How to Start an Email: Professional Greetings, Opening Lines & Templates [2025]

Rishabh Jain
Rishabh Jain
SEO & Growth Strategist
Dec 12, 2025
1 min read
How to Start an Email: Professional Greetings, Opening Lines & Templates [2025]

TL;DR - Quick Answer

The best way to start an email depends on your relationship with the recipient and the email's purpose. For professional emails, use "Dear [Name]," or "Hi [Name]," followed by a clear purpose statement in your opening line. For formal contexts, "Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]," remains the gold standard. For casual business emails, "Hi [First Name]," works well. The key is matching your greeting to your audience while immediately stating why you're writing.

Research from Boomerang analyzed over 350,000 emails and found that emails with personalized greetings receive 22% higher response rates than generic ones. Your email opening sets the tone for everything that follows—get it right, and you dramatically increase your chances of getting a response.

Key Takeaways

  • Match your greeting to context: "Dear" for formal, "Hi" for semi-formal, "Hey" only for close colleagues you know well

  • Always personalize when possible: Emails with the recipient's name get 22% more responses than generic greetings

  • State your purpose in the first sentence: Don't bury the reason for your email—put it front and center

  • Consider cultural norms: International business emails often require more formal openings than domestic ones

  • Avoid outdated phrases: Skip "To Whom It May Concern" and "Dear Sir or Madam" whenever possible—they signal you didn't do your research

Why Your Email Opening Matters More Than You Think

Every day, the average professional receives 121 emails. In that crowded inbox, your email has approximately 3 seconds to make an impression before the recipient decides to engage, skim, or delete. Your opening line is your one shot at capturing attention—and most people get it wrong.

According to a 2024 study by the Radicati Group, business email traffic exceeds 347 billion messages daily worldwide. With competition this fierce for attention, the difference between a compelling email opening and a forgettable one can determine whether you land the meeting, close the deal, or get the job interview. As communication expert Dr. Emily Chen from Stanford's Graduate School of Business notes:

"The first seven words of your email determine whether it gets read or archived. In my research, emails that opened with a clear value proposition or personal connection saw response rates triple compared to generic openings."

This comprehensive guide will teach you exactly how to start any type of email—from formal business correspondence to casual team messages—with real examples you can adapt immediately. Whether you're reaching out to a potential client, following up after a job interview, or emailing your CEO, you'll learn the proven formulas that get results. For more tips on professional communication, check out our guide on professional email examples.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Email Opening

Before diving into specific examples, let's break down the three essential components of every email opening. Understanding this structure will help you craft effective openers for any situation.

Component 1: The Salutation (Greeting)

Your salutation sets the formality level and establishes your relationship with the recipient. Choose wrong, and you risk appearing either too stiff or inappropriately casual. The right greeting depends on three factors: your relationship with the recipient, the purpose of your email, and industry norms.

Formality Level

Greeting Examples

Best Used For

Highly Formal

Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name], | Dear Dr. [Last Name],

First contact with executives, legal correspondence, academic communication

Professional

Dear [First Name], | Hello [First Name],

Business emails to known contacts, client communication, vendor relationships

Semi-Formal

Hi [First Name], | Good morning [Name],

Colleagues, ongoing business relationships, follow-up emails

Casual Professional

Hey [First Name], | Hi there,

Close colleagues, informal team communication, startup culture

Group Emails

Hello team, | Hi everyone, | Good morning all,

Team updates, department announcements, group projects

When you're unsure of the recipient's name, don't default to "Dear Sir or Madam"—it's outdated and signals that you didn't research your recipient. Instead, use role-based greetings like "Dear Hiring Manager," "Dear Customer Support Team," or "Dear Marketing Director." For more alternatives, see our comprehensive guide on "To Whom It May Concern" alternatives.

Component 2: The Opening Line

Your opening line should accomplish one of three things: establish context, provide value, or create connection. The worst opening lines are empty pleasantries that waste the reader's time. For inspiration on powerful ways to begin your message, explore our guide on good sentence starters.

Opening Type

Example

When to Use

Context-Setting

"Following up on our conversation at the conference..."

When you have prior contact or shared experience

Value-First

"I found a solution to the inventory issue you mentioned..."

When you're providing something the recipient needs

Connection-Building

"Congratulations on the product launch—the reviews are impressive..."

When you want to establish rapport before making a request

Direct Request

"I'm writing to request a meeting to discuss..."

When your relationship is established and time is limited

Reference-Based

"Sarah Johnson suggested I reach out regarding..."

When you have a mutual connection or referral

Component 3: The Purpose Statement

Within your first paragraph (ideally your first sentence), clearly state why you're emailing. Business communication expert Marcus Webb emphasizes:

"Busy professionals don't have time to hunt for your point. The best email writers front-load their purpose—state what you need in the first 50 words, then provide supporting context. Reverse the essay structure you learned in school."

If your email has a clear ask or call to action, consider reviewing our guide on effective call to action examples to craft compelling requests that get responses.

How to Start Professional Emails: 50+ Examples by Situation

The right opening depends entirely on your situation. Here are specific formulas and examples for the most common professional email scenarios, organized by use case.

Cold Outreach Emails

Cold emails have the lowest response rates—averaging just 8.5% according to Mailchimp data. Your opening must immediately establish relevance and value to stand any chance of getting read.

Formula: [Personalized observation] + [Value proposition] + [Clear ask]

Examples:

  • "I noticed your company just expanded into the European market—congratulations. I helped [Similar Company] navigate EU compliance during their expansion and thought I could share some insights that might save you time."

  • "Your recent LinkedIn article on sustainable supply chains was spot-on. At [Company], we've developed a tool that addresses the tracking challenges you mentioned—would you be open to a 15-minute call to see if it might help?"

  • "[Mutual Connection] mentioned you're looking for ways to reduce customer acquisition costs. We helped [Client] cut their CAC by 34% using a method I'd love to share with you."

Follow-Up Emails

Following up requires balancing persistence with professionalism. Reference your previous communication clearly without being passive-aggressive. When crafting these emails, having strong email subject lines is equally important for ensuring your follow-up gets opened.

Formula: [Reference to previous email/meeting] + [Reason for following up] + [Next step]

Examples:

  • "Following up on my email from last Tuesday regarding the Q3 budget proposal. I wanted to check if you had any questions before Friday's deadline."

  • "I wanted to circle back on our conversation about the new software implementation. Have you had a chance to review the proposal I sent?"

  • "It was great meeting you at the industry conference last week. As promised, I'm following up with the case study we discussed."

For more on effective closing lines to pair with these openings, see our guide on how to end an email professionally.

Job Application and Career Emails

Job-related emails require a balance of professionalism and personality. Your opening should demonstrate you've done your research while showcasing your relevant value. Understanding what to include in your cover letter will help you craft better application emails as well.

For Job Applications:

  • "I'm excited to apply for the Senior Marketing Manager position at [Company]. Your recent campaign for [Product] demonstrated exactly the kind of innovative thinking I bring to every project."

  • "As a data analyst with 7 years of experience in fintech, I was thrilled to see your opening for a Business Intelligence Lead. Your commitment to data-driven decision making aligns perfectly with my approach."

  • "Your job posting mentioned you need someone who can translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders—that's been my specialty throughout my career at [Previous Company]."

When emailing about job applications, make sure you know how to email a resume and cover letter properly. You can also use our AI cover letter generator to create a compelling application that pairs perfectly with your email.

For Networking:

  • "I've admired your work in sustainable architecture for years, and your recent TED talk inspired me to reach out. I'm exploring a career transition into green building design and would value your perspective."

  • "We both studied under Professor Martinez at Columbia, and she suggested you might be a good person to speak with about breaking into venture capital."

  • "I read your article in Harvard Business Review about remote team management—your insights on asynchronous communication changed how I run my department."

Client and Customer Emails

Client communications require warmth balanced with professionalism. Your opening should acknowledge the relationship while clearly stating your purpose.

New Client Welcome:

  • "Welcome to [Company]! I'm [Name], your dedicated account manager, and I'm excited to help you get the most value from our partnership."

  • "Thank you for choosing [Company] for your [service need]. I wanted to personally reach out to ensure your onboarding goes smoothly."

Existing Client Check-ins:

  • "I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to touch base about your upcoming renewal and share some new features that might benefit your team."

  • "It's been three months since your implementation, and I'd love to schedule a quick call to see how things are going and address any questions."

Addressing Issues:

  • "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I've reviewed your case and want to personally ensure we resolve this to your satisfaction."

  • "I understand you've experienced some challenges with [issue], and I apologize for any inconvenience. Here's what we're doing to fix it..."

Internal Team Emails

Internal emails can be more casual but should still be clear and purposeful. Match your tone to your company culture while respecting everyone's time.

Examples by Purpose:

  • Project Updates: "Quick update on the website redesign: we're on track for the March launch, but need decisions on two items by Friday."

  • Meeting Requests: "I'd like to schedule 30 minutes this week to align on the Q2 roadmap. What times work for you?"

  • Announcements: "Exciting news—we just closed our Series B funding! Here's what this means for our team..."

  • Requests for Input: "I'm finalizing the vendor selection for our new CRM and would appreciate your input on two finalists by Wednesday."

For setting up automatic replies when you're away, our guide on out-of-office messages provides professional templates you can customize.

Email Greetings: Complete Guide by Relationship Type

Choosing the right greeting is crucial for setting the appropriate tone. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of when to use each type of salutation.

Formal Greetings (When to Use 'Dear')

"Dear" remains the gold standard for formal communication. Use it when:

  • Contacting someone for the first time in a professional context

  • Writing to executives, board members, or VIPs

  • Corresponding in legal, academic, or government settings

  • Communicating across cultures where formality is expected

  • Sending complaints, formal requests, or sensitive communications

Correct Usage Examples:

  • "Dear Ms. Thompson," (professional, respectful)

  • "Dear Dr. Patel," (acknowledges academic credentials)

  • "Dear Professor Chen," (academic context)

  • "Dear Hiring Committee," (group formal address)

  • "Dear Customer Service Manager," (role-based when name unknown)

For cover letters specifically, our guide on how to address a cover letter with a name provides additional context for formal correspondence.

Semi-Formal Greetings (The Versatile Middle Ground)

"Hello" and "Hi" work well for most professional situations where you have an established relationship or work in a less formal industry.

Greeting

Tone

Best For

Hello [Name],

Professional but approachable

Business acquaintances, initial emails to known contacts

Hi [Name],

Friendly professional

Colleagues, ongoing business relationships

Good morning/afternoon,

Warm and timely

When you want to acknowledge time of day

Greetings,

Neutral professional

When unsure of appropriate formality level

Casual Greetings (Use With Caution)

Casual greetings like "Hey" are appropriate only in specific contexts:

  • You have an established, informal relationship

  • Your company culture explicitly favors casual communication

  • You're responding to someone who used a casual greeting first

  • You're writing to close colleagues or team members you know well

Warning: Even in casual workplace cultures, avoid "Hey" in emails to executives, clients, or external contacts unless you have an unusually close relationship.

Group Email Greetings

Addressing multiple recipients requires different strategies based on the group composition and email purpose.

Group Type

Recommended Greetings

Avoid

Team/Department

Hi team, | Hello everyone, | Good morning all,

Hey guys, (exclusionary)

Cross-Functional

Hello colleagues, | Hi all,

Team (if they're not your team)

External Groups

Dear Partners, | Hello esteemed colleagues,

Overly casual greetings

Mixed Internal/External

Good morning everyone, | Hello all,

Industry jargon or inside references

15 Powerful Opening Lines That Get Responses

Beyond greetings, your first sentence determines whether your email gets read or ignored. Here are proven opening formulas with examples:

The Compliment Opening

Start with genuine praise that shows you've done your research. This works especially well for cold outreach and networking.

  • "Your presentation at TechCrunch Disrupt was the most practical talk I've seen on scaling operations—the framework you shared has already helped my team."

  • "Congratulations on your promotion to VP—well deserved given the incredible growth you've driven in the past year."

  • "I've been following your company's sustainability initiatives, and your approach to carbon-neutral shipping is genuinely innovative."

The Mutual Connection Opening

Referencing a shared contact immediately builds credibility and increases response rates by up to 45%.

  • "Sarah Chen suggested I reach out—she mentioned you're looking for partners with experience in international logistics."

  • "We both attended Michael's workshop on executive coaching last month, and I wanted to continue our conversation about leadership development."

  • "John from the Austin chapter mentioned you might be able to advise on nonprofit board governance."

The Value-First Opening

Lead with what you're offering rather than what you're asking. This approach is particularly effective for sales and business development emails.

  • "I found a way to reduce your checkout abandonment rate by 23%—it's a quick fix that takes about 30 minutes to implement."

  • "Attached is the industry benchmark report you requested, along with three recommendations specific to your market position."

  • "I noticed your website has a technical SEO issue that's likely costing you traffic—I put together a quick analysis with the fix."

The Direct Request Opening

Sometimes the best approach is straightforward clarity. This works well when you have an established relationship or your request is time-sensitive.

  • "I need your approval on the attached contract by end of day Thursday to meet our launch deadline."

  • "Quick question: Can we move our Friday meeting to 2 PM to accommodate the client's schedule?"

  • "I'm requesting a 15-minute call this week to discuss expanding our partnership—when works for you?"

The Context-Setting Opening

Reference previous interactions to provide continuity and remind the recipient of your relationship.

  • "Following up on our conversation at last week's board meeting about the expansion plans..."

  • "Per your request during yesterday's call, I've put together the competitive analysis..."

  • "Building on the feedback from our beta users, I've revised the product roadmap..."

Email Opening Mistakes That Kill Your Response Rate

Some openings are so overused or poorly conceived that they immediately signal your email isn't worth reading. Avoid these at all costs.

The "Hope This Finds You Well" Trap

"I hope this email finds you well" is the most overused opening in professional email. A study by Lavender analyzed 50 million emails and found this phrase had zero correlation with response rates—it's empty filler that wastes your reader's time and attention.

Instead, try:

  • Jump straight to your point

  • Reference something specific about the recipient

  • Acknowledge something relevant (a recent achievement, shared experience)

  • If you must include pleasantries, make them specific: "Hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend" (timely) beats generic well-wishes

Outdated Formal Openings

These phrases make you sound like you're writing in the 1950s:

  • "To Whom It May Concern" (impersonal, suggests you didn't research)

  • "Dear Sir or Madam" (outdated and gender-normative)

  • "I am writing to inform you..." (unnecessarily formal)

  • "Please be advised that..." (legalistic and cold)

  • "This letter is to notify you..." (it's an email, not a letter)

If you're writing formal letters rather than emails, our guide on how to write a formal letter covers when these phrases might still be appropriate.

Self-Centered Openings

Emails that start with "I" put your focus on yourself rather than the reader. While sometimes unavoidable, try to reframe:

Weak Opening

Stronger Alternative

"I wanted to reach out about..."

"Your recent work on [X] inspired me to connect about..."

"I am writing to ask for..."

"Would you be available to..."

"I thought you might be interested in..."

"Based on your work in [field], you might find value in..."

"I'm the founder of..."

"At [Company], we help [target audience] achieve [result]..."

Apology Openings

Starting with an apology (unless truly warranted) undermines your message:

  • "Sorry to bother you, but..." (you're not a bother—you have value to offer)

  • "I apologize for emailing out of the blue..." (cold outreach is normal)

  • "Sorry this is so long..." (if it's too long, edit it)

International Email Etiquette: Opening Emails Across Cultures

Email conventions vary significantly across cultures. What's appropriate in San Francisco might be offensive in Tokyo or too casual in Frankfurt. Understanding these differences is crucial for global business communication.

Western Europe

European business culture generally favors more formal email openings than the United States, especially in initial communications.

  • Germany: Highly formal. Use titles (Herr Doktor, Frau Professor) and full names. "Sehr geehrte/r" (Dear) is standard.

  • France: Formal with elegant phrasing. "Madame," or "Monsieur," alone (without name) is acceptable.

  • UK: Slightly more formal than US but less rigid than Germany. "Dear" is standard; "Hi" acceptable after rapport is established.

  • Netherlands/Scandinavia: More casual than other European countries. First names and "Hi" often acceptable even in initial contact.

Asia Pacific

Respect for hierarchy and relationships influences email communication significantly in Asian cultures.

  • Japan: Extremely formal. Include company name, full name, and title. Seasonal greetings are customary. Never use first names unless specifically invited.

  • China: Formal with emphasis on titles. Relationship-building phrases are valued. Include pleasantries about health and family.

  • India: Generally formal with "Dear" and titles. Warmth is appreciated—brief personal inquiries are welcome.

  • Australia: More casual than most regions. First names and "Hi" are usually fine even in business contexts.

Americas

Email culture varies significantly even within the Americas:

  • United States: Varies by industry and region. Tech/startups favor casual; finance/law favor formal. When in doubt, match the recipient's style.

  • Canada: Similar to US but slightly more formal on average. Both English and French speakers appreciate greetings in their preferred language.

  • Latin America: Warmer and more relationship-focused. Personal greetings and relationship references are expected before getting to business.

Email Openings by Industry

Different industries have distinct communication cultures. Matching industry norms helps you appear knowledgeable and credible.

Industry

Typical Formality

Recommended Openings

What to Avoid

Finance/Banking

High

"Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]," | "Good morning [Name],"

Overly casual language, slang, emojis

Tech/Startups

Low to Medium

"Hi [Name]," | "Hey [Name],"

Excessive formality can seem stiff

Healthcare

High

"Dear Dr. [Name]," | "Dear [Title] [Name],"

Failing to use professional titles

Legal

Very High

"Dear Attorney [Name]," | "Dear Counselor,"

Casual abbreviations, informal tone

Creative/Marketing

Low

"Hi [Name]!" | "Hey [Name],"

Being too stuffy or corporate

Academia

High

"Dear Professor [Name]," | "Dear Dr. [Name],"

Incorrect use of academic titles

Government

High

"Dear [Title] [Name]," | "Dear Sir/Madam,"

Overly casual or familiar language

Retail/Hospitality

Medium

"Hello [Name]," | "Good afternoon,"

Being impersonal or cold

Ready-to-Use Email Opening Templates

Here are complete opening templates you can customize for common scenarios. Each includes the greeting, opening line, and purpose statement.

Template 1: Cold Outreach to a Prospect

Subject: [Specific benefit] for [Company Name]

Hi [First Name],

I noticed [Company Name] recently [specific observation—expansion, product launch, news]. Congratulations on [achievement].

At [Your Company], we help companies like yours [specific benefit]. For example, we helped [Similar Company] achieve [specific result] in [timeframe].

Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call this week to explore whether we might help [Company Name] achieve similar results?

Template 2: Job Application Follow-Up

Subject: Following Up: [Position Title] Application - [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I submitted my application for the [Position Title] role on [Date] and wanted to reiterate my strong interest in joining [Company Name].

Since applying, I've [relevant achievement or new development]. I'm particularly excited about [specific company initiative or project] and believe my experience in [relevant skill] would allow me to contribute immediately.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your team's needs.

For help crafting a standout application, use our AI cover letter generator to create compelling materials that complement your follow-up emails. You can also explore cover letter examples by job role for industry-specific inspiration.

Template 3: Meeting Request

Subject: Meeting Request: [Topic] Discussion

Hi [Name],

[Context: How you know them or why you're reaching out]. I'd like to schedule [30 minutes/an hour] to discuss [specific topic].

I'm particularly interested in [specific aspect] because [reason/value]. Based on your work in [area], I believe your perspective would be invaluable.

Would any of these times work for you? [Offer 2-3 specific options]

Template 4: Thank You After Meeting

Subject: Thank You - [Topic] Discussion

Hi [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me [today/yesterday/on Date]. I especially appreciated your insights on [specific topic discussed].

Your suggestion about [specific recommendation] gave me a new perspective on [challenge/opportunity]. I'm going to [specific action you'll take].

I look forward to [next steps discussed]. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything I can help with in the meantime.

For more on expressing gratitude professionally, see our guides on appreciation messages and "Thank You in Advance" alternatives.

Template 5: Introducing Yourself

Subject: Introduction: [Your Name] from [Company/Context]

Hello [Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I'm [your role] at [Company/Organization]. [Mutual connection] suggested I reach out, as [reason for connection].

I've been following [their work/company] because [specific, genuine reason]. In particular, [specific accomplishment or initiative] impressed me.

I'd love to [specific ask—connect, learn, share, collaborate]. Would you have [time commitment] for a [call/coffee/virtual chat] in the coming weeks?

For more detailed guidance on introductions, check out our article on how to introduce yourself professionally.

Email Opening Phrases by Purpose: Quick Reference

Use this quick reference guide when you need the right phrase fast.

When Requesting Something

  • "I'm writing to request..."

  • "Could you please..."

  • "Would it be possible to..."

  • "I was hoping you might be able to..."

  • "I'd appreciate your help with..."

When Providing Information

  • "I wanted to share..."

  • "For your reference..."

  • "Here's the information you requested..."

  • "As discussed, I'm sending..."

  • "Please find attached..."

When copying others on emails with important information, understanding what CC means in email helps you use it appropriately.

When Following Up

  • "Following up on..."

  • "I wanted to circle back on..."

  • "Checking in regarding..."

  • "Just wanted to follow up on..."

  • "Per our previous conversation..."

When your follow-up is the final part of an email chain, you'll want to end it well too—see our guide on how to end a letter professionally.

When Apologizing or Addressing Issues

  • "I apologize for..."

  • "Thank you for bringing this to my attention..."

  • "I understand your concern about..."

  • "I'm sorry to hear that..."

  • "We take this matter seriously and..."

When Expressing Gratitude

  • "Thank you for..."

  • "I really appreciate..."

  • "I'm grateful for..."

  • "Many thanks for..."

  • "I wanted to express my appreciation for..."

For more on the nuances of expressing thanks, see our article on grateful vs thankful.

How to Start Email Replies and Responses

Responding to emails requires acknowledging the previous message while moving the conversation forward. Your opening should show you've read and understood what was sent.

Responding to Questions

  • "Great question. Here's what I found..."

  • "Thanks for asking—the answer is..."

  • "Happy to clarify. [Answer]..."

  • "To answer your question about [topic]..."

Responding to Requests

  • "Absolutely, I'd be happy to help with..."

  • "Of course. Here's [what they requested]..."

  • "I've looked into this and..."

  • "Yes, we can definitely accommodate..."

When someone asks "How are you?" professionally, it's good to know how to respond appropriately.

Responding to Bad News or Complaints

  • "Thank you for letting me know about this issue..."

  • "I appreciate you bringing this to my attention..."

  • "I understand this isn't the outcome you hoped for..."

  • "I'm sorry to hear about this experience..."

Responding When You Need More Time

  • "Thank you for your email. I'm looking into this and will have a response for you by [date]..."

  • "I've received your request and am working on it. I'll update you by [timeframe]..."

  • "This requires some additional research. I'll get back to you within [timeframe]..."

Expert Tips for Email Openings That Convert

Email communication experts share their top strategies for crafting openings that get results.

Dr. Jennifer Mitchell, Communication Professor at NYU Stern School of Business:

"The most effective email openings create immediate relevance. Before you write your first word, ask yourself: 'Why would this specific person care about this specific message right now?' If you can't answer that question, you're not ready to write the email."

Robert Kim, VP of Sales at a Fortune 500 company:

"In sales, we track email open rates and response rates obsessively. The single biggest factor in getting a response isn't your subject line—it's your opening sentence. We found that emails that mentioned a specific, verifiable fact about the recipient in the first line had 67% higher response rates than generic openings."

Amanda Torres, Executive Recruiter:

"When candidates email me, the ones who stand out immediately reference something specific—a recent placement they read about, a common connection, or a thoughtful observation about industry trends. Generic openings get generic treatment."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "Hi" too informal for business emails?

"Hi" is appropriate for most business emails in North American and UK contexts, especially with established contacts. However, for first contact with executives, formal industries (law, finance, government), or international correspondence, "Dear" remains safer. When in doubt, match the formality level of the email you're responding to.

Should I use the recipient's first or last name?

Use first names in casual to semi-formal contexts and when you have an established relationship. Use titles and last names (Mr./Ms./Dr.) for formal contexts, first contact with senior executives, and international business emails. In academia, always use professional titles unless invited otherwise.

How do I start an email if I don't know the recipient's name?

Use role-based greetings: "Dear Hiring Manager," "Dear Customer Service Team," "Dear Marketing Director," or "Dear [Company] Team." Avoid "To Whom It May Concern" and "Dear Sir or Madam"—they signal you didn't research. If possible, spend 5 minutes on LinkedIn to find the right name. For job applications specifically, see our guide on addressing a cover letter without a name.

Is it okay to start an email with "I"?

While not grammatically incorrect, starting with "I" puts the focus on yourself rather than the reader. Better alternatives: "Your recent article inspired me..." instead of "I read your article." "Would you be available..." instead of "I wanted to ask if..." Occasionally starting with "I" is fine, but make it a habit to reframe when possible.

How long should my email opening be?

Your opening (greeting + first 1-2 sentences) should establish your purpose within 30-50 words. Busy professionals appreciate conciseness. Get to your point quickly while still being personable. If your opening paragraph is longer than 3-4 lines, you're probably burying your purpose.

What's the best time of day to reference in my greeting?

"Good morning" and "Good afternoon" add a personal touch but risk becoming outdated if the email isn't read immediately. For emails sent internally or when you know the recipient's time zone, time-specific greetings work well. For external emails across time zones, stick with neutral greetings like "Hello" or "Hi."

How do I start a follow-up email without being annoying?

Reference your previous communication clearly and add new value. Instead of "Just following up..." try "I wanted to share an update since my last email..." or "I have additional information that might be helpful..." Wait at least 3-5 business days before following up on non-urgent matters.

Should I always include a greeting in email replies?

For initial replies, yes—include a brief greeting. For rapid back-and-forth exchanges (within the same day), greetings become optional and can actually slow down communication. Match the other person's style: if they drop greetings, you can too.

How do I address a group email professionally?

Use "Hello everyone," "Hi all," "Good morning team," or "Dear colleagues." Avoid "Hey guys" (exclusionary) and "Dear Sirs" (outdated). For mixed groups of executives and staff, "Good morning everyone" is safe. For external groups, "Dear Partners" or "Hello esteemed colleagues" adds appropriate formality.

What's the difference between "Dear" and "Hello"?

"Dear" is formal and traditional—best for first contact, senior executives, and formal industries. "Hello" is professional but warmer—good for established relationships and most business contexts. Both are appropriate for professional email; choose based on relationship and industry norms.

How should I start an email to someone who reports to me?

Use their name with a friendly but professional tone: "Hi Sarah," or "Good morning, Tom." Being too formal can create distance; being too casual might undermine your authority. Find the balance that reflects your management style and company culture.

Is "Hope you're doing well" still acceptable?

While extremely common, this phrase has become so overused it's essentially meaningless. If you want to include a pleasantry, make it specific: "Hope you enjoyed the conference last week" or "Hope you had a great holiday weekend." Better yet, skip the pleasantry and lead with substance. For more effective opening phrases, review our guide on "Looking forward to hearing from you" and other professional expressions.

Start Every Email With Confidence

The way you start an email sets the tone for everything that follows. A strong opening can mean the difference between your message getting read, responded to, and acted upon—or getting lost in an overcrowded inbox. Let's recap the key principles:

  • Match your greeting to context: Professional doesn't always mean formal. Choose greetings that fit your relationship, industry, and purpose.

  • Lead with value or relevance: Your first sentence should give the reader a reason to keep reading. Skip empty pleasantries.

  • State your purpose early: Don't make recipients hunt for why you're emailing. Front-load your main point.

  • Personalize when possible: Reference specific details about the recipient, their work, or your shared connection.

  • Consider cultural context: What's appropriate varies by region and industry. When in doubt, err on the side of formality.

  • Avoid common pitfalls: Skip "Hope this finds you well," outdated formal phrases, and self-centered openings.

Remember: your email opening is your first impression. Make it count by being clear, relevant, and respectful of your reader's time. With the templates and strategies in this guide, you're equipped to start any email with confidence.

Looking for more help with your professional communication? Our AI cover letter generator can help you create compelling job application materials in seconds. For additional writing tips, explore our comprehensive guides on professional email examples, how to write a formal letter, and how to end an email professionally. Master every aspect of professional writing and make every communication count.

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Published on December 12, 2025

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