are important. However, we would like to focus on the following ones:

  • Maintain professionalism: Formal emails help establish a professional tone and show respect for the recipient's time and position.
  • Clear communication: A formal structure ensures the message's purpose and content is clearly presented.
  • Build credibility and trust: Properly formatted and well-written emails can help build credibility and trust with the recipient.
  • Legal and record-keeping purposes: Formal emails can serve as documentation for business-related matters.


When to write formal emails?

Formal emails are usually sent in professional circumstances, such as the following:

  • Business communication: Formal emails are appropriate for communicating with colleagues, superiors, or clients within a professional context. One example is informing the team about a new colleague or inviting the marketing team to the weekly meeting.
  • First contact: When you want to introduce yourself professionally to a new customer for the first time, approach an organization to submit a job application.
  • Requests: When making formal requests, such as for information, assistance, or recommendations. Think about it: I would like to know, could you let me know, do you have questions? 
  • Following up: After a verbal conversation or Zoom call, you plan to give an update on the initial details provided.
  • Apologies: When something goes wrong, or you have made a mistake and wish to handle it professionally and respectfully, reach out to your superior with such an email.     
  • Updates, memos, invitations and announcements: To provide updates on projects, meetings, interview invitations or company events.
  • Complaints and grievances: To address issues or concerns in a professional manner.
  • Terminations: When your collaboration with an employer or an employee reaches an end, resignation or termination emails are useful.


What is the format of a formal email?

A formal email is structured similarly to a proper formal letter, with the same salutations and sign-off.

When drafting a formal email format, there are several elements to consider:

  • Subject line
  • Salutation/Greeting
  • Introduction
  • Body
  • Conclusion
  • Closing
  • Signature.

In the next section, we will go through each one of them and explain its benefits and examples you can use at any moment.


How to write a formal email?

Writing a formal email requires attention to detail and adherence to professional standards. Here are the main aspects to take into consideration, and elements to include in your email.


1. Subject line: Briefly describe the email's purpose

The subject line should be a brief and clear summary of the purpose or topic of the email. It should capture the recipient's attention and give them an idea of the email before opening it.

Here are some examples:

  • Application for HR Manager Position at XYZ Company
  • Request for Leave of Absence on May 30 
  • Request for Meeting with the CEO
  • Invitation to Speak at the Future of Work Conference
  • Invitation to the XYZ project meeting on September 10
  • Invoice and payment details for product name

Subject line tips:

  • Keep it direct and to the point.
  • Use keywords that summarize the content of the email.
  • Avoid using vague or misleading language.
  • Keep it short, as the message might be read on a smartphone.


2. Salutation: Use a formal greeting

The salutation represents the formal greeting at the beginning of the email. It should be addressed to the recipient by name and title, if possible.

Here are some examples:

  • Dear Ms. Johnson,
  • Dear Dr. Lewis,
  • Dear Professor Francisco,

If you don't know the recipient's name, you can use the following formal email greetings: 

  • Greetings
  • Dear Sir or Madam
  • To whom it may concern 

Salutation tips:

  • Use a professional greeting that is appropriate for the recipient.
  • Use the recipient's name and title whenever you can.
  • Use a formal tone, but adjust it based on your relationship with the recipient.

Tip: Find additonal greetings on how to start your email.


3. Introduction

The introduction should be a brief opening line, sentence or paragraph that sets the tone for the rest of the email and explains the reason for writing.

Here are some examples:

  • I am writing to apply for the HR Manager position recently advertised on your company's website.
  • I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to arrange a meeting with you to discuss our project's progress.
  • I am pleased to invite you to speak at the upcoming Future of Work conference to discuss HR Transformation for Small and Mid-sized Businesses.
  • I am requesting a Leave of absence on September 10.

Introduction tips:

  • Keep it brief and to the point.
  • State the purpose of the email clearly and concisely.
  • Provide context, if necessary, but avoid unnecessary details.


4. Body: Organize content into paragraphs, each addressing a specific point

The body of the email should be well-organized and clearly written, with each paragraph addressing a specific point or topic. It should be concise, polite, and professional in tone. 

Here are some examples:

  • Regarding my application for the HR Manager position, I wanted to highlight my experience developing successful recruiting and successful onboarding campaigns for over 200 new hires. I believe that my skills and expertise would make me a valuable member of your department.
  • During our meeting, I'd like to talk about our progress on our project so far, as well as any challenges or obstacles we may face. I am available for a conversation at your earliest convenience.
  • As a well-respected leader in human resources, your insights and expertise would be greatly appreciated at our upcoming Future of Work conference. Our attendees are eager to learn from your experience and insights about digital transformation trends and best practices.

Formal email body tips:

  • Organize your thoughts and ideas logically.
  • To make it easier to read, use short paragraphs and bullet points.
  • Provide specific details and examples to support your message.
  • Attach documents to solidify your arguments.


5. Conclusion

The conclusion should summarize the main point or purpose of the email and provide any necessary follow-up actions or requests.

Here are some examples:

  • Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to discussing my qualifications in more detail during an interview.
  • I value your time and consideration in this matter, and I hope we can work together to find a mutually beneficial solution to any problems we may encounter.
  • Please let me know if you can speak at our conference, and if so, we will provide more details on the schedule and logistics.

Tips regarding the conclusion part of a formal email: 

  • Summarize the main points of your email.
  • Provide any necessary next steps or actions required from the recipient.
  • End on a positive note, expressing gratitude or appreciation if appropriate.


6. Closing

Use a respectful sign-off followed by your name and contact information. The closing should be a formal, polite ending to the email.

For example, you can use these formal email endings:

  • Sincerely,
  • Best regards,
  • Yours truly.

Here are some tips:

  • Use a professional closing that is appropriate for the tone of your email.
  • Avoid using words like "drop me a message." Instead, use "I look forward to hearing from you."
  • Avoid using overly familiar language or slang.


7. Signature

Your full name, title, and contact details, including your phone number and email address, should all be included in the signature.

Here are some examples of signatures:

John Doe
Marketing Manager
ABC Company
123-456-7890
jdoe@company.com

Dr. Jane Lewis
Associate Professor of Chemistry
XYZ University
987-654-3210
jlee@university.edu

Maria Francisco
Founder and CEO
Marketing Solutions, LLC
555-555-5555
mfrancisco@startup.com

Discover 15 addition email signature examples.

Signature tips:

  • Include your full name and any relevant titles or credentials.
  • Consider including a brief tagline or quote if appropriate.
  • Use a professional font and formatting.

Overall, a formal email should be well-structured and professional in tone, with each element contributing to the overall effectiveness of the message. By following these guidelines and including specific examples, you can create a formal email that is clear, concise, and effective in achieving your goals.


Formal email examples

In the lines below, you will find 10 examples of formal emails you can use free of charge. Don't forget to update according to your needs, with the proper names and dates, and once you have edited the sample according to your requirement, you're ready to send your email like a pro.

Example 1: Request for information


Subject: Request for Information on XYZ Project

Dear Mr. Smith,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request information regarding the XYZ project, specifically regarding the projected timeline and budget. Our team requires this information for our upcoming quarterly planning meeting.

Could you please provide the requested information by Friday, May 26? Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your attention to this request. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me if you need any clarification or if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]

__

Tip: We provide 23 examples of business emails to help you with every situation.


Example 2: Meeting invitation


Subject: Invitation to Project Update Meeting on June 1

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I hope this message finds you well. I am inviting you to a project update meeting for the ABC initiative. This meeting aims to discuss our progress, address any challenges, and plan for the upcoming quarter.

Details of the meeting are as follows:

  • Date: Thursday, June 1, 4
  • Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location: Conference Room A
  • Virtual Access: [Zoom Meeting Link]

Please respond to this email to confirm your attendance before Tuesday, May 30. If you cannot attend, kindly inform me so we can arrange a separate briefing for you.

We look forward to your valuable input and collaboration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]

__

Related: Find out other examples if invitation letters.


Example 3: Complaint email


Subject: Concerns About Product Quality - Order #12345

Dear Customer Support,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns regarding the quality of the products I received in my recent order, #12345, placed on May 10, 2024.

Upon opening the package, I noticed several damaged or defective items. Specifically, the following issues were observed:

1. Product A: Broken packaging, rendering the product unusable.

2. Product B: Missing components, making assembly impossible.

As a loyal customer, I am disappointed with this experience and would like to request a replacement for the damaged items. Please advise on the appropriate steps to facilitate the exchange.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to a prompt resolution.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]

__

Tip: Learn how to add your signature in Outlook.


Example 4: Formal request email


Subject: Request for [What you're requesting]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am requesting your assistance with [briefly explain what you're requesting].

[Provide a detailed explanation of the request. Explain why you're making this request, how it will benefit you, and any potential impact it may have on the recipient or the organization. If applicable, provide a timeline or deadline for the request.]

I understand you have many responsibilities, and I appreciate your consideration of my request. If you need any additional information or have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Position] 
[Your Contact Details]

__

Related: Find out 12 additional request email samples.


Example 5: Formal thank you email template afer interview


Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity - [Your Name]

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I'd like to take a moment to convey my heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] on [Date of Interview].

Our conversation gave me a deeper understanding of the role and the values that [Company Name] upholds. I was particularly impressed by [mention a specific aspect of the company or role that you found appealing or exciting].

I am confident that my talents and experiences are a good match for the role's needs, and I could make a valuable contribution to your team. I am excited about the possibility of bringing my [mention specific skills, experiences, or qualities] to [Company Name].

Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information or have any further questions. I look forward to the possibility of working with you and the [Company Name] team.

Thank you once again for considering my application and for the insightful conversation.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Contact Details]

__

Related: Find out other examples on how to write thank you emails after interview.


Example 6: Formal project status update email sample


Subject: [Project Name] status update

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to provide an update on the status of Project [Project Name].

[Provide a brief overview of the project's current status, milestones achieved, and challenges encountered.]

[Provide more detailed information about each aspect of the project, if necessary.]

Looking ahead, [describe the next steps or tasks for the project.]

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in this project. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information.

Best regards,

[Your Name] 
[Your Position] 
[Your Contact Details]


Example 7: Formal meeting invitation email


Subject: Invitation to [meeting topic] on [date]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to invite you to a [Meeting Topic] meeting to be held on [Date] at [Time] in [Location/Platform].

The agenda for the meeting will include:

  1. [Agenda Item 1]
  2. [Agenda Item 2]
  3. [Agenda Item 3]

Your input and expertise would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know by [Date] if you can attend.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name] 
[Your Position] 
[Your Contact Details]

__

Info: Discover 10 additional invitation email samples.


Example 8: Formal promotion announcement email


Subject: Promotion announcement - [Employee's Name]

Dear Team,

I am pleased to announce that [Employee's Name] has been promoted to the position of [New Position].

[Employee's Name] has consistently demonstrated [specific skills, qualities, or achievements that led to the promotion]. We are confident that [he/she/they] will bring the same dedication and enthusiasm to [his/her/their] new role.

Please join me in congratulating [Employee's Name] on [his/her/their] well-deserved promotion.

Best regards,

[Your Name] 
[Your Position]


Example 9: Formal employee survey invitation email


Subject: Your Feedback Matters - Employee Satisfaction Survey

Dear [Employee's Name],

We are conducting an Employee Satisfaction Survey to better understand your experiences at [Company Name] and identify areas where we can improve.

Your feedback is extremely valuable to us. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey at [Survey Link].

The survey will be open until [End Date]. Your responses will be completely anonymous and will be used solely to improve our workplace.

Thank you for your time and input.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Details]


Example 10: Formal performance review announcement


Subject: Upcoming Performance Review

Dear [Employee's Name],

This is a reminder that your performance review is scheduled for [Date] at [Time].

The review will cover your performance over the past [time period], including your achievements, areas for improvement, and goals for the future.

Please take some time to reflect on your performance and prepare any questions or comments you may have.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to [Company Name]. We look forward to discussing your progress and future growth.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Details]

__

Learn more: The ten steps for excellent performance reviews.


Example 11: Formal email template

Here's a professional template for a formal email to support your business communication.


Subject: [Short  and concise summary of the email]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. [Opening greeting sets a polite and respectful tone.]

[Opening paragraph: Mention the aim of your email in a polite way. Provide a brief introduction or context if necessary.]

[Body paragraphs: Elaborate on the main points, providing relevant details, supporting information, or requests. Keep each paragraph focused and well-structured.]

[Closing paragraph: Summarize the key points discussed and express any necessary follow-up actions or requests. Offer appreciation or thanks if applicable.]

[Closing salutation: Use a formal closing, such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Yours faithfully," followed by your full name.]

[Your Name]

[Your Position or Affiliation]


Other formal email examples:




FAQ


What are the key email etiquette tips?


The key to writing a successful formal email is to maintain a professional tone and adhere to standard conventions of format and style, however there is more to it:

1.    Include the call to action in your subject line, i.e., 3 minutes Job satisfaction survey | Josh to agree | Recruiting budget for Q4

2.    Discuss one topic per email thread

3.    Adjust recipients. Don't add more people in cc if not needed.

4.    In the introduction, add the main point

5.    When an email is not clearly formatted, reply with a 3-bullet summary to ask if this is what the sender expects.

6.    Add clickable hyperlinks to shared documents, webpages, or other sites you refer to.

7.    Change the undo email settings to 30 seconds. Mistakes happen, so it wouldn't be nice to be able to unsend an email with a misspelled name, wrong date, or incorrect invoice.

8.    Follow the KISS principle. KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid.

9.    Proofread and edit your email mail before sending it. Check for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc

10.    Use clear and polite language: Avoid jargon, slang, and colloquialisms.

Related: Email etiquette: The principles of professional emails.


What is the difference between a formal and an informal email?

While there are visible differences between formal and informal emails, the level of formality can vary depending on the context, relationship between the sender and recipient, and the purpose of the email. See below our favorite remarks. These differences serve as general guidelines, but there can be variations based on individual preferences and specific situations.

Formal email

Informal email

Tone

Professional and respectful tone


Casual and conversational

Context

Used in professional/business context


Used in communication with coworkers and friends

Language and vocabulary

Employ formal language and vocabulary, avoiding slang, abbreviations, or colloquial expressions


Casual language, including slang and abbreviations if appropriate

Structure

Structured format, including a concise introduction, body paragraphs, and a formal closing


Looser structure, resembling a conversation rather than a formal letter

Subject Line

Have concise and specific subject lines that reflect the main purpose of the email.


More relaxed or creative subject lines that capture the overall tone of the email.

Greeting

Dear Sir or Madam / Dear Mr./Ms.

I’m writing in response to your advertisement.

I’m writing to inform you…


Hello Robert

Thanks for your letter. It was nice hearing from your side.

I just wanted to let you know…

Closing

Yours sincerely

Yours faithfully


Cheers

Yours truly

Use of Abbreviations

Generally avoid using abbreviations or acronyms, preferring to spell out words in their entirety.


May incorporate commonly used abbreviations or acronyms, especially in casual conversations.

Politeness and Respect

Maintain a higher level of politeness and formality, employing phrases such as "Please" and "Thank you."


Use less formal language and may skip such pleasantries.


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