Final answer:
In a business or cover letter, the first word of the salutation is capitalized, using the recipient’s title and last name, followed by the introduction paragraph. The letter ends with a capitalized first word in the closing and a space for your signature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in writing a business letter or cover letter is to ensure that the first word of each part is properly formatted. In the context of the opening salutation, it is customary to begin with a capital letter. For example, one might write "Dear Dr. Smith," following the norm of capitalizing the initial word. The parts of a business or cover letter include the sender’s address, date, inside address, greeting, body, closing, and typed name with a space for the signature. In creating the salutation of an email or letter, one commonly uses the recipient’s title and last name in the greeting to maintain a professional and polite tone. Afterward, the introduction paragraph should clearly state who you are and the letter’s purpose, maintaining a courteous tone throughout.
When concluding your letter, only the first word of the closing statement is capitalized, followed by a comma. For a more formal letter, one may use "Sincerely," as the closing. Following the closing, leave a space for the handwritten signature, which will go above your printed name.