What to Include for “Attention” in Your Mail: A Comprehensive Guide

What Do I Put for Attention?

When addressing a letter or package, the “Attention” line should include the name of the individual or department intended to receive it. This ensures proper handling and delivery, avoiding confusion or misplacement. Typically, this is the recipient’s full name, a specific department, or a designated office within an organization.

Definition and Purpose of the Attention Line

The attention line, often abbreviated as “Attn:”, clarifies who the correspondence or shipment is meant for. It directs postal or courier services and internal mail handlers to route the mail to the correct party.

• Who to address: The person or unit responsible for receiving the item. For example, Attn: Jeffery Bezos at Amazon Corp.
• Personal orders or requests: Your own name if you want the package sent directly to you.
• Job applications or formal letters: The hiring manager’s name ensures the letter reaches the right person.

Practical Suggestions for Using “Attention”

Identify the specific recipient or department clearly. Using general terms like “Staff” or “Sales Department” might increase the risk of delay or loss.

• Individual’s name: Insert the requester’s name or the person responsible for handling the package or mail within the organization.
• Department or lab: If the shipment pertains to a lab or department, use the exact lab name or department title (e.g., Chemistry Department, Receiving).
• Lab or Organizational Orders: Large organizations often require precise attention details to prevent misdelivery—for instance, Attn: Lab Director or Attn: Receiving Department.

For example, if ordering lab supplies, including the lab director or principal investigator’s name ensures the package arrives at the correct place. Using general terms like “Lab” might work but be less precise.

Attention for Business Versus Individual Deliveries

Some vendors or shippers only accept deliveries to business addresses. If you put a residential address with an “Attention” line, the order might be rejected.

• Business addresses: Always confirm if the provider requires a business address when placing orders.
• Residential restrictions: In cases where only businesses receive shipments, including attention lines like “Attn: [Your Name], Business Unit” might be necessary.

Examples of Proper Attention Usage

Context	Example Attention Line
Ordering lab chemicals	Attn: Dr. Emily Carter, Chemistry Lab
Job application	Attn: Hiring Manager, Human Resources
Personal shipment	Attn: John Smith
Internal business mail	Attn: Receiving Department

Common Misuse and Humor in the Attention Line

Some include jokes or informal phrases as the attention line. Examples like “Deficit Disorder,” “Deez Nutz,” or humorous greetings sometimes appear but are not recommended in professional or official contexts.

• Including humor can cause confusion or delays in delivery.
• Useful for internal jokes but avoid when sending formal mail.
• Humorous entries risk non-delivery or flagging in systems.

Though amusing, one should refrain from such entries unless in casual or internal communications where such familiarity is appreciated.

Final Notes on Using the Attention Line

• The attention line must specify the correct and complete recipient.
• For organizations, include department or lab to prevent miscues.
• Use formal names or titles when sending job applications or business mail.
• Avoid jokes or informal phrases on important or official packages.
• Check vendor or shipping policies about delivery addresses.

Key Takeaways

• “Attention” denotes the specific recipient of a letter or package.
• Use full names or exact departments for clear delivery.
• Business shipments may reject residential addresses.
• Avoid informal or humorous attention entries in professional contexts.
• Confirm vendor requirements to ensure smooth delivery.

What Do I Put for Attention? The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Mail Noticed

When you’re asking “What do I put for attention?” the simple answer is this: Always put the name of the person or department who you want to receive the mail or package. That’s it. Clear, concise, and effective. But let’s unpack that a little because there’s more nuance here than first meets the eye.

Whether you’re sending a job application, ordering supplies for a lab, or sending a package to a business, using the “Attention” (or Attn:) line correctly ensures your mail doesn’t end up in some mystical black hole called “lost mail.”

Addressing the “Attention” Line: Who’s Actually Getting This?

The “Attention” line points to the intended recipient of your mail or package. Think of it as a neon sign flashing “Hey, this is for YOU!” rather than just “Somewhere in this building.” For example:

Attn: Jeffery Bezos Amazon Corp. 123 Generic Address California, USA

In this case, “Jeffery Bezos” is the intended recipient. Simple enough, right? Using a specific name makes your mail more personal and less likely to be shuffled around the mailroom. Put the real person’s name, or if it’s a department, the name of that department.

When to Use Your Own Name—and When to Use Someone Else’s?

Sometimes the “Attention” line is for you. For example, if you’re ordering a personal package to your work address, you’ll put your name. This tells the mailroom or delivery personnel to hand it directly to you.

In professional or lab contexts, it’s usually better to put the name of the person who requested the item, not the person ordering it. For example, in a lab setting:

Attn: Dr. Jane Smith Chemistry Department University Name

This way the package goes straight to Dr. Smith, not just the general chemistry department or receiving desk, which could cause delays or confusion.

Lab and Organizational Delivery Tips

Large organizations or labs often have multiple departments, so being specific is key.

• Use the name of the department (like “Chemistry Department”) or the specific lab if the package is for equipment or chemicals.
• If it’s inventory or supply related, addressing the package to “Receiving” or “Inventory Department” can help it get processed correctly.
• Double-check who requested what. Your lab director or supply coordinator could be the right person to put in the Attention line.

Here’s why this matters: packages without a clear attention line get lost. Nobody likes to be the mailroom detective trying to figure out where things belong.

Business vs. Individual Delivery: What’s the Difference?

Some suppliers only ship to business addresses, not residential ones. On their order forms, if they require an “Attention” line, it’s usually because they want to ship to an office or department name, not an individual’s home address.

If you’re trying to order for personal use through a business-only channel and put a home address, your order may get rejected or delayed. Always check the shipping requirements and put the official business name or department and a valid business address.

Fun with Attention: When Humor Gets You… Nowhere

Now, while we all appreciate a good joke, putting fun or sarcastic entries in the Attention line isn’t recommended for serious mail. That’s why you might see amusing examples like:

• “Deez Nutz”
• “At ease, soldier”
• “Nitroglycerin. Don’t shake.”
• “Last chance to hire me!”

Great for a chuckle but terrible if you want your package to actually arrive where it should. Unless you’re sure the mailroom has a sense of humor AND it’s appropriate—stick to the intended person or department.

Summary: What to Put “For Attention” to Avoid Mailroom Disasters?

1. Name the intended recipient. It could be yourself, a hiring manager, a lab director, or a department like receiving.
2. Be as specific as possible. Include department names and relevant titles if known.
3. Use official business addresses when required. Avoid residential addresses if the order form explicitly says business addresses only.
4. Save the humor for other places. The “attention” line should be professional unless you want your package to end up in the mailroom abyss.

What About If You’re Applying for a Job?

For job applications, always try to find the hiring manager’s name. Instead of “Attn: Human Resources” or “Attn: Hiring Team,” a personal name shows you’ve done your homework and adds a touch of professionalism. Something like:

Attn: Jane Doe, Hiring Manager XYZ Corporation 123 Business Rd. City, State, ZIP

If you can’t find the exact name, “Hiring Manager” or “Recruitment Team” works as a fallback.

Practical Final Thoughts: Your Mail’s Best Friend

Think of the “Attention” line like the red carpet for your mail or package. It tells mail handlers exactly where or to whom the item should roll out. Be clear, be specific, and be professional. Whether it’s a lab delivery, a job application, or just a package to your desk, putting the right name or department in “Attention” will save you headaches.

Got a funny or unusual “Attention” line experience? Or have you ever watched a package vanish into the unknown because someone forgot the “Attn” part? Share your story and keep the conversation going!

What name should I put for attention on a package?

Use the name of the person who should receive the package. If ordering for yourself, put your own name. For organizations, use the individual who requested the item or the relevant department.

Can I put a department instead of a person’s name for attention?

Yes. You can use a department like “Receiving,” “Billing,” or a specific lab. This helps ensure the package reaches the right place inside the organization.

Should I use humorous or informal phrases for attention?

It’s best to avoid jokes or informal entries. Use clear, relevant names to prevent confusion and delivery errors.

What if the order form requires a business address for attention?

If the form asks for a business address, you must provide one. Packages to residential addresses might be rejected.

Who do I put for attention when sending a job application?

Put the hiring manager’s name if you know it. This helps your application reach the right person directly.