Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of a follow-up letter?
What is the primary purpose of a follow-up letter?
- To acknowledge receipt of prior communication
- To provide a formal resignation from a job
- To inquire about the status of an application (correct)
- To thank a customer for their order (correct)
Which type of letter primarily serves as a receipt of communication?
Which type of letter primarily serves as a receipt of communication?
- Cover Letter
- Letter of Recommendation
- Letter of Resignation
- Acknowledgement Letter (correct)
In a letter of recommendation, who typically writes the letter?
In a letter of recommendation, who typically writes the letter?
- A friend of the applicant
- The job applicant themselves
- A previous employer or professor (correct)
- A future employer
What is a key characteristic of a cover letter?
What is a key characteristic of a cover letter?
What should a letter of resignation include?
What should a letter of resignation include?
Which of the following illustrates the 'Clear' principle of communication best?
Which of the following illustrates the 'Clear' principle of communication best?
When should a follow-up letter be sent?
When should a follow-up letter be sent?
What is a common component missing from an effective cover letter?
What is a common component missing from an effective cover letter?
Which of the following components is NOT part of a business letter?
Which of the following components is NOT part of a business letter?
What is required in the date section of a business letter?
What is required in the date section of a business letter?
In a business letter, how should the greeting typically begin?
In a business letter, how should the greeting typically begin?
What is the function of the body paragraphs in a business letter?
What is the function of the body paragraphs in a business letter?
Which statement about the signature in a business letter is correct?
Which statement about the signature in a business letter is correct?
Which letter style has all elements aligned to the left margin without indents?
Which letter style has all elements aligned to the left margin without indents?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a courteous business letter?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a courteous business letter?
What should be included in the inside address of a business letter?
What should be included in the inside address of a business letter?
What does it mean to communicate concisely?
What does it mean to communicate concisely?
Which phrase exemplifies a bad example of concrete communication?
Which phrase exemplifies a bad example of concrete communication?
What is a key characteristic of correct communication?
What is a key characteristic of correct communication?
Which of the following is a sign of coherent communication?
Which of the following is a sign of coherent communication?
What type of words should be eliminated for concise communication?
What type of words should be eliminated for concise communication?
When is it appropriate to use a vague statement in your communication?
When is it appropriate to use a vague statement in your communication?
Which example best demonstrates good coherent communication?
Which example best demonstrates good coherent communication?
What is the effect of using too many adjectives in communication?
What is the effect of using too many adjectives in communication?
What is the recommended length for a letter of application?
What is the recommended length for a letter of application?
What is the appropriate style for an application letter?
What is the appropriate style for an application letter?
Which font size is appropriate for a letter of application?
Which font size is appropriate for a letter of application?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice when writing a resume?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice when writing a resume?
What action should you request in the closing paragraph of your application letter?
What action should you request in the closing paragraph of your application letter?
Why is it important to use different resume paper?
Why is it important to use different resume paper?
What margin size is recommended for a letter of application?
What margin size is recommended for a letter of application?
What should you include in the closing remarks of your application letter?
What should you include in the closing remarks of your application letter?
What should be included in a cover letter when submitting a resume?
What should be included in a cover letter when submitting a resume?
How should the text align in a letter of application?
How should the text align in a letter of application?
What is the maximum number of pages recommended for a resume?
What is the maximum number of pages recommended for a resume?
Which of the following is an appropriate closing for an application letter?
Which of the following is an appropriate closing for an application letter?
What is a beneficial personal attribute to highlight in your application letter?
What is a beneficial personal attribute to highlight in your application letter?
What is a characteristic of a complete message in business correspondence?
What is a characteristic of a complete message in business correspondence?
Which example best demonstrates courteous communication?
Which example best demonstrates courteous communication?
What is a key component of the 'Good Example' regarding the meeting reminder?
What is a key component of the 'Good Example' regarding the meeting reminder?
Which sentence reflects an incomplete message?
Which sentence reflects an incomplete message?
What aspect of communication is emphasized in the example messages?
What aspect of communication is emphasized in the example messages?
What tone should be avoided in courteous communication?
What tone should be avoided in courteous communication?
What is a significant goal of a business email?
What is a significant goal of a business email?
Which feature makes the 'Good Example' communications effective?
Which feature makes the 'Good Example' communications effective?
Flashcards
Concise Communication
Concise Communication
Using only the most relevant and necessary words, avoiding unnecessary details and filler phrases.
Concrete Communication
Concrete Communication
Clear and detailed communication that provides specifics and vivid images to create a strong mental picture for the reader.
Correct Communication
Correct Communication
Communication tailored to the audience and context, free of errors in language and style.
Coherent Communication
Coherent Communication
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Follow-Up Letter
Follow-Up Letter
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Letter of Recommendation
Letter of Recommendation
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Acknowledgement Letter
Acknowledgement Letter
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Cover Letter
Cover Letter
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Letter of Resignation
Letter of Resignation
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Clear Communication
Clear Communication
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Succinct Communication
Succinct Communication
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Contact Information
Contact Information
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Call to Action
Call to Action
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Relevant Information
Relevant Information
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Courteous Communication
Courteous Communication
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Empathy in Communication
Empathy in Communication
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Avoid Passive-Aggressive Tone
Avoid Passive-Aggressive Tone
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Letter Heading
Letter Heading
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Date in a Business Letter
Date in a Business Letter
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Inside Address
Inside Address
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Salutation in a Business Letter
Salutation in a Business Letter
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Body Paragraphs of a Business Letter
Body Paragraphs of a Business Letter
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Complimentary Close in a Business Letter
Complimentary Close in a Business Letter
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Signature and Writer's Identification
Signature and Writer's Identification
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Full-Block Style Business Letter
Full-Block Style Business Letter
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Resume
Resume
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Full Block Style
Full Block Style
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Executive Summary
Executive Summary
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Resume Paper
Resume Paper
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Application Letter
Application Letter
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Emphasizing Qualifications
Emphasizing Qualifications
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Expressing Interest and Contribution
Expressing Interest and Contribution
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Requesting Action
Requesting Action
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Application Letter Length
Application Letter Length
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Application Letter Format
Application Letter Format
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Application Letter Font
Application Letter Font
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Tailoring Your Resume
Tailoring Your Resume
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Study Notes
Business Correspondence
- Defined as the exchange of information in written format for business activities
- Can occur between organizations, within organizations, or between customers and the organization
- Generally follows widely accepted, universal formats
Major Types of Business Correspondence
- Business Letters: The most formal method, following specific formats, addressed to a specific person or organization
- Business Memos/Memorandums: Documents used for internal communication within an organization, often drafted by management and addressed to employees
- Business Faxes: Been around longer than memos, but access to fax machines was limited
- Business Email: Considered the reigning queen of business correspondence, even more important than letters now, although it doesn't replace letters
Types of Business Letters
- Sales Letters: Begin with a strong statement to capture reader interest, include strong calls to action, benefits of taking action, and information for the reader to act (phone number, website)
- Order Letters: Sent by consumers or businesses to order goods or services, includes model number, product name, quantity desired, and expected price
- Complaint Letters: The words and tone used are deciding factors for satisfaction, professionalism and tact are important when writing
- Adjustment Letters: Normally sent in response to a claim or complaint, if in the customer's favor, begin with the positive news; otherwise, keep the tone factual and state understanding of the complaint
- Inquiry Letters: Ask a question or elicit information from the recipient, should be clear, succinct, and include needed contact information for a response
- Follow-Up Letters: Sent after an initial communication, for example, thanking a customer for an order or reviewing the outcome of a meeting
- Letters of Recommendation: Sent from previous employers or professors; describe the sender's relationship and opinion of the job seeker
- Acknowledgment Letters: Act as simple receipts, confirming communication receipt, and possibly no further action needed
- Cover Letters: Accompany a package, report, or merchandise; describe contents, purpose, and recipient action needed; generally concise and short
- Letters of Resignation: Sent by an employee to their manager to inform them of their intention to leave the job, including the last day of employment and reason(s) for leaving, if applicable
The 7 C's of Communication
- Clear: The message and goal must be clear when writing or speaking to someone.
- Concise: Stick to the point and be brief. Delete unnecessary adjectives and "filler words."
- Concrete: The message should be solid and have details (avoiding too many details).
- Correct: The communication should fit the audience and be free of errors.
- Coherent: The communication should be logical, all points should be connected and relevant to the topic, and maintain consistent tone and flow.
- Complete: The message should contain all necessary information to inform and allow action, if applicable.
- Courteous: The communication should be friendly, open, honest, and avoid passive-aggressive tones
Parts of a Business Letter
- Heading (Return Address/Letterhead): Includes organization identity information typically printed on letterhead
- Date: Full month spelled out, followed by the year with all four digits (e.g., October 27, 2006)
- Inside Address: Recipient's name, company, address, and postal code.
- Greeting: "Dear" followed by the recipient's last name, or more formal title (Dear Mr./Ms.)
- Body Paragraphs: Explain the purpose of writing, and provide details
- Complimentary Close: Short and polite closing, finished with a comma, placed at left-margin or center, depending on style. Examples include: Sincerely, Best regards, Thank you. (followed by recipient's name and title if necessary)
- Signature and Writer's Identification: Signature line with name and title, using blue or black ink, and positioned directly below the complimentary close
Letter Styles
- Full-Block Style: All elements (heading, date, inside address, etc) aligned at the left margin; no indented lines.
- Modified Block Style: Return address, date, closing, and signature aligned at the right margin, while body paragraphs start at the left margin.
- Indented/Semi-Block Style: Similar to the modified block style, but the first line of each paragraph is indented,
Application Letter
- Job seekers utilize cover letters alongside resumes/CVs to introduce themselves, highlight suitability for positions, and explain relevant qualifications to potential employers.
- Parts of an Application Letter
- Heading (Return Address/Letterhead): Includes organization and your personal contact information.
- Date: Full month spelled out, followed by the year (e.g., October 27, 2006)
- Inside Address: Includes the recipient's name (Title), company, and address.
- Salutation: Follow by colon or left blank if only name provided; (e.g.,Dear Ms. Smith)
- Body Paragraphs: The body should have paragraphs explaining why are writing, expressing interest in the company and position, and relevant qualifications. At least 3 paragraphs. The purpose is to briefly explain how you became aware of the opening; explain what job you're applying for, and outline your qualifications that match the job.
- Closing: Appropriate closing similar to business letters (Sincerely, or Sincerely yours, ...)
Resume
- A resume is a one-to-two page document listing work experience, education, and skills, for a detailed summary of an applicant's qualifications for a specific job. It's not a complete biography.
- Guidelines for Writing a Resume
- Length: One to two pages
- Font: 10-12 point standard font
- Margins: One inch
- Summary/Objective: A professional summary to highlight key skills and objectives
- Resume Paper: Use resume paper for a professional look
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key components and purposes of various business letters, including follow-up letters, cover letters, and letters of recommendation. This quiz covers essential rules and best practices to help you communicate effectively in professional writing.