Formal Letter

With the heavy impact of new media, letter writing has become a lesser preference both in the personal and corporate world. But whatever might it be, the need for formal letters will never go extinct. They are still required in sectors like cover letters for job applications, questionnaires or surveys or even letters of complaint, say to your bank manager.

The basic etiquette to writing formal letter include writing in the correct format, making it short and precise, relevant, grammatical or spelling mistakes free, polite and well presented.

Below is the most required etiquette to formal letter writing:

1. Most importantly, formal letters should be concise and relevant. No one has the time to read long paragraphed letters. The trick is your letter should take seconds to read rather than minutes. Do not beat round the bush and get straight to the point. And do not be repetitive as well.

2. Your letter must be free of any sort of grammar or spelling mistake. It shows unprofessionalism and gives a bad impression especially when you are applying for certain job. If you are typing it on the computer, use the spellchecker and a good dictionary.

3. Use of proper tone is one of the basic etiquette to formal letters. Do not use colloquial language, slang or jargons, but it does not mean you require being overly formal. Use the kind of language you use in academic writing. Avoid emotive, subjective language and vague words like nice, good, etc.

4. Your language should be polite and respectful. Try to incorporate modal verbs like would, could and should in your writing. They sound respectful and formal. But hang on. It has a limit. Over doing it may sound old fashion. Avoid the thesaurus and stay away from unnecessarily long words.

5. Formal letters requires to be well presented. Do not experiment and follow the basic rules to letter writing. Keep your address in the top right hand corner with your number and email address if you would like to. The name and address of the recipient goes below on the left. Position of the date is rather flexible but is usually below the addressee detail. Next in line is the introductory salutation, subject line, short, clear paragraphs in the main body and appropriate end salutation. 

First impressions are important, hence proofread your formal letter again and again least it goes to the bin.

Other Related To Letter Format

Thank You Note Etiquette
Etiquette in Business Writing Letter
Introductory Salutation Letter Writing Etiquette
Introduction to Letter Writing Etiquette
Etiquette for Writing Business Letters
Government Official Letter Writing Tips
Letter Writing Etiquette to Catholic Priest
Letter Closing Etiquette
Retirement Congratulations Letter Writing
Farewell Letter Writing Etiquette to Colleagues
Etiquette for Business Letter Writing
Art of Personal Letter Writing Etiquette
Etiquette to Improve Written Communication Skills