Sample Business Letters

Here is a selection of sample business letters and other correspondence that you can copy and modify as you wish.

These sample letters contain useful vocabulary that you may want to use in your own business correspondence. If you decide to copy and modify any of these letters for your own use, make sure you are choosing the right words. This glossary for business letters offers simple definitions of the vocabulary used in these samples.

Sample Letter Requesting Information
How to ask somebody to send you information.

Sample Letter Sending Information
What to say when you send information.

Sample Letter Changing Information
When a person or company changes important information, such as an address, price, or date, it is necessary to send valued customers a letter with the new information. This letter informs customers of a change in price.

Sample Resume or CV
A resume (AmE) or CV (BrE) is usually requested by a prospective employer as a record of your qualifications and professional experience. CV stands for the Latin words "curriculum vitae", meaning "the course of one's life".

Sample Covering Letter for Resume or CV
It is usual to send a covering letter (BrE) or cover letter (AmE) with your resume/CV when applying for a job.

Sample Letter of Reference
Companies and other organizations often ask for a letter of reference. This is a character reference written by someone such as an ex-employer who knows the subject personally.

Sample Letter of Resignation
Though it is not necessary to give a reason, it is standard business procedure to send written notice informing your employer that you are planning to quit your job.

Sample Lay-off Notice
Companies and other organizations are usually required by law to present a written notice to employees informing them of a lay-off. This letter usually cites reasons for the lay-off, and acts as a formal apology. Employee rights may be included.

Sample Letter of Invitation
It is often necessary in business to send an invitation to a person or group requesting their attendance at a special event.

Sample Letter of Request for Payment
Sometimes it is necessary to remind customers that they owe you money!

Sample Internal Memorandum
Memos are sometimes used internally to inform an entire company or department of something. This is an example of a memo referring to a staff Christmas party.

Sample Welcome Email
It is a common business practice to welcome new staff members to a company. This is usually an informal note expressing best wishes and may contain contact information. Companies may also send welcome letters to other companies that move into a shared office building, or to visiting guest speakers and business travellers.