Business Letter Writing Basics. By Kenneth Beare Updated December 20, 2014. The basics of good business letter writing are easy to learn. The following guide provides the phrases that are usually found in any standard business letter. This basic of business letters are important because certain formulas are recognized and handled accordingly. Think of a basic business letter in three steps: Introduction - The reason for writingThe introduction helps the reader understand in which context the letter should be considered. Continue reading below our video Play Video The phrases presented in this guide provide a frame and introduction to the content of business letters. The Start The start of any business letter begins by addressing the recipient of the letter. Dear Personnel Director, Dear Sir or Madam: (use if you don't know who you are writing to) Dear Dr, Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms Smith: (use if you know who you are writing to, and have a formal relationship with - VERY IMPORTANT use Ms for women unless asked to use Mrs or Miss)
Subject-Specific Writing. If you are having trouble locating a specific resource please visit the search page or the Site Map. Professional, Technical Writing These OWL resources will help you conduct research and compose documents for the workplace, such as memoranda and business letters. This section also includes resources for writing report and scientific abstracts. Writing in Literature These OWL resources will help you write about literature and poetry. Writing in the Social Sciences These OWL resources will help you write in some of the social sciences, such as social work and psychology.
Writing in Engineering These OWL resources will help you write in a wide range of engineering fields, such as civil and computer engineering. Creative Writing These OWL resources will help you with the basics of creative writing. Medical Writing These OWL resources will help you write in medical and/or scientific contexts. Journalism and Journalistic Writing Writing in Nursing Writing as a Veterinary Technician. Unbiased Language. Printable PDF Version Fair-Use Policy Recent changes in social awareness have made people think about the ways language tends to downgrade certain groups.
Common sense and some specific strategies can help you avoid suggesting putdowns where you don't intend them. The "Man" Trap: Many standard wordings seem to assume that every individual is male. Repeating he and she, him and her, his and hers at every reference is clumsy. Dated Quotations: Wordings from historical or literary texts often don't follow these principles. Confusing the Group and the Individual: Many academic disciplines focus on group behaviour and can describe it precisely. Avoid using adjectives as collective nouns: females, natives, gays, Orientals, the blind, etc.
Gendered Labels: Terms that label people simply on the basis of their sex have often gathered negative overtones: Further References American Psychological Association. Wordiness: Danger Signals and Ways to React. Printable PDF Version Fair-Use Policy One of the most efficient ways to improve your writing is to edit it for conciseness. You may have been struggling to think ideas through as you wrote, and piled up alternative wordings. Or you may have fallen into the habit of using more words than necessary just to use up space. If you can let your original draft "cool down" a while, you will find it easy to recognize unnecessary words and edit them out. Your reader will thank you!
Doubling of Words (choose one): Intensifiers, Qualifiers (omit or give specific details): Formulaic Phrases (use a one-word form or omit): Catch-all Terms (can sometimes omit): Padded Verbs (use a one-word form): Unnecessary "to be" and "being" (omit): Passive Verbs (change to active voice, if possible with a personal subject): Overuse of Relative Structures ("Who," "Which," "That") (omit when possible ): Writing Application Essays: Introduction. Cover Letter Guide for Job Seekers. Who Needs a Cover Letter? Everyone who sends out a resume does! Even if the cover letter never "came up" in conversation or wasn't mentioned in an advertisement, it's expected that you will write one. It is regarded as a sign of laziness (sorry about that) to send out a cover letter that is not tailored to the specific company.
In the days before word processors, you could maybe get away with it. Not anymore. (Electra must be emphatic: Not anymore.) Yes, it adds to the wear and tear of looking for a job! What makes a Good Cover Letter? No spelling or typing errors. "2 years' experience processing magnetic media (cartridge, tape, disc); interface with benefit plan design, contracts and claims; and business background with strong analytical & technical skills--dBase, Excel, R&R, SQL. " Make sure your cover letter contains each of these requirements and shows how you measure up. Sample Cover Letters Recommended Books on Cover Letters The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Cover Letter.