Basic and Optional Parts of a Professional Business Letter

Mailing Notation

A note indicating the special postal service such as "registered or certified" should be indicated on all copies of the letter.

Dateline

It contains the date of the letter.

Letterhead or Heading

It contains the name of the sender, the street address, town, province and country, and the ZIP code

Salutation

It is the line that begins with the word "Dear..."Place a colon (:) at the end of the salutation.

References

- This section in a resume provides contact and background information on professional references.

CC Notation (Carbon Copy Notation)

. It shows that the other pieces are being sent to one or more persons other than the addressee.

Chronological Format

> It lists work experience in reverse time order (i.e. most recent work experiences first) with an emphasis on responsibilities and accomplishments.

Semi-Block Style

> The least used format is the semiblock. It is almost the same as the modified block format; however, the difference is that the first sentence in each paragraph is indented.

Fullblock Style

> This style is the most used style because of its simplicity. In this format, all parts are justified to the left.

Simplified NOMA (National Office Management Association)

> This type of style omits the salutation and the complimentary close. All parts are flushed to the left margin as in the full block.

Combination Format

> Used to modernize chronological resumes and tailor your skills to the job.

Combination Format

The most popular resume format.

Reference Initials

These are the initials of the writer or typist or stenographer which are typed in the lower corner of the letter.

Signature Block

This basic part identifies the writer. The name of the writer is typed four to five spaces below the complimentary close.

Enclosure Notation

This is a reminder that there is an attachment. It is usually typed under the typist's or stenographer's initials.

Attention Line

This is needed if the business letter is addressed to a company rather than to an individual.

Inside Address

This is the address of the receiver or recipient of the letter and is the exact address written on the envelope. This consists of the name, address, the town and province/city. This is typed two to three spaces below the dateline.

BODY OF LETTER

This is the most important part of the letter because it is in this part where the message of the letter is written.

BCC Notation (Blind Carbon Copy Notation)

This is used if the writer does not want the reader to know that he is sending a copy of the letter to another person.

Subject Line

This is used to immediately inform the reader what the letter is about.

Complimentary Close

This part closes the letter cordially. Only the first letter of the word is capitalized.

Postscript

This part emphasizes a point made in the letter. They are designed to draw attention.

Modified Block Style

a type of format where applicant's address, complimentary close, signature and sender's identification is shifted to the right side

resume

a written summary of an applicant's education, work experience, accomplishments, and needed skills for the job.

heading

contains basic information about the applicant.

Work Experience

includes all the applicant's previous employment related to the job he/she is applying for.

functional resume

is designed to stress the qualifications of the job seeker with less emphasis on specific employers and dates.

objectives

reflect the career goals and intention for the job application of an applicant.

professional summary

showcases your valuable and recent job experience, including your soft skills.