Writing a professional business letter is a critical skill in today’s corporate and administrative world. Whether you're applying for a job, sending legal documents, or communicating with clients, understanding how to properly format a business letter—including how to list and present enclosures—can significantly impact how your message is received.
Enclosures are additional documents included with your letter, such as resumes, contracts, reports, or certificates. Many professionals overlook the importance of formatting enclosures correctly, which can lead to confusion, miscommunication, or even missed opportunities.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about business letter format with enclosures. You’ll learn the correct structure, see real examples, understand common mistakes, and get expert tips to make your letters stand out.
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A business letter with enclosures is a formal document that includes additional materials alongside the main message. These enclosures provide supporting information that enhances or clarifies the purpose of the letter.
For example, when applying for a job, you may send a cover letter along with your resume. If you’re unsure how to structure that, check out this simple cover letter guide.
Enclosures help:
Forgetting to mention enclosures in the letter body or at the end. Always include an "Enclosures" note.
If you’re not sure what to include, our specialists can help—just register on our website for expert guidance.
Before adding enclosures, you need to understand the correct structure of a business letter.
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Sender’s Address | Your contact details |
| Date | Date of writing |
| Recipient’s Address | Who the letter is for |
| Salutation | Formal greeting |
| Body | Main content |
| Closing | Formal sign-off |
| Signature | Your name and signature |
| Enclosures | List of attached documents |
For job applications, you can explore specialized formats like this law enforcement cover letter template.
Always use a consistent format throughout your letter. Inconsistency reduces professionalism.
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Adding enclosures correctly ensures your recipient knows exactly what documents are included.
The enclosure notation appears after your signature at the bottom of the letter.
| Format | Example |
|---|---|
| Single enclosure | Enclosure: Resume |
| Multiple enclosures | Enclosures: Resume, Cover Letter, Portfolio |
| Abbreviation | Encl.: Resume |
Sincerely,
John Doe
Enclosures: Resume, Certificates
Not including all attached documents in the enclosure list. This can confuse the recipient.
If you have many documents, list them clearly or use bullet points for clarity.
If you’re unsure how to present your documents, our experts can guide you—just sign up here.
Here is a complete example:
John Doe 123 Main Street City, State, ZIP April 13, 2026 Hiring Manager ABC Company 456 Business Rd. Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the position of Technical Content Writer. Please find my resume and writing samples enclosed. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, John Doe Enclosures: Resume, Writing Samples
If you're applying for writing roles, check this technical content writer cover letter example.
Using informal language in a formal letter. Always maintain professionalism.
For more inspiration, explore these passionate cover letter examples.
| Type | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Resume | Job applications |
| Certificates | Proof of qualifications |
| Contracts | Legal agreements |
| Reports | Business proposals |
If you need help preparing documents, check resume help services or resume and cover letter assistance.
Only include relevant documents. Too many attachments can overwhelm the reader.
Our specialists can help you choose the right enclosures—just register now.
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It refers to additional documents included with the letter.
At the bottom of the letter after your signature.
Yes, just list them clearly.
Yes, it’s a standard abbreviation.
Yes, briefly reference them.
Send a follow-up message immediately.
They are usually attachments in emails but follow the same principles.
Yes! Our specialists can help—just register here.
Conclusion: Mastering business letter format with enclosures is essential for professional communication. By following the structure, avoiding common mistakes, and applying expert tips, you can create clear, effective, and impactful letters.