Letter writing

Purpose

Job Application: specific details about yourself and why your ideal candidate for the role

Purpose should be clear and focused and include relevant details

Letter of complaint: formal, matter of fact summary of what has happened, details such as names, locations and dates

letter to customer: clearly explain why your contacting them, details of services you can provide to ensure you keep them on board

Tone and language

Tone: formal would aim to sound businesslike and professional, avoiding words and phrases that sound casual or chatty.

May need to be firm but stay polite, avoiding emotive language.

Layout and structure

three sections:

Address and date

Beginning and ending

Paragraphing

at the top, on the right.

layout: your full name on 1st line, your full address, postcode underneath 2nd, your email 3rd, date (month and year in full) 4th

recipients name and address below this on the left, laid out the same way

begin with Dear ... (first name/ surname/ title/ Sir/ Madam) then a comma after name.

First paraph, state why your writing then get to the point

Ending: if you know their name- yours sincerely, if you don't- yours faithfully

Divide into 2 or more paragraphs

Each new point has a new paragraph, do not go off track