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How to address a job application envelope.

A job application is the key to unlocking career opportunities. Job applications with well-done resumes and correct information may lock-in an interview. Because it is important to make the right first impression, it is crucial to properly put together the entire job application letter, including the envelope. Thankfully, addressing an envelope to a possible employer is a much easier task than filling out the enclosed application.

Write your name in the top-left corner of the envelope. Follow your name with your address. An example of a name and address format you might use on the envelope would be:

FirstName LastName 1234 Easy Street City, ST 00000

Write the employer address in the center of the envelope. Usually, job applications have a return address listed on the form. If this is the case, write the address exactly as it is listed on the form. If an address is not listed, use a general setup for the address, making sure to alert the correct department. For example, an address you may use would be:

Company Name ATTN: Human Resources Department 12345 Company Address RD City Name, ST 00000

Place a stamp in the upper-right portion on the envelope. Once the job application is neatly folded and placed inside, a stamp is affixed and the envelope is sealed, your application will be ready for mailing.

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How to Address an Envelope (Photos Included!)

General Education

Addressing an envelope to mail a letter isn’t really a common task anymore. (Thanks, email!) But there’s always a chance a situation might pop up where you need to know how to properly address a letter envelope. Everything from sending out wedding invitations to paying bills requires you to know how to address envelopes.

If you don’t know how to address an envelope, you’re in the right place! This article will tell you everything you need to know about addressing an envelope if you’re sending letters in the United States . In this article, we’re going to cover the following info: 

• A full explanation of how to address a letter envelope
• A detailed example of how to write address on letter envelopes (photo example included!)
• Descriptions of how to address letters in specific circumstances, including PO boxes, apartment addresses, and overseas letters to the U.S.

Are you ready to learn how to address an envelope? Then let’s get started!

How to Properly Address an Envelope: The Basics

Addressing an envelope is pretty simple once you understand the overall format. Let’s start with the most basic thing you need to know about how to address an envelope: which part of the envelope you write on !

An envelope has a front and back side. The front of an envelope is blank, and the back of an envelope has a flap and seal. You write and place your stamps on the front of an envelope. 

Once you’ve checked to make sure your envelope is in the right position, you’re ready to start addressing it. So what is the proper address format for a letter? There are three components to addressing an envelope: the recipient’s address, the return address, and the postage. We’ll start with explaining how to address letters to recipients in the U.S. and cover how to address letters to Canada later.

The recipient's address goes in the center of your envelope, right in the red square. (FYI: there won't be a red square on your actual envelope.) 

Writing the Recipient’s Address

The recipient’s address is the address that you want your letter to be sent to. You write the recipient’s address horizontally and vertically centered, or right in the middle of the front side of the envelope. To write the recipient’s address properly, you need the following information: 

• The recipient’s full name
• The recipient’s street address
• The recipient’s city, state, and zip code

When you write the three parts of the recipient’s address, each part listed above gets its own line. A properly formatted recipient’s address will look like this on an envelope: 

Mortimer Smith  1234 Street Name St. City, State  Zip Code

In the example address above, you see that the recipient’s name appears on the first line of the address. Below that, you write the recipient’s street address. On the bottom line, you write the recipient’s city and state, separated by a comma, and the recipient’s zip code at the end. 

This is how you write the recipient’s address on an envelope when the recipient just has a basic residential address. We’ll talk more about how to write more complicated addresses (like apartment buildings and PO boxes) a bit later. 

The return address on your envelope should be in the top left corner. (Basically it should end up where the red square is on this example!) 

Writing the Return Address

The return address is the other main piece of a properly addressed letter . The return address is typically the same as the sender’s address. It’s called the return address because if the recipient can’t receive the letter for some reason, it will be returned to the sender. That way your letter--or your bill!--doesn’t just disappear. 

Most of the time, the return address will be your home address. The return address should be written in the upper left hand corner of the front of the envelope. Like the recipient’s address, the sender’s address is broken down into three pieces that are written on separate lines. The sender’s address should usually look like this: 

Mickey Mouse 90 Main Street  Orlando, Florida  32825

So, just like the recipient’s address, the return address should include your name or the sender’s name on the first line, the sender’s street address on the second line, and the sender’s city, state, and zip code on the third line. 

The stamp on your envelope should go in the same spot as the stamp on this one. Just make sure you're using the correct postage! 

Adding Postage

You probably already know that sending letters costs money in the form of stamps or other postage. If you’re mailing a letter from home, you’ll need to purchase stamps to add to your letter to cover the cost of mailing it. Most of the time, you can purchase stamps when checking out at the grocery store or from your local post office. 

When mailing standard letters within the United States, you usually only need to include one Forever stamp . Bigger envelopes or packages may require additional postage. 

So where do you place stamps on an envelope? Stamps should be placed in the upper right hand corner of the front of an envelope . People usually try to place the stamp pretty close to the edges of the envelope. 

Some people prefer to mail letters directly through the post office. If you choose to do this, you can take your letter to the post office and have them handle the postage. When the post office adds postage to your letter and mails it for you, you’ll just pay the post office instead of buying stamps. 

Keep in mind that the number and type of stamps you’ll need depend on what you’re mailing. An average letter will require a different number of stamps than a manila envelope full of heavy documents. If you’re ever unsure about how many stamps you should put on your envelope or what the best way to mail your letter is, you can always call and ask your local post office or check the USPS website .

Sending a letter to Canada? Follow the special instructions below. 

How to Address a Letter to Canada

You may have a situation where you need to address a letter to Canada. Addressing a letter to Canada is very similar to addressing one to a U.S. recipient, but there are a couple of differences you need to know. 

There are four lines that you need to include in the recipient’s address for a letter to Canada : 

• The street address
• The city, province, and postal code
• The name of the country

So a letter envelope addressed to a recipient in Canada would look like this: 

David Rose 567 Walnut Street Toronto ON MSV 1J2 Canada

Now, let’s talk about how this Canadian address is different from a U.S. address. First, Canada has provinces instead of states. This means you’ll need to know the Canadian province that the recipient lives in. In the example address above, “Toronto” is the city in Canada where the recipient lives, and “Ontario” is the province. 

Postal codes also look a little bit different in Canadian addresses. In this example, the postal code, “MSV 1J2” appears at the end of the third line of the address. Unlike U.S. postal codes, Canadian postal codes include both letters and numbers. Be sure to pay close attention when writing the postal code to ensure the letters and numbers are in the correct order. If you aren’t sure which province the recipient lives in or what their postal code is, you can look it up on the USPS website or the Canada Post website . 

Finally, the name of the country should be written on the fourth and last line of the recipient’s address. If you’re sending a letter to Canada, just write “Canada” on the fourth line! That’s the last step to writing the recipient’s address on a letter to Canada. 

You’ll also need to include a return address in the upper left hand corner of your envelope. It should be formatted just like the return address on any other letter: your name appears in the first line, your street address in the second line, and your city, state, and zip code in the third line. 

The only major difference in writing the return address on a letter to Canada is that you will also need to include your country on the fourth and last line . So if you’re writing from the U.S., you will simply write, “United States” on the fourth line. 

The last thing you’ll need is postage . Postage rates from the U.S. to Canada can vary based on the size and weight of the letter and the location you’re mailing to and from. To find out the correct number of stamps or cost of postage, use the Canada Post Rate Calculator . 

How to Write Address on Envelopes: Picture Example

When it comes to how to address an envelope, having a visual example can help you know you’re getting it right. Here’s an example of what a correctly addressed envelope looks like: 

This example includes the recipient’s address, return address, and location of postage. You can use the spatial layout of this example as a guide too. The return address and recipient’s address on your envelope should be in about the same place as the ones you see in this example. 

4 Other Examples of How to Fill Out an Envelope

Now that you know the basics of how to address an envelope, let’s look at some specific types of addresses. Formatting addresses for mailing can differ depending on the type of residence of your recipient and where you’re mailing from. We’ll cover the basics of how to write an envelope address for PO boxes, apartment buildings, businesses, and U.S. recipients from overseas senders below. 

How to Address a Letter to a PO Box

When it comes to how to write an address on an envelope for a PO box, there are a few things you need to know. A PO box, or post office box, is a lockable box that’s located in a post office . Some people choose to receive their mail at PO boxes, and some countries only use PO boxes to deliver local mail. If your recipient has a PO box, you have to include that info in the address on the envelope. 

To address an envelope to a PO box, you’ll replace the street address information with the PO box number . If you’re writing the address with a PO box on an envelope, it should look like this: 

Lara Jean Covey PO Box 123 Portland, OR 97214 

In the example above, the PO box and the box number replace a normal street address. Including the correct PO box number ensures that your letter gets to the right place! 

How to Address a Letter to an Apartment Building

To properly address an envelope to an apartment building, you need to include the street address, the building number, and the recipient’s unit number. 

When addressing an envelope to a recipient who lives in an apartment, the address should look like this: 

Rachel Green 90 Bedford St, Building A, Apartment 2 New York, New York  10014

In this example, the street address appears on the second line, followed by the apartment building number and the number of the recipient’s apartment unit. 

With all of that information, addresses for apartments can sometimes be a little long. If you can, try to fit all of the information about the street address, building, and apartment number on the second line. If it gets too long, move the building and apartment number to the third line. 

If you aren’t sure about how to write the recipient’s address, you can always call their apartment complex to get this information, or check with the U.S. Postal Service. 

How to Address a Letter to Someone in an Office Building

Correctly addressing an envelope to a person at a company ensures it will end up in the right hands. When addressing an envelope to someone who works in an office building, you need to include a couple of extra elements on your envelope. 

When writing out the recipient’s name and address, you should include the abbreviation “Attn” followed by a colon before the recipient’s name, like this: 

Attn: Michael Scott

“Attn” stands for “attention,” which means that the letter should be brought to that person’s attention within the company! 

Below the company name, include the name of the recipient on the next line. The company’s address goes on the line below that. The company’s delivery address will most likely include the company’s street address and the suite number of the recipient. On the fourth and final line, write the city, state, and zip code. 

The full recipient address on a business envelope should look like this: 

Dunder-Mifflin Paper Company, Inc. Attn: Michael Scott 1725 Slough Avenue, Suite 4 Scranton, Pennsylvania  18505

  You may see something like “C/O" in front of the recipient’s name instead of “Attn” in some examples. That’s okay: the “C/O" means “care of,” and it works exactly the same way as “Attn.” Both “C/O" and “Attn” will ensure your letter goes to the right recipient when you’re sending a letter to a business address. 

The return address on a business envelope should read exactly like the return address on regular mail. And when it comes to postage, check with the U.S. Postal Service. If you’re mailing larger envelopes, you might need multiple stamps or postage.

How to Address a Letter to Someone in the U.S. From Overseas

If you’re mailing a letter to the U.S. from another country, you have to include a couple of extra elements on your envelope. The main things you need to include on an envelope to someone in the U.S. from overseas are the name of the country and international postage. 

An address on an envelope to someone in the U.S. from overseas should look something like this: 

Olivia Pope 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C.  20500 U.S.A

So when you write a letter to a U.S. recipient if you’re out of the country, you include the recipient’s name in the first line, the street address in the second line, and the city, state, and zip code in the third line. The one additional thing you must include is the name of the country in the fourth line of the address. 

What about if you need to mail a letter from the U.S. to another country? Depending on the mailing service you’re using, there may be additional forms you need to fill out in order to send your letter. You can find out the requirements for mailing to different countries by checking the USPS Global Express website . You might consider using a service that assigns tracking numbers to letters and packages. That way you can ensure your letter arrives at its destination successfully. 

You also need to include the right kind of postage for international mailing. You can purchase international stamps from your post office. These are the kind you will need to send international mail to the U.S. You can find out the correct postage for your letter by checking the USPS postage rates and prices website . Global Forever international postage stamps currently cost $1.20 apiece.

What’s Next? 

One type of letter you may have to address during your college application process is a letter of recommendation . You can learn all about letters of recommendation in this article ! 

Not all letters of recommendation are equal, though . Here’s an example of what a great letter of recommendation should look like . 

Did you know you may need letters of recommendation for your job search, too? Here’s a rundown of what a professional letter of recommendation looks like ...and helpful tips about asking for them. 

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How to Address an Envelope to a Prospective Employer

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Proper Way to Write a Cover Letter

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When you send a letter to a prospective employer, you have two goals: You want to make sure it gets delivered to the correct person in a timely manner, and you want to make the right impression on the person receiving it. Whether you’re sending a job application, resume, materials requested after an interview or an interview follow-up thank-you letter, it’s important to know how to properly address the envelope.

Get the Correct Information

To begin with, make sure you get the correct name and title of the person you’re sending the letter to. In some cases, you might be sending in a blind letter, meaning you don’t have the name of the person who needs to get it. This often happens when you’re replying to a want ad or sending in a resume cold.

If you’re not sending a blind letter, see if you can find the person’s LinkedIn profile. This will have their name and job title posted the way they want it known. People don’t always update their LinkedIn profiles, however, so search the company’s website for a staff directory to confirm the details, as well. The person might have changed jobs and hasn’t updated his title, or the company website might list someone who has since left.

You can also call the company and ask to speak with the human resources department, asking to confirm a particular employee’s name and title and any address information you need to know (such as a department name, floor number or suite number).

The Return Address

Put your return address in the upper left-hand corner of your envelope. Use the same name and address as you use on your cover letter stationery and resume. Envelopes often get tossed, especially if the person receiving the letter has an assistant who opens and sorts her mail for her. However, the recipient might request envelopes that come with resumes or other items from job candidates so she can check on their professionalism.

For this reason, you might want to use your printer to create a return address sticker (as well as a recipient address sticker), rather than hand-writing the addresses. You can buy address labels at your local office products store or buy them online.

The Recipient Address

Use the recipient’s name and title, using an honorific prefix if you think it’s appropriate, recommends Mvorganizing.org . For example, you might address the letter Mr. Robert Smith or Ms. Maria Delgado. If you use “Mrs.” or “Miss,” you increase the chances of offending the recipient, so stick with “Ms.”

While more and more people are asking to be recognized by new gender designations, it’s a recent-enough phenomenon that professionals who don’t use a gender probably won’t be personally offended if you don’t know them and use “Mr.” or “Ms.”

If you are sending a blind letter, do your best to designate who should get it. For example, you might write, “Human Resources Director” and then the company’s address. If you want to get directly to the person who will be your boss (and bypass HR), you might address the letter to “Marketing Director” and the name of the company.

If possible, try to find the correct title at this company for a position. In the case of marketing, it might be “Chief Marketing Officer” or “Communications Director.”

If you are responding to an ad for a nonprofit organization or other entity that is using a committee to hire for a position, you might address the letter with the position name and “Search Committee”; for example, if you're applying for a managing editor position, you might use “Managing Editor Search Committee.” You would address your letter that way in the address area and then use the salutation, “To Whom It May Concern,” or “Dear Committee Members” on your cover letter.

If the person is a doctor, use that title whether it’s a medical doctor, Ph.D. or other professional, such as a doctor of optometry – anyone who has earned any type of “doctor” title likes it being used. Do not use both a title and abbreviation, such as Dr. Douglas Melzer, OD (skip the OD).

You don’t need to include a person’s professional identifier, such as Lysa Parker, CAE. Those are usually self-identifiers people use to let others know their professional status. So, Dr. Jonathan Smith, is acceptable, but Jonathan Smith, Ph.D., isn’t appropriate.

Add as much information as possible, such as the department name, suite number and ZIP + 4 number if you can find it. No matter how common someone’s name seems, look it up and verify the spelling. Many a John Smythe has received letters addressed to John Smith.

The Basic Format

There is no “correct” job application letter envelope format accepted by everyone. However, in most cases, your envelop address setup should look like this:

Ms. Maria Delgado

Human Resources Director

ABC Company

222 Main Street, Suite C

Atlanta, GA 30306

If you're not using an oversized envelope and are folding your letter to fit into a regular #10 envelope, use the same stationery for the cover letter, resume and envelope if you can, recommends Northern Arizona University .

• Mvorganizing.org: How Do You Address a Prospective Employer on an Envelope?
• Northern Arizona University: Cover Letter Example
• Emily Post: Professional Title Etiquette: When to Use Your Dr. Title
• Editing and Writing Services: Titles Used in Articles and Correspondence

Steve Milano is a journalist and business executive/consultant. He has helped dozens of for-profit companies and nonprofits with their marketing and operations. Steve has written more than 8,000 articles during his career, focusing on small business, careers, personal finance and health and fitness. Steve also turned his tennis hobby into a career, coaching, writing, running nonprofits and conducting workshops around the globe.

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How to Address and Fill Out a Letter Envelope (+ Example and Formats)

Understanding how to fill out and format a letter envelope is crucial to send a physical letter package. If you don’t provide accurate information presented in the right format, your mail will not be delivered to the intended destination within the timeline you had in mind. Below, we review how to address an envelope for letters, packages, and military mail, while providing you with templates you can use.

With the introduction of email, messaging, and social media, it has become less common to send a letter or postcard using the post office or what some people affectionately refer to as snail mail . However, there are situations where you want to use the old fashion method to communicate. Wedding invitations, thank you notes, postcards, formal letters, and business correspondence are often sent using the Post Office or courier .

Ensuring that the proper address is placed on the letter in the correct location along with your return address will ensure that the letter arrives at the correct destination and in a reasonable amount of time . The recipient can also quickly review who the letter is from by referring to the sender’s address located in the upper left corner.

Why Is It Important to Fill Out Letter Envelopes Perfectly?

As mentioned, filling out a letter envelope accurately helps ensure it is delivered on time and to the correct address. Here are more reasons you should complete your envelope perfectly:

• International Delivery – Some addresses like international and military destinations are somewhat more challenging to locate. By providing accurate details on your envelope, you make it easier for your letter to reach such destinations.
• Timely Delivery – When the information on your envelope is accurate, the deliverer finds it easier to deliver your letter or package on time.
• Professionalism – Because the envelope is the first thing your clients see, including the correct date on it when sending business correspondence lends an air of professionalism to the exchange.

What Is a Letter Envelope Format?

The format of the letter envelope is easy to follow. Always place the address information on the front of the letter and not on the side where you seal the letter closed. The sender’s information is placed on the front of the letter on the upper left side. The stamp is always placed on the upper right side of the envelope again on the front of the letter. Finally, the recipient’s address is placed in the center of the envelope. More details to come.

How to Address an Envelope (Video)

How to address and fill out a letter envelope.

Addressing an envelope is a fairly easy thing to do and usually involves providing two information pieces: the recipient and return addresses. When mailing a personal letter, the recipient address will entail three lines indicating:

• The recipient’s name
• The recipient’s street address
• The recipient’s state, city, and zip code

If you are mailing a business address, the return address should contain the recipient business’s name, the recipient’s name, title, or department, the street address, and the state, city, and zip code. Here is how you will address your envelope:

Step 1: Supply the Return Address

The return address is usually not a set-in-stone requirement, but it is advisable to include it in case your letter or package is not delivered to the intended address. Start by placing it on the upper left corner of the envelope and only include the country name if you are sending the letter to a different country.

Step 2: Write the Recipient Address

Next, prepare the recipient’s address by indicating the recipient’s full name on the first line. If the letter is formal, use a title like Mrs., Ms., or Mr.. If the recipient works at a large company, indicate C/O in front of their name, which means ‘courtesy of,’ and tell the receptionist where to send the letter. Then:

• Supply the recipient’s address and street name on the second line.
• On the third line, indicate the city (full name), state (abbreviation), and zip code.
• Add any other useful information like apartment or unit name.
• Include the country if you are sending the letter internationally.

Letter Envelope Format

On top left corner:

{Sender’s Full Name}

{Sender’s Street Name and Number}

{Sender’s City, State, and Zip Code}

In the center middle part of the envelope:

{Recipient’s Full Name}

{Business/Organization Name} If applicable

{Recipient’s Street Name and Number}

{Recipient’s City, State, and Zip Code}

How to Fill Out an Envelope for Packages

Addressing a package involves much the same steps as filling out a letter envelope. However, a package is larger than a letter and usually has an unusual shape. It also often needs additional postage, which is determined by the package’s content, weight, and destination. Here is how to complete this envelope:

• Step 1: Include the return address in the upper left corner of the envelope, with your full name and address.
• Step 2: Indicate the recipient’s address as you would for a letter. Use a large font to make the address more legible on a large package, regardless of the shape.

Addressing a Business Letter Envelope

Whenever you are mailing a letter using a business format, the letter address should be professional and follow business formatting.

The general format is the same:

• Place the sender’s name and address in the upper left corner
• Place the recipient’s name and address in the center of the envelope
• Place the postage required on the envelope on the upper right side

The major difference between a business letter and a personal letter is recognition of the business the person works for:

• Underneath the person’s name, include the title and the full name of the company
• Use the company’s address, including city, state, zip code
• Additional postage may be required for letters with more weight than usual.

Sample Address (Business Letter Envelope)

The address placed on the business letter should be configured as follows:

(Mr. Mrs. Or Ms.) (First Name, Last Name)

(Title of the person the letter is addressed to)

(Company Name)

(Company Street address)

(Business Suite Number if Applicable)

(City) (State) (Zip Code)

(Country) – Optional

How to Fill Out an Envelope for Military Addresses

If you have a loved one in the service, learning how to fill out a letter envelope for a military address is crucial. This type of envelope usually requires more information since it is more challenging to locate a military address. Here is the process to use:

Step 1: Indicate The Recipient’s Name and Rank

Military units tend to move a lot, so you have to be very specific when indicating the address information. You will need to provide the recipient’s full name – first name, middle initial, last name – because a single unit will have multiple members. Additionally, indicate the recipient’s rank .

Step 2: Identify the Recipient’s Unit

Indicate the recipient’s unit and box number to ensure your letter is delivered to the right person.

Step 3: Supply the Base Abbreviations

The base abbreviations will help identify the recipient more easily by indicating the base where the letter must be delivered. Common base abbreviations include:

• FPO – Fleet Post Office
• APO – Army Post Office
• DPO – Diplomatic Post Office

Step 4: Highlight the Region and Zip Code

Finally, provide the zip code and region where the letter must be delivered. Common regions include:

• AP: Any location in the Pacific
• AE: Europe, Africa, Middle East, or Canada
• AA: Any location in the Americas

Envelope Format for Military Addresses

{Recipient’s Full Name and Rank}

{Recipient’s Street Address, Box Number with Unit}

{Recipient’s Base Abbreviations}

{Recipient’s Region and Zip Code}

Addressing an International Mail

The basic information is the same for international mail , with the exception that you must include the country the letter is being sent to and the country of the sender. Various countries utilize different formats for addressing their letters. Take a moment to determine the proper format for the country your letter is addressed to

For example, the Canadian postal system does not use a zip code of five numbers. The Canadian system uses a six-letter format with a combination of numbers and letters. Otherwise, letters addressed to Canada can follow the same format as previously discussed.

Don’t forget to include the country name in your letter address.

Sample Address (Mailing to Other Countries)

The address placed on the letter should be configured as follows:

[Mr. Mrs. Or Ms.] (First Name, Last Name)

(Street address)

(Apartment Number if Applicable)

(City) (State) (Equivalent of zip code e.g. Postal Code in Canada)

How to Send Your Letter or Postcard?

Now that your letter or postcard is properly addressed, it is time to send the letter or postcard in the mail. Postcards come in a variety of formats, usually indicating where the sender’s information is to be placed, and the recipient’s name is addressed. Next, you must calculate the amount of postage required. If in doubt, visit the local post office and request the clerk to weigh your letter and affix the required postage.

Large envelopes with multiple pages included may require additional postage. Affix the correct amount of postage for the type of letter you are sending. Once the letter is prepared, properly addressed, and the postage is applied, drop the letter at the post office in a designated collection box.

The following are several of the frequently asked questions many people have when it comes time to send a letter via the traditional snail mail approach.

To fill out a letter, start by indicating the return address in the top left corner of the page, followed by a recipient address. You can then place a stamp in the top right corner.

The sender’s return address should be placed in the upper left corner of the envelope.

Addressing mail properly in Canada allows it to be delivered to its destination promptly. Here are some pointers on how to do it: • Write the names in block letters. • Separate the apartment and street number with a hyphen and avoid using the # symbol. • Use abbreviations to indicate the street type, e.g., the avenue is ‘AVE,’ street direction, e.g., ‘NE’ for North East, and province, e.g., Ontario as ‘ON.’ • Indicate the postal code, city, and province on the same line. • Write the first and last three postal code elements with a space separating them, not a hyphen. • Separate the city and province with one space. • Separate the province and postal code with two spaces.

An oversized envelope is a First-Class Mail sent in an envelope exceeding a 6⅛″ height, 11½″ width, or ¼″ thickness. It could also refer to a flat mail envelope exceeding ¾″ thickness, 12″ height, and 15″ length.

An oversized, square, or unusually shaped envelope stamp starts at $0.75. For context, a standard-sized, rectangular-shaped envelope stamp starts at $0.55.

If you do not know the name of the person in a company, you may decide to send your letter to a specific position. In place of the person’s name, use the word “Attention” and then follow that with the title of the position you want the letter to be sent to.

Always write the sender and recipient address on the front of the envelope. This is the side opposite to where you closed and sealed the letter.

The value of the stamp required for a standard letter changes from time to time. Check with your local post office to confirm how much postage you need for a standard letter containing one or two pages or a postcard. Larger envelopes or letters containing many pages must be weighed to determine the number of stamps to be added. Visit the local post office and ask the clerk to determine the number of stamps needed for your envelope. Letters will be returned to the sender if there is insufficient postage placed on the envelope.

The cost to send a letter weighing one ounce that is a standard size of five inches by three and a half inches and no thicker than ¼ inch is $.55. or fifty-five cents. It must be a uniform thickness, rectangular, and bendable. If it does not fit these requirements, a machine cannot process the envelope, and you will need to pay extra. Assuming your letter meets these requirements, each ounce costs fifteen cents per ounce. Therefore the total cost would be $1.00.

Sending a letter to someone living in an apartment requires the sender to include the apartment number on the address. Include the street address and unit number on one line in the following format: [street address] , [unit number] e.g., 129 Diane Cres, apartment 905

International envelopes must follow a standard size that is acceptable to all postal organizations and can be processed using mechanical processes. The size of a C5 envelop is – 6-3/8 inches by 9 inches.

The size of a C5 envelope is – 6-3/8 inches by 9 inches. The size of a C4 envelope is – 12-3/4 inches by 9 inches.

The size of a C6 envelope is – 4.5 inches by 6.4 inches. The size of an A5 envelope is – 5.8 inches by 8.3 inches.

The majority of communication takes place today using social media, messaging, and email. It is fast, convenient, and inexpensive. However, there are many times when you need to send a postcard, a get well letter, a thank you letter, or just a note to say hello. Business letters are still common since they provide an official receipt for many transactions.

• It is always important to use the full and proper address for both the sender and the recipient. Failing to include the unit number, the street type, or the zip code will usually end up with the letter returned to the sender.
• Business letters should be professional, and that applies to the address placed on the letter for the recipient. Include the recipient’s title and the name of the company along with the proper salutation, i.e., Mr., Mrs., or Ms.
• The sender’s address should always be included on the upper left-hand side of the envelope. Including the sender’s address is useful for two reasons. If the letter has to be returned to the sender for any reason, the post office has an address to work with. In addition, the recipient can copy the sender’s address into their address book for future reference.
• Applying the correct postage is a must if you want the letter to arrive at its destination. Irregular size letters overweight letters will usually cost more to mail. If in doubt, check with your local post office.
• The international letter must include the country the letter is being sent to and the equivalent of the zip code used by that country.

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How to address a job application envelope

By stephanie breaux / in family.

A job application is the key to unlocking career opportunities. Job applications with well-done CVs and correct information may land you an interview. Because making the right first impression is vital, always properly put together the entire job application letter, including the envelope. Thankfully, addressing an envelope to a possible employer is a much easier task than filling out the enclosed application form.

• A job application is the key to unlocking career opportunities.
• Because making the right first impression is vital, always properly put together the entire job application letter, including the envelope.

Write your name in the top-left corner of the envelope. Follow your name with your address. An example of a name and address format you might use on the envelope would be: full name, house name or number and street, town or city, county, post code. Place each part of the address on a separate line. Don't use full-stops or commas.

Write the employer address in the centre of the envelope. Usually, job applications have a return address listed on the form. If this is the case, write the address exactly as it is listed on the form. If an address is not listed, use a general set-up for the address, making sure to alert the correct department. Use the same formatting as in the previous step.

• Write the employer address in the centre of the envelope.
• Usually, job applications have a return address listed on the form.

Place a stamp in the upper-right portion on the envelope. Once the job application is neatly folded and placed inside, a stamp is affixed and the envelope is sealed, your application will be ready for posting.

How to Write an Application Letter (Sample Included!)

Whether you’re applying for a job , internship , scholarship, or volunteer position, a well-crafted application letter can help you stand out. It's your chance to introduce yourself and make a strong first impression that sets you apart from the competition.

But how do you write an application letter that’s effective? Below, we’ll explain when to use this method of introduction and give you practical tips on writing one that gets results. Plus, we've included a sample application letter and a template to help you create the perfect document for any opportunity.

Apply for the role of your dreams! One of these open jobs on The Muse could be the perfect fit »

What is an application letter?

An application letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. It's a crucial part of an application for work as it introduces you to potential employers and highlights your qualifications.

While some companies request it at the beginning of the application process, others might ask for it later, or not at all—but it's always a valuable addition.

Unlike a resume, which outlines your work history, a written application allows you to elaborate on your achievements and how they relate to the job you are applying for. It is a much more specific way to introduce yourself and explain why you would be a good fit for the job.

How is an application letter different from a cover letter?

Some people use the terms “application letter” and “cover letter” interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two.

An application letter serves as your formal introduction to a potential employer. It highlights your interest in the role, your qualifications, and why you're a good fit for the position. It's a standalone document that provides a comprehensive overview of your skills and experiences.

On the other hand, a cover letter is usually more concise than an application letter and serves as a complementary document to your resume, providing additional context to your job application. It elaborates on specific points from your resume and explains how your background aligns with the job requirements.

Also, job application letters follow a more formal structure, often resembling a traditional business letter. They include your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact information at the top. An application letter is usually addressed to a specific individual, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. While cover letters also have a professional tone, they can be less formal in structure.

Finally, the application letter is used primarily for job applications, internship applications, scholarship applications, and volunteer positions. In contrast, the cover letter is specifically used to accompany a resume during job applications.

When do you need to send an application letter?

Application letters are typically required when applying for jobs. However, there are other scenarios where you might need one:

• Scholarship applications: When applying for scholarships, this kind of letter can help you stand out by showcasing your academic achievements and career goals .
• Volunteer positions: Some volunteer organizations require an application letter to understand your motivations and skills relevant to the position.
• Internship applications: Internships often require this document to understand your interest in the role and what you hope to gain from the experience.
• Networking purposes: Sending one when reaching out to potential mentors or industry professionals can help you establish a connection and explain your career aspirations.

7 tips on how to write a job application letter

Writing an effective application letter involves more than just summarizing your resume. Here are seven tips to write yours:

1. Research the company—at least do a quick Google search!

Before you start writing, research the company to understand its culture, values, and needs. Tailor your letter to align with the company’s mission and the job description. There is nothing better for an HR professional than feeling that you don’t just want any job; you want to work with them for specific reasons, such as X and Y.

“Address the letter to the hiring manager by name if possible,” says Mike Chappell, CEO of FormsPal , who has more than a decade of experience reviewing application letters. “This shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the company.”

2. Use a professional format and design

Your application letter should follow a formal letter of application format. Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Include your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact information at the top of the letter.

There are many layouts online that you can use. Find one that represents your style and complements your resume.

3. Make it engaging from the start with a strong opening

Your opening paragraph should grab the reader’s attention. Mention the position you're applying for and where you found the job listing. If you were referred by someone, include their name. Briefly introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the role.

4. Highlight your qualifications—what you can’t fully convey in your resume

In the body of your applicant letter, highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. “Use specific examples to showcase your accomplishments and how they relate to the job you’re applying for,” Chappell says. “ Quantifiable results can make a strong impact.”

Avoid repeating information from your resume; instead, expand on your most relevant experiences.

5. Show enthusiasm and genuine interest

Employers want to hire candidates who are enthusiastic about the role and the company. Show your excitement for the opportunity. Explain why you are specifically interested in this job and how it aligns with your career goals.

6. Keep it concise

While it’s important to provide enough detail, your application letter should be concise. Aim for one page, with three to four paragraphs. Be clear and to the point, avoiding unnecessary fluff.

7. Proofread carefully

Typos and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression on employers. Carefully proofread your letter before sending it. Consider asking another person to review it as well.

Letter of application sample

Here's a super complete example of application letter to help you get started:

August 1, 2024

Ms. Jane Doe

Hiring Manager

Innovative Solutions Inc.

456 Maple Avenue

Springfield, IL 62705

Dear Ms. Doe,

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at Innovative Solutions Inc., as advertised on your company’s careers page. With more than five years of experience in marketing and a proven track record of successful campaigns, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and drive impactful marketing strategies.

In my previous role as a Senior Marketing Specialist at Creative Solutions LLC, I led a team in developing and executing a comprehensive marketing strategy that resulted in a 30% increase in brand awareness and a 25% boost in lead generation. My responsibilities included overseeing digital marketing campaigns, analyzing market trends, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with overall business goals. This experience has honed my skills in strategic planning, data analysis, and team leadership.

I am particularly impressed by Innovative Solutions Inc.’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver innovative marketing solutions. Your recent campaign, which utilized artificial intelligence to optimize ad targeting, is a testament to your forward-thinking approach. I am eager to bring my expertise in digital marketing and campaign management to your team and contribute to similar groundbreaking projects.

My strong analytical skills, combined with my ability to lead and inspire a team, make me a great fit for this role. I am confident that my background and enthusiasm for innovative marketing strategies align well with the needs of Innovative Solutions Inc.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences can contribute to the continued success of Innovative Solutions Inc.

123 Elm Street

Springfield, IL 62704

[email protected]

(555) 123-4567

Template for an application letter

You can also use the following application format to structure your application letter for a job:

[Recipient’s name]

[Company’s name]

[Company’s address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient’s name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job title] position at [Company name] as advertised on [Where you found the job listing]. With my background in [Field or industry] and a passion for [Specific aspect of the job or industry], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

In my previous role at [Previous company], I developed [Specific skills or achievements]. I successfully [Describe a project or responsibility], which resulted in [Quantifiable result or achievement]. This experience has equipped me with [Relevant skills] that I am eager to bring to [Company name].

I am particularly impressed by [Company name]’s commitment to [Specific company initiative or value], and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of working with a team that values [Related value or skill]. I am confident that my skills and experiences align well with the requirements of the [Job title] position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can contribute to the success of [Company Name].

[Your Name]

[Your address]

[Your email address]

[Your phone number]

Common mistakes to avoid

When writing a letter of application for employment, be aware of these common mistakes:

• Being too generic: Focus your letter on the specific job and company, and mention detailed information about them. Don’t default to a one-size-fits-all approach or AI-written document. “It is generally best to avoid using generative AI to write your application letters for you,” says Edward Tian, CEO of AI detector GPTZero . “Only you can write about those specific aspects of your identity and experiences in such a personal way.”
• Focusing too much on yourself: While it’s important to highlight your qualifications, make sure to explain how you can benefit the company. “You can talk about your career goals, college classes that piqued your interest in the type of job you're applying to—just make sure that they tie into why they make you uniquely qualified or well-positioned for the job,” Tian says.
• Including irrelevant information: Avoid discussing unrelated jobs or hobbies, for example.
• Using a casual tone: Maintain a professional tone throughout your letter. Avoid slang or overly casual language.

Need a bit more guidance in your job search? Read this next: How to Apply for a Job Online: 10 Tips to Stand Out and Land an Interview

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How to address an envelope to friends, family and everyone else

We might be living in an age of text messages and emails , but there’s still no substitute for sending snail mail.

For example, while an evite to a party or event might be convenient, it wouldn’t be the same to request someone's presence at a wedding through an electronic message.

Same goes for a thank-you note or sympathy card .

So, even though it may seem old-school, knowing how to address an envelope properly is a skill everyone should have, especially if you’re sending a formal invitation or professional letter.

Even if you’re addressing an envelope to family member, friend or neighbor, getting it right matters.

“Addressing an envelope takes some thought to do it properly,” Diane Gottsman , a national etiquette expert at the Protocol School of Texas, tells TODAY.com.

“I always use the name of the person, including an honorific when appropriate,” Gottsman says. “Do not abbreviate the city and state for a formal envelope and make sure and include a return address.”

And if you’re sending out formal invitations, holiday or Christmas cards , Gottsman says to avoid using labels.

Want more pointers? Keep scrolling for a helpful guide on proper mailing etiquette.

How to address an envelope

• Write the return address in the top left corner.
• Write the recipient's address slightly centered on the bottom half of the envelope.
• Place the stamp in the top right corner.

There are two addresses that are typically seen on the envelope, but only one is technically required: the recipient's. The sender's address isn't necessary, but it is recommended. If there are any mistakes that prevent the delivery of the letter, the lack of a return address means the post office will be unable to send it back in order to fix any problems.

How to write the sender's (return) address

• Start with your full name.
• Write your street address on the next line. Use two lines, if needed.
• Follow that line with the city, state and ZIP code of your address.

How to write the recipient's address

• For informal letters, follow the same format as the sender's address.
• If sending a letter to someone at a specific business, the first line should be the company's name.
• In the next line, follow "ATTN:" or "c/o" with the individual's name. If the letter is not to someone at a specific business, the first line should simply be their name.
• The next lines two should be the street address, city, state and ZIP code.

How to format military addresses (APO, FPO, DPO)

Even though they follow the same format as regular addresses, military addresses don't use the city and state names that many are used to.

• The city name will be either APO (Air/Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) or DPO (Diplomatic Post Office).
• For the state, AA (Armed Forces America), AE (Armed Forces Europe) and AP (Armed Forces Pacific) are used, depending on the duty station.
• The ZIP code is the same, but sometimes the extra four number code is required for delivery.

How to write an international shipping address

If sending a letter to an overseas address that isn't military, the address format typically stays the same — just with the addition of the country name as the last line.

Some countries place the ZIP code in front of the city and country but it varies from country to country, so just check to be sure.

How to find the "ZIP+4" code

If you're unsure of the extra four-number code, USPS has a ZIP code lookup tool on their website .

• Choose to look up the ZIP code by address and enter all the required information.
• Press "Find" and USPS will give you the ZIP+4 code.

How many stamps should you use

Placing the stamp is easy, but knowing which stamps and how many to use is the hard part.

For a standard 1-ounce letter being shipped anywhere in America, Forever stamps are recommended because you'll always be able to use them regardless of future stamp price changes.

Every ounce over one costs 15 cents, so you'll have to use Additional Ounce stamps for every extra ounce. Two-ounce stamps are also an option.

If you're sending a postcard, don't cheat yourself with the Forever stamps. Postcards have their own stamps that are normally cheaper.

For international addresses, Global Forever stamps are used and just like the Forever stamps, you can use them whenever, regardless of price adjustments.

Irregular-shaped envelopes that may be used for square wedding invitations or graduation announcements require different stamps called non-machinable stamps. Because the square envelope can't fit the machine for automatic processing, the stamp costs a little extra to account for the non-machinable surcharge.

With the appropriate stamp, accurate addresses for both the sender and the recipient, and the right placement of all three on the envelope, your letter is ready to be sent!

Sarah is a lifestyle and entertainment reporter for TODAY who covers holidays, celebrities and everything in between.

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• Guide to Addressing Correspondence

Address book, cup of tea and stationery at the ready, you start addressing invitations for your husband’s fortieth birthday party. All of a sudden you realize you are in a potential etiquette minefield. Jane and John are married, but she does not want to be addressed as “and Mrs. John Kelly;” Sam and Sue are not married, but live together; and Tanya is separated but not yet divorced. What are the correct forms of address for each of these invitations? Simply refer to our handy list and take the mystery out of addressing your social correspondence correctly.

Mx. Is the universal title that can be used by anyone. It is gender non-identifying. Even if you identify specifically with a gender you may still use Mx. and you may see Mx. used when the sender is unaware of your title.

Addressing a Man

Mr. is the title designated for an adult man age 16 or older. Short for Mister or Monsieur in french.

The abbreviated plural for Messieurs is Messrs. While some are under the assumption that Messrs. is used for brothers, it is actually used to indicated multiple gentleman (or also multiple companies ie Messrs. Sotheby) Messers. could also be used to indicate two married men. We suggest that you ask male couples if they prefer to be Mr. and Mr. Smith or the Messrs. Smith.

Addressing a Woman

Maiden name.

Ms. Jane Johnson

Miss Jane Johnson*

*Usually ‘Miss’ is for girls under 18

Married, keeping maiden name

Married, uses husband’s name socially.

Mrs. John Kelly Mrs. Jane Kelly* *Nowadays this is acceptable Ms. Jane Kelly

Separated, not divorced

Mrs. John Kelly Mrs. Jane Kelly Ms. Jane Kelly

Mrs. Jane Kelly Ms. Jane Kelly Ms. Jane Johnson (maiden name)

Mrs. John Kelly* *If you don’t know the widow’s preference, this is the traditional and preferred form Mrs. Jane Kelly Ms. Jane Kelly

Addressing a Couple

Married, she uses her husband’s name socially.

Mr. and Mrs. John Kelly

NOTE: Traditionally, a woman’s name preceded a man’s on an envelope address, and his first and surname were not separated (Jane and John Kelly). Nowadays, the order of the names—whether his name or hers comes first—does not matter and either way is acceptable. The exception is when one member of the couple ‘outranks’ the other—the one with the higher rank is always listed first.

Married, she prefers Ms.

Mr. John Kelly and Ms. Jane Kelly Ms. Jane Kelly and Mr. John Kelly *Do not link Ms. to the husband’s name: Mr. and Ms. John Kelly is incorrect

Married, informal address

Jane and John Kelly John and Jane Kelly

Married, she uses maiden name

Mr. John Kelly and Ms. Jane Johnson Ms. Jane Johnson and Mr. John Kelly

If you can’t fit the names on one line: Mr. John Kelly and Ms. Jane Johnson *Note the indent, either name may be used first

Unmarried, living together

Mr. John Kelly & Ms. Jane Johnson Note: Use one line

A woman who outranks her husband: elected office, military rank

The Honorable Jane Kelly and Mr. John Kelly

If you can’t fit both names on one line (note indent): The Honorable Jane Kelly and Mr. John Kelly

A woman who outranks her husband: professional or educational degree

Dr. Jane Kelly and Mr. John Kelly

Both are doctors (PhD or medical) and use the same last name

The Doctors Kelly (omit first names) Drs. Jane and John Kelly / Drs. John and Jane Kelly Dr. John Kelly and Dr. Jane Kelly / Dr. Jane Kelly and Dr. John Kelly

Both are doctors (PhD or medical), she uses her maiden name

Dr. Jane Johnson and Dr. John Kelly Dr. John Kelly and Dr. Jane Johnson

Ms. is the default form of address, unless you know positively that a woman wishes to be addressed as Mrs.

Professional designations—use only for business

Jane Kelly, CPA

Note: Do not use Ms. or Mr. if using a professional designation. Socially, drop the professional designation and use Mr., Ms., or Mrs.: Ms. Jane Kelly

Esquire: Attorneys and some court officials

Jane Kelly, Esquire

Note: If using Esquire, do not use Ms. or Mr. In conversation or socially, ‘Esquire’ is not used; use Mr. or Ms.: Ms. Jane Kelly

Attorney at Law

Ms. Jane Kelly Attorney at Law

Note: This is an alternative to ‘Esquire’ for attorneys. Use Mr. or Ms. and use two lines with no indent.

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How to Address a College Application Envelope

How to Address College Envelopes

When you’re applying to college, the application instructions may ask you to send some or all of your application materials by mail. If that’s the case, you need to make sure you address the application envelope properly, or you’ll risk sending your application materials to the wrong place.

Sending a Single Letter to Admissions

Though it is better to send all of the required materials in your application envelope, you can send one recommendation letter to admissions if you need to. For letters of recommendation, there is a specific way they need to be addressed. If you are sending anything else to admissions, follow the same directions as if you were sending the whole application in the envelope.

Addressing a Recommendation Letter to Admissions

Find the address of the university admissions office. This will be listed on the admissions page, where there should also be instructions on how to send materials. If you’re addressing an envelope with ATTN (short for "attention"), write the ATTN recipient directly above the rest of the address.

Copy the university admissions office address onto the middle of the envelope. Make sure you leave enough space for the sender’s address and the stamp.

Write the recommender’s campus address in the upper left-hand corner. This is the return address. If the post office can’t find your recipient, they will return your recommendation letter to the recommender at this address.

Finally, write what the letter is in reference to in the bottom left-hand corner. This will probably be something like “Re:” plus your name, the words “reference letter” and, if applicable, the particular program to which you’re applying. Place each of these on a separate line.

Addressing an Application Envelope

If you’re sending an entire application envelope, write the university’s address in the middle of the envelope. Write your own address in the upper left-hand corner. Double check that you have written the correct address as it is listed on the university’s admissions webpage. Once you’re sure you have it correct, take your envelope to the post office and have it weighed. That way, you’ll be certain to purchase the correct amount of postage.

Addressing an Envelope with ATTN

Addressing an envelope with ATTN can be confusing if you’ve never done it before. You might be thinking, “Where does the ATTN go? What if I don’t put it in the right place?” Don’t worry. Write the ATTN recipient directly above the rest of the address. The post office will understand what you mean.

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Rebecca Renner is a teacher and college professor from Florida. She loves teaching about literature, and she writes about books for Book Riot, Real Simple, Electric Literature and more.

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• Addressing Envelopes

How to Address Envelopes With Attn

Last Updated: September 18, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor . Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,438,184 times.

If you're mailing a letter to someone's place of business, addressing it with "Attn," short for "attention," will help ensure it falls into the right hands. Addressing an envelope with "Attn" is easy once you know what to do.

Sample Envelope

Addressing the Envelope

• For example, write "Attn: John Smith," where "John Smith" is replaced with your recipient's name.
• As an alternative, you can write out the full word "attention."

• If the company is large and the person to whom you're writing works for a particular department, include the department name on a line of it's own before you write the company name.
• Not including the company name on the envelope will not usually prevent your letter from being delivered. However, your letter will look less professional , and may not get delivered promptly if you don't include the company name.

• Make sure you know the exact street address where your recipient works. Many businesses that are located in multi-story or other large buildings will include a suite number in their address. Including this number is crucial.

Community Q&A

• A similar convention to "Attn" is "c/o," which stands for "care of." This marking is used to designate an intermediary who is responsible for delivering the mail to the intended recipient. For example, imagine you need to mail an envelope to John Smith, but only have the address for his mother Mary Smith. To address the envelope, write "John Smith" on the top line, "c/o Mary Smith" on the next line, and Mary's full address on the remaining lines. [6] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• It is preferred by most postal services that you address your envelopes using all capital letters. This produces a more reliable result from the mail processing equipment. [7] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Different countries have different preferred addressing standards. While the general format will be similar, you should check with your country's postal service for exact specifications. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Do not write the "Attn" line underneath the street address or city. Mail processing machines scan destination addresses from the bottom line up, so adding a line underneath the city may misdirect your letter. Thanks Helpful 22 Not Helpful 5

Things You'll Need

You might also like.

• ↑ https://pe.usps.com/text/pub28/28c2_004.htm
• ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/how-to-address-a-package.html
• ↑ https://pe.usps.com/businessmail101?ViewName=DeliveryAddress
• ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/how-to-properly-address-an-envelope/452698
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/attention-letter
• ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-do-I-address-mail-In-care-of

About This Article

To address an envelope with “Attn,” write “Attn:” at the top center of the envelope, followed by the name of the recipient. Write the name of the person’s company on the next line. Then, on the next line, write the company's address like you normally would on an envelope. For tips on what to do if the recipient works at a big company and you’re worried about them getting the letter, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Mail merge is more useful than you think: 4 practical uses.

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At&t was advertising a service that doesn’t exist, google finally made a weather app for android, quick links, creating address labels for your wedding invitations and christmas cards, writing individualized reports, writing job application cover letters, designing certificates.

Mail merging in Microsoft Word is well known for letting you create and send personalized versions of the same email to lots of people in one go. However, the tool also has some practical everyday uses that could make your home and work life a lot easier.

In short, mail merge lets you create a document in Microsoft Word that you can personalize with individualized details , such as people's names. There are two ways to do this—you can create the list of personalized variables within Microsoft Word's mail merge feature itself, or you can create the list in another program, such as Excel, and then import the details from that list into Word.

In this article, we will show you how to use mail merge in Microsoft Word alongside Microsoft Excel, since creating comprehensive lists and databases in Excel is easier to do and manage.

Mail merge is currently not available in Word for the web—you will need to subscribe to Microsoft 365 and use the Microsoft Word desktop app to use this tool.

While enjoyable, sending wedding invitations or Christmas cards can take time, and it's easy to make mistakes, especially if you're writing the addresses on the envelopes by hand. This is why you should use Microsoft Word instead. When you're done, you can either print the names and addresses onto label paper, or use normal paper and glue, before cutting out the individual labels to stick to your envelopes.

Start in Excel by creating your list of names and addresses. Make sure you put each line of each person's name and address into separate columns, and use headings across row 1. Also, ensure that you populate all cells, as leaving blanks will cause issues with your mail merge down the line.

Then, press F12 to name and save your document in a memorable place on your computer.

Now, open a blank Word document, and click Mailings > Start Mail Merge > Labels.

To save paper, scroll down to and select "30 Per Page," and click "OK."

Turning on the Show/Hide (¶) option in the Home tab will help you see the layout and positioning of the labels you have just created.

The next step is to import the address list that you created in Excel. To do this, with the Mailings tab still open, click Select Recipients > Use An Existing List.

Use the Select Data Source window that opens to locate the Excel file containing the names and addresses, and click "Open." In the Select Table dialog box, check the checkbox that tells Word that you've used headings in your Excel table, and then click "OK".

Word is now ready to pull the data across from Excel.

Click "Insert Merge Field," and see that the headings you created in Excel are listed in the drop-down. Start by clicking the item you want to appear on the first line of the address label ("Name"), and then press Enter. Repeat the process for each line of the address label, making sure you press Enter between each one.

If the text runs over the space provided for the labels, increase the label sizes by clicking and dragging the bottom of the label row downwards, then remove any labels that move to the next page .

When you have inserted all merge fields, click "Update Labels." This will apply the merge fields you just added to each of the labels in your document.

Now, click "Preview Results" to check you're happy with how your labels look.

To complete the process, click Finish And Merge > Print Documents.

If you want to make changes to individual addresses, click Finish And Merge > Edit Individual Documents. This will open the labels in a new document, where you can make changes without affecting the other entries.

Then, ensure "All" is selected, and click "OK" to print.

Finally, cut up your labels and stick them onto your envelopes!

While the example we're going to use will be for teachers writing school reports, the same process can be used in many different roles and professions, such as surveying, assessing, managing, and reviewing.

In a Word document, type the foundation of the report, using "[NAME]" where a person's name will go, and "__" wherever an individualized part needs to be added.

Then, copy each sentence into a cell across row 1 of an Excel sheet, making sure you add a "Name" column at the start.

Then, fill in the gaps under each column for each report you want to generate, before pressing F12 to name and save the spreadsheet in a memorable location.

Now, return to your Word document. In the Mailings tab, click Select Recipients > Use An Existing List.

In the Select Data Source window that opens, locate the Excel sheet containing the report details, and click "Open." Then, in the Select Table dialog box, check the checkbox that tells Word that you've used headings in your Excel table, and click "OK".

Now, select the areas where you used [NAME] or inserted blanks in your Word document, click "Insert Merge Field," and choose the appropriate field via the "Insert Merge Field" drop-down to add it to the sentence.

After you have assigned all the fields from Excel, click "Preview Results" to see the first report. You can also use the arrows to flick through all the reports if you wish.

Finally, click "Finish and Merge," which gives you the option to review and amend the documents individually, or print the reports you generated.

It can be frustrating to regurgitate the same information in various cover letters for the many jobs you might apply for. After all, the skills you have can be applied to many different roles. This is where mail merge comes into play.

Across row 1 in a blank Excel worksheet, type the different skill categories you fall into.

In row 2, underneath each skill, write a few sentences demonstrating your possession of that skill. These sentences will ultimately be exported into your cover letter, so make sure you write them with this in mind.

Once you have finished detailing your skills, press F12 to name and save the workbook. You can go back in and add to or amend the details in this sheet at any time.

Next, when you've found a job you want to apply for , open a new Microsoft Word document, and type the opening and ending of your cover letter. Then, in the Mailings tab, click Select Recipients > Use An Existing List.

In the Select Data Source window that opens, locate the Excel sheet containing your skills, and click "Open." Then, in the Select Table dialog box, check the checkbox that tells Word that you've used headings in your Excel table, and click "OK".

Then, click "Insert Merge Field," and choose the job skill that you detailed in your Excel spreadsheet.

You will then see a placeholder indicating that the text will appear in that position when you complete the mail merge.

When you have added all your skills, click "Preview Results" to check that you are happy with the structure and order of your paragraphs. If not, you can select and reorder your text.

Inevitably, you will want to amend the wording here and there to ensure that the letter is coherent. Using the mail merge technique described in this article forms the basis of your cover letter, but you should always check it through to ensure it runs smoothly. To make changes, click "Finish And Merge," and select "Edit Individual Documents." After you click "OK," your completed cover letter will open in a new document, which you can then amend and save as necessary.

Whether you run a local football team or a kids' activity center, you might want to create certificates for your participants.

First, create your list in Excel, including things like the recipients' names, scores, standards, and whatever other individualized details you want to include. Then, press F12 to name and save these details.

Next, design your certificate in Microsoft Word. If you prefer, you can use a template by clicking File > Home > More Templates.

Now, in the Mailings tab, click Select Recipients > Use An Existing List.

Locate the recipients' details that you created in Excel, click "Open", check "First Row Of Data Contains Column Headers," and click "OK."

Then, click "Insert Merge Field" to add the fields from your Excel sheet to your Word document where appropriate.

Before you finalize your certificates, click "Preview Results" to check that everything looks as it should, and then click Finish And Merge > Print Documents.

Now that you have some ideas for using mail merge for everyday tasks, check out some of our other little-known Microsoft Word tips .

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel

Big changes for ANCHOR property tax relief, and new deadlines. What you need to know.

• Updated: Aug. 14, 2024, 12:23 a.m.
• | Published: Aug. 13, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
• Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The new ANCHOR property tax benefit season is officially underway.

The state Treasury Department will send notification letters on Aug. 19 to 1.5 million New Jersey taxpayers, letting them know their ANCHOR applications will be filed automatically , NJ Advance Media has learned.

The letters will tell homeowners and renters whose eligibility information the state already has that they don’t need to do anything to get their benefits as long as none of their information has changed since last year.

Then on Aug. 26, residents who did not receive a letter will get an application packet in the mail — green for homeowners and purple for renters — which will have the all-important ID number and PIN needed to complete the application.

New this year: Whether you get a letter or an application packet, if any of your information has changed, you’ll have a file a brand new application by Sept. 15, 2024, a deadline that’s earlier than years past.

Also new this year: Some taxpayers, including some who receive the notification letters and application packets, will need to go through an extra level of identity verification through ID.me . Those residents will be notified when they log in to anchor.nj.gov of the need for the extra step.

If you don’t receive a notification letter or an application packet, you can still apply, but you’ll first have to log in to anchor.nj.gov and verify your identity using ID.me. Once you do, your needed ID number and PIN will be provided on the screen.

The Treasury Department also said it has eliminated the need to file paper applications, something that used to be required, for example, by those filing on behalf of an estate or a trust, or by those who needed to share copies of documents to support name changes and changes in marital status. The agency is offering a new secure portal so people can upload their documents, it said.

But if you aren’t comfortable doing it all online, you can still download and print a paper application.

“You can still file by paper but there is no longer a need to,” the agency said.

The deadline to file a new application is nearly a month earlier this year. You have until Nov. 30, 2024 to file, the agency said.

All payments will be issued on a rolling basis beginning in November, the Treasury Department said in a press release. Last year, it initially said payments would start around that same time, but the first round of direct deposits went out on Oct. 12. More rounds of direct deposits and checks were sent in subsequent weeks.

The ANCHOR payments, which are for the 2021 tax year, will pay up to $1,500 to homeowners and $450 for renters, with senior homeowners and renters getting an extra $250.

If you need help with your application, you can call the ANCHOR hotline at (888) 238-1233 or (609) 826-4282. You can also visit a regional help center. You can see all the locations here. Though appointments are not required, you can make one on the state website.

Stories by Karin Price Mueller

• Car rental company threatens driver with arrest and prison after police took vehicle
• Where is my ANCHOR payment? Everything you need to know about this property tax relief.
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Karin Price Mueller may be reached at [email protected] . Follow her on X at @KPMueller .

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