How to Address an Envelope With an Attention Line
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If you wish your document to reach a specific person or department, you must specify the recipient on both the envelope and document. The "attention" line specifies the desired recipient, but you can't place it anywhere you please.
There are formalities associated with addressing an envelope, and adhering to these formalities ensures your envelope will appear professional and the document will reach the intended person or department.
- If you wish your document to reach a specific person or department, you must specify the recipient on both the envelope and document.
Determine the appropriate recipient of the document. The recipient can be a department or individual.
Write "Attention:" above the recipient's address but below the name of the company or department.
Write the name of the recipient immediately following the attention line. The correct format would appear as follows:
The John Smith Foundation
Attention: John Smith
The John Smith Building
165 John Smith Way, California 55555
References
Tips
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- Instead of writing "Attention," you can write "ATTN" as well.
- Avoid including multiple people in an attention line. Send separate letters instead.
Writer Bio
Located in Pittsburgh, Chris Miksen has been writing instructional articles on a wide range of topics for online publications since 2007. He currently owns and operates a vending business. Miksen has written a variety of technical and business articles throughout his writing career. He studied journalism at the Community College of Allegheny County.