The Business Letter By: Mr. Totten

The business letter is a professional letter you would send to someone who works for or is related to a company. It is considered formal. The friendly letter is a personal letter you would send to someone you know well. It is considered an informal letter. Definition

Your Information (Formatted Left) Heading Includes: –Date (Month, Day, Year) Enter 3 Spaces –Your Name –Your Address –Your City Heading

Enter one time Recipient’s Information (Left Format) Recipient’s Name Recipient’s Title, Company Recipient’s Address Recipient’s City, State, Zip Inside Address

Enter 1 time Salutation: –Dear (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr.) Last Name, –It is important you spell the name right!!!! Salutation/Greeting

DO NOT indent Enter 2 times Topic Sentence (Introduce yourself) State your purpose for the letter State your thesis (1 paragraph for each idea) Body 1

Enter 1 space between paragraphs Each main idea should be a paragraph. Use supporting details for each paragraph Try to use transitions (Employers look for this!) Body 2

No Indent Restate your thesis and main ideas/reasons for the letter. Remind the reader how to contact you as your closing sentence. –Phone Number – –Mailing Address Closing Paragraph

Enter 1 time Use a proper closing –Sincerely, Closing

Enter 4 times –You will sign in those spaces Print your signature. Enter Print your title (CEO, Analyst, Manager) and company. (Xerox, Westwind Elementary, ABC Stores) Signature

If you include extra paper work: –Enter 2 times Write enclosure for 1 item Write enclosures (#) for more than 1 Postscript

At some point in your life you will have to write a professional letter. If you want your request to be taken seriously you NEED to know the format of the letter. If it is not your letter may distract your reader or even cause your reader to disregard it entirely. Reasons

Spell the recipient’s name correctly. Spell your name correctly. Check to make sure you did not indent each paragraph. Make sure your closing is appropriate. Make sure the date is correct. Make sure your closing is correct. Make sure you use transitions. Important Things To Remember:

Write a proposal Write a recommendation Write a concern Write a letter of intent Write a letter for a job application Write a letter for a college application Write a letter for a promotion Write a letter for a grant (money). Things You Can Do

Check out these examples. Notice how they follow the format. Make sure you follow that format. Examples

Example 1

Label the parts! Example 2

Your assignment is to create a letter to the college of your choosing. You are to convince them you are an ideal candidate for acceptance into their school. You must tell them good things about yourself, list you accomplishments at school, and lay out a plan of study when you get to their school. Assignment