Q&A for How to Write a Memo

This depends on the type and purpose of the memo. At minimum, a business memo should include a heading (which contains the to and from information), a date, a subject line, and the actual message of the memo. The body of the memo might contain an introduction, details that expand on the topic of the memo, and a request for some type of action from the recipients. You could also include attachments if necessary.

A memo is simply a way to communicate information within an organization. You can use it to communicate with your employees, colleagues, or supervisors. They can be addressed to one recipient or to multiple people at once.

A memo can serve almost any purpose. Some common types include announcements, operational memos (i.e., memos that inform the recipient about the organization’s policies or procedures), directives or requests for action, and reports (e.g., of the results of an experiment or investigation).

Here is an example, using the template from the article. Adjust names and dates as needed. MEMORANDUM TO: All Employees; CC: Sandra Smith; FROM: Taylor Kamm; DATE: June 4, 2017; SUBJECT: First Aid Training; Please be advised that the Human Resources Department will provide First Aid training for all interested personnel. The dates will be June 20, 2017 and June 30, 2017. We are excited about the benefits of offering this important training and we are confident it will be of great value for our company. You may confirm your interest by calling our Human Resources Department no later than June 15, 2017. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Best, Jeff Miller

Yes, memos are like a message of recommendation. So if you were a cashier and a customer asked you what kind of chips do you recommend, then you would say what you would prefer. And no, they are not for internal use only.

"This is to inform all employees of the new policy effective (date), which states that every employee will need to punch in and out for their lunch break. Thank you for compliance, Management."

A memo is used most for internal use, within an organization. A letter can be used to send information outside of the organization.

Keep it short and simple - get right to the point. Use professional language and double check your spelling and grammar before sending it out. When you sign off on the memo, let the staff know they can come to you with any questions and thank them for their compliance.

Follow the instructions listed in the article above.

No. Just make sure it says whom it is from in the heading. A proper heading gives all the details of the memo. Whom it is for, the date, what it is regarding, and who is sending it.

The same as you would any other memo. Just be specific on the topic, and concise in your messaging.