Writing tip 15: 'Yours faithfully' or 'Yours sincerely'?

Use 'Yours sincerely' when you have addressed someone by their name. Use 'Yours faithfully' if you don't know the name of the person you're writing to.

Examples
Dear Michael, Dear Michael Jones, Dear M Jones, or Dear Mr Jones ... all these take Yours sincerely.
Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Managing Director, or even (as a last resort) To whom it may concern ... all these take Yours faithfully.

It's good practice to use the name of the person you’re writing to wherever possible. Ring and ask the PA, use the company website, or check previous letters.

PS — these are New Zealand conventions. If it's different in your country, please let us know!

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