Using the attention line correctly when addressing an envelope is more than good business writing etiquette. It helps guarantee that your mail is delivered to your intended recipient.

Write the "attention" line first. This is written with the abbreviation ATTN. Note that there is no punctuation mark with the abbreviation. The attention line always precedes the name of the company.

Example:

ATTN JOE SMITH

Write the name of the company or organisation where your recipient is located.

Example:

ATTN JOE SMITH

ABC COMPANY INC.

Write the street address, including any suite numbers, on the next line.

Example:

ATTN JOE SMITH

ABC COMPANY INC.

123 MAIN STREET STE 789

The last line of the address should be the city, state and Postcode.

Example:

ATTN JOE SMITH

ABC COMPANY INC.

123 MAIN STREET STE 789

SMALL TOWN, DC 00000-0000