Have you ever tried

applying for a job?

ICC 422: English for International Employment

Lesson 6: Letter Writing

April 2, 2024

ROSEMARIE N. RIZALDO
Part-time Instructor
Definition of a Letter
A letter is a written message conveyed from
one person to another through a medium.
• Letter writing is a skill.
• It is the most common form of written
communication.
• It has diminished its popularity
because of the rise of modern
technology.
Types of Letters
FORMAL
Letters
These letters follow a certain pattern and
formality. They are strictly kept professional in
nature, and directly address the issues
concerned. Any type of business letter or letter
to authorities falls within this given category.
INFORMAL
Letters
These are personal letters. They need not follow
any set pattern or adhere to any formalities. They
contain personal information or are a written
conversation. Informal letters are generally written to
friends, acquaintances, relatives etc.

 Birthday Greeting Cards

 Business Letter
 Congratulatory Letter
 Official Letter
 Personal Letter
 Order Letter
 Love Letter
 Application Letter
Basic Parts of a Letter
Sender’s complete Sender’s complete
address address

Recipient’s Date
complete address
Salutation
Date

Salutation
Subject/Topic

Body/Content

Body/Content

Complementary
Complementary Closing Words
Closing Words
Signature Name
Full Name
Basic Letter Formats

Informal Style FULL BLOCK MODIFIED SEMI-BLOCK

Style BLOCK Style STYLE
Informal Style
The address and date of
the sender as well as the
complementary close and
name of sender are aligned to
the right margin; while the
salutation is aligned to the
left with indention at the
beginning of every
paragraph.
Informal Style
Informal letters are mainly used
for personal communication. So they
do not have to follow any specific
pattern, format or conventions. They
can be written as per the writer’s
wishes and the requirement of the
situation. So the letter is written in
a personal fashion in casual
unassuming language.
Full Block Style
Block format features all
elements of the letter
aligned to the left margin of
the page. It has a neat and
simple appearance.
Paragraphs are
separated by a
double line space.
 Full block letter format is a type of
business letter format where all lines begin
on the left margin. This means that no
components of the letter appear in the
center of a line, are indented, or start from
the right margin.
Full Block Style
Modified Block Style
Modified block differs from block
style in that the date, sign off, and
signature lines begin at the center
point of the page line. The beginning
of each paragraph is indented five
spaces, along with the subject line, if
used. Depending on the length of the
letter, paragraphs may be separated
by a single or double line space.
 Modified block letter format is different from the block
format because the start of the letter is on the horizontal
center point, aligned to the right. Paragraphs of the modified
block letter format are usually not indented and they are
aligned to the left margin of the page.

Like a block formal letter, this one is also aligned to the

left, while only thing aligned to the right margin are the
address of the sender, date, and signature. In order to achieve
good visual effect letter should not exceed 3 paragraphs.
Semi-Block Style
Semi-block is similar to
block but has a more
informal appearance. All
elements are left-aligned,
except for the beginning of
each paragraph, which is
indented five spaces.
Paragraphs are
separated by a
double line space.
 The semi-block format business letter is a little less
formal than the block format letter and slightly more
formal than the modified block format letter. It works
well in almost all situations and is a good choice if
you find yourself on the fence about which format to
use. Semi-block business letters differ from most
others in that the first line of each paragraph is
indented.
How to write an
Application Letter?
Parts of an Application Letter
Your name Salutation [Dear Mr./Ms.],
Your address
Your email address
Your phone number
Body
Date

Name of hiring manager or supervisor

Position of hiring manager or supervisor
Company name Closing [Sincerely, Best]
Company address Your signature
Your name (printed)
What’s IN the Body?
1. Outline where you saw the job posting and express your
interest in working in this role.
2. Introduce yourself briefly.
3. Discuss some of your qualifications that would make you
a good fit for the job.
4. Describe your past experience in a way that emphasizes
your personality and skills, while showcasing how you
align with the goals of the company.
What’s IN the Body?

5. Express your appreciation to the hiring

manager for reviewing your letter.

6. Emphasize that you are willing to have a

follow-up interview, if necessary.

7. Provide a brief concluding statement.

Writing Application Letter
 Review information about the company and
position
 Open the letter by describing your interest
 Outline your experience and qualifications
 Include aspects of your personality
 Express appreciation
 Make sure to make the best first impression
What is a Resume?
A resume is a brief summary of
personal and professional experiences,
skills, and education history.

Its main purpose is to show off your

best self to potential employers.
Contents of a Resume
The most common sections on a
resume are:

• Contact information You may also include these:

• Projects
• Resume summary or
• Organizations and
objective
Involvements
• Work experience • Achievements
• Education • Hobbies and Interests

• Character Reference • Special Skills and Abilities

Write
Write an APPLICATION LETTER
here! and a RESUME. Submit it on/before
April 8, 2024.
Write
now!