TYPES OF BUSINESS LETTER There are different types of business letters that are commonly used in the corporate world. They differ in purpose, style, and nature. Some business letters transmit good news while some transmit bad news. WRITING GOOD VS BAD NEWS BUSINESS LETTERS If the business letter directly affects and stirs the emotions and feelings of the reader, it is either a good or bad news business letter. If you are writing a letter promoting someone from your employee in your company, if you are commending a team in your corporation for beating the monthly sales, you are probably writing a good-news letter. If you are writing a letter rejecting a job applicant, if you are writing a thank you letter for an employee, or worst, writing a letter to fire an employee, you are probably writing a bad-news business letter. No matter what type of letter you are writing, no matter how good or bad the letter is, always make sure to be professional in writing the business letter. GOOD-NEWS AND BAD-NEWS PATTERNS Although the relative directness of correspondence may vary, it is generally more effective to present good news directly and bad news indirectly, especially if the stakes are high. This principle is based on the fact that readers form their impressions and attitudes very early and that you as a writer may want to subordinate the bad news to reasons that make the bad news understandable. Dear Ms. Mauer: Your application for the position of Cardiovascular Technician at Southtown Cardiac Associates has been rejected. We have found someone more qualified than you. Sincerely, JOHN SMITH (A Poor Bad-News Message) E X A M P L E Dear Ms. Mauer: Thank you for your time and effort in applying for the position of Cardiovascular Technician at Southtown Cardiac Associates. Because we need someone who can assume the duties here with a minimum of training, we have selected an applicant with several years of experience. Your college record is excellent, and I encourage you to apply for another position with us in the future. (A Courteous Bad-News Message) E X A M P L E BUSINESS LETTER It is usually a letter from one company to another, or between such organizations and their customers, clients and other external parties. Types of Business Letters which are highly based on the purpose for which the letter is being written. APPLICATION LETTER 1 Is sometimes called cover letter, is composed persuasively whenever you are applying for your target job. This letter is usually accompanied by your resume for additional information of your experience and skills. In writing your application letter, you may follow this format: 1 First paragraph: Determine the reason/s why you are applying for the job. Mention if the job is solicited or unsolicited. 2 Second paragraph: Explain why you deserve the job without being too boastful. You may support it by citing your qualifications. 3 Last paragraph: Even if you think you are hired or not, thank the hiring personnel. 129 Rolls Royce St., Sarphil Village, Agdao 8000, Davao City, Philippines May 15, 2018 DR. GUILLERMO P. TORRES JR. President University of Mindanao Davao City Dear Dr. Torres: Greetings of Peace! It is with great interest that I submit my resume to be considered for an English teaching position, preferably in college or senior high school for S.Y. 2018-2019. I graduated from Saint Joseph Institute of Technology in Butuan City where I finished Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English in 2013 and passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers last March 29, 2015 held in Davao City. Currently, I am taking Master of Education in Language Teaching in the University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City since August 2017 with 18 units completed as of this time. E X A M P L E In college, I was a consistent DEAN’S LISTER, COLLEGE DEBATER, Full Leticia C. Salas (LCS) Scholar, SENATOR MANNY VILLAR EXCELLENCE AWARDEE, CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION HONOR GRADUATE ELIGIBLE (certificate to be followed) and CUM LAUDE. I also attended seminars, workshops and trainings that are relevant to the teaching challenges. I can work with peers and even with the people with diverse personalities. I have a two-year call center experience in two of the most leading BPO industries here in this City. In 2013, I was a Customer Service Representative in VXI Global Holdings and earned the same position when I worked in IBEX Global, both rendered professional customer experience. Previously, I was a Full-time College English Instructor in Father Saturnino Urios University, Butuan City, under the Job Enabling English Proficiency or JEEP Program for a year and four months where I incorporated Dynamic Education teaching paradigm in translating course content in the classroom. At the time, I handled Writing in the Discipline, Speech and Oral Communication, and Marketing and BPO related subjects. Fully equipped with knowledge and skills from my previous experiences, I would greatly appreciate an opportunity to prove what I could offer to this position. Should you have questions about this matter, you may reach me through my mobile phone number 0998-953-5627 or I can visit your office during your convenient time to discuss this matter. Attached herein are my pertinent documents for your reference. Thank you and more power! E X A M P L E RESIGNATION LETTER 2 In many cases, the employee also will detail his reason for leaving the company. When an employee plans to leave his job, a letter of resignation is usually sent to his immediate manager giving him notice and letting him know when the last day of employment will be. February 28, 2017 DR. JOVIE P. PEREZ Coordinator, Job Enabling English Proficiency Father Saturnino Urios University Butuan City Dear Dr. Perez: Greetings! I am writing this letter to formally inform your good office that I’ll be resigning from my job here at Father Saturnino Urios University effective on March 31, 2017. Working in this University for quite some years has taught me so many things; from being expert in teaching, friendliness and even showing professionalism towards my colleagues. I’ve grown a lot as a person and this company has been my driving force each day. There are so much things that I could offer; may it not be here but in the future to where my path brings me as I look for a greener pasture. Nonetheless, I want to personally thank you for all the support and opportunities that you have provided me over the years now including various trainings to ensure and meet clients’ needs with a high degree of satisfaction. This company and the rest of the team have offered such wonderful experience and created an avenue that makes it pleasurable to work with. I’ve learned a lot from here and these will always be treasured. If there’s anything I could help with the transition in finding and training my replacement, please let me know. Thank you very much. Sincerely, JONREY Y. TORREVILLAS Faculty, JEEP Program E X A M P L E COVER LETTER 3 Is a letter of introduction attached to or accompanying another document such as resume or curriculum vitae. The cover letter is a tool to help introduce yourself in a memorable, personal way during a job application. September 1, 2018 JANE SMITH Director Human Resources 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY Dear Ms. Smith: I’m writing to apply for the position of Social Media Manager for Fit Living, as advertised on your website careers page. I have three years of experience as a Social Media Assistant for Young Living, and I believe I am ready to move up to the manager position. In your job posting, you mention that you want to hire a Social Media Manager who understands the Internet and social media trends. During my time at Young Living, I was given the responsibility of increasing follower numbers on Instagram. I explained to my manager that I would be happy to do so and that I would also work hard to increase follower participation because engagement has become an important metric. When I saw the job opening, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to offer you both my social media marketing skills and people skills. I’ve included my resume so you can learn more about my educational background and all of my work experience. Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to email me or call my cell phone at 555-555-5555. I hope to hear from you soon. E X A M P L E LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION 4 Prospective employers often ask job applicants for letters of recommendation before they hire them. This type of letter is usually from a previous employer or professor, and it describes the sender’s relationship with and opinion of the job seeker. September 1, 2018 College Scholars Program University of Tennessee 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY To Whom It May Concern: It is with much enthusiasm that I recommend Joe Bloom for inclusion in the College Scholars Program at the University of Tennessee. I was Joe’s instructor for multiple English classes during his four years at Morristown-Hamblen High School, including AP English his junior year. In our classes, Joe displayed a level of creativity, wit, and analytical thought that is quite rare among high school students. His writing and research skills are truly phenomenal – for his major essay project in AP English, he researched and wrote a remarkable study of visual imagery in the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Joe’s wide-ranging intellect is such that he would be bored by most freshman- and sophomore-level Liberal Arts courses. He is ready to assume and excel in upper-division classwork and possesses the self-motivation to successfully create and execute an independent course of honors study. Please let me know if I can provide any more information to strengthen Joe’s candidacy for the College Scholars Program. E X A M P L E SALES LETTER 5 Typical sales letters start off with a very strong statement to capture the interest of the reader. A sales letter is a piece of direct mail which is designed to persuade the reader to purchase a particular product or service in the absence of a salesman. SANDRA SMITH 555 Weston Way Vacaville Florida Dear Ms. Smith: For as little as $150 you can have your entire home clean and sparkling, without enduring the nasty odor of chemical cleaners. We care about the environment and use only state-of-the-art green cleaning methods to ensure that you and your family are not exposed to any harmful or allergy-causing cleaning products. You'll love what we do because: • All our cleaning products are completely non-toxic—safe for children and pets! • We leave surfaces clean, sparkling, and hygienic. • Our staff are bonded and fully insured. • We offer senior discounts to those aged 65 and over. Call us at 250-342-8923 or email us at info@greenclean.com for a free estimate. Get your house cleaned and do your part to help the environment! Sincerely, JAMES HALLOM Green Clean Inc. E X A M P L E ORDER LETTER 6 Sent by consumers or businesses to a manufacturer, retailer or wholesaler to order goods or services. These letters must contain specific information such as model number, name of the product, the quantity desired and expected price. Payment is sometimes included with the letter. TROY D. MANCINI Branch Manager Mancini Kitchen Equipment 4220 Straford Park Harold, KY Dear Mr. Mancini: Greetings! We would like to purchase twenty-two (22) individual stand mixers (Model #43423), all in the color red. We would like you to charge this purchase to the preexisting account that we have with you, business account #543234. We hope to receive this order no later than Friday, November 11th, 2009. Attached to this letter please find our preferred shipping method and receiving address. Please confirm that you received this order by calling us at 232-231-4563 anytime during business hours, Monday to Friday. Thank you for your cooperation. E X A M P L E COMPLAINT LETTER 6 The words and tone you choose to use in a letter complaining to a business may be the deciding factor on whether your complaint is satisfied. Be direct but tactful and always use a professional tone if you want the company to listen to you. TROY D. MANCINI Branch Manager Mancini Kitchen Equipment 4220 Straford Park Dear Mr. Mancini: On August 29, 2018, I bought [or had repaired] a [name of the product with the serial or model number or service performed]. I made this purchase at [location, date, and other important details of the transaction]. Unfortunately, your product has not performed well [or the service was inadequate] because [state the problem]. To resolve the problem, I would appreciate your [state the specific action you want]. Enclosed are copies [copies, not originals] of my records [receipts, guarantees, warranties, cancelled checks, contracts, model and serial numbers, and any other documents] concerning this purchase/repair. I look forward to your reply and a resolution to my problem. I will wait [set a time limit] before seeking third-party assistance. Please contact me at the above address or by phone [home or office numbers with area codes]. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Account Number] E X A M P L E ADJUSTMENT LETTER 7 An adjustment letter is normally sent in response to a claim or complaint. If the adjustment is in the customer’s favor, begin the letter with that news. If not, keep your tone factual and let the customer know that you understand the complaint. August 29, 2018 MS. LEILA R. ESPINOSA Villa Santana Caloocan City Dear Ms. Espinosa: Greetings! As replacement of broken mirror in transit on your order No. 96441, good item has been sent to you by prepaid express this morning. Thank you for bringing this mishap to our attention so that we can make to correct the problem as soon as possible. Also, thanks for your thoughtfulness in having the damaged noted on the express receipt. We are always glad to know that our goods is in such good demand, and you can be sure that we will do everything possible to be able you to keep it in stock. Very truly yours, ROGELIO D. SANDOVAL Manager E X A M P L E LETTER OF INQUIRY 8 Is a letter that asks for a particular information or assistance. This type of business letter is direct, and the questions are constructed to get the information straightforwardly. In writing a letter of inquiry, consider the following guidelines: 1 First paragraph: Begin with the most important question or a summarizing statement. 2 Second paragraph: This part may contain the explanation or list of questions. 3 Last paragraph: The ending should tell the reader what you want to be done and when. January 20, 2017 MR. ERIC YATAL Business Manager Tiffany Chairs and Tables Co. Ermita, Manila City Dear Mr. Yatal: Greetings! Can Tiffany Chairs and Tables Co. provide 1,000 pieces of golden tiffany chairs and 500 pieces golden tiffany tables to be delivered on February 5, 2017? We need to find a bulk supplier of tiffany chairs and tables for our events company. Kindly answer the following questions: 1. Can you provide us with the total number of chairs and tables needed? 2. Can you deliver the products on February 5, 2017? 3. Do you accept credit card or cash only? We will highly appreciate your immediate response to this letter for we are currently preparing for our schedule events on February 14, 2017. E X A M P L E LETTER OF REPLY OR RESPONSE 9 Is written in response to a letter of inquiry which directly answers all the inquiries regarding the company’s products or services. As part of business as usual, most companies promptly reply to all the inquiries addressed to them. In writing the letter of response, the following steps may help you: 1 Acknowledge the inquiry by mentioning important details from the letter of inquiry you received. 2 Build goodwill and pave the way for future contacts by using a cordial or friendly tone. 3 Answer the questions fully and send prompt replies. January 24, 2017 MR. ANTHONY HERRERA Proprietor Elysian Events Specialists Cubao, Quezon City Dear Mr. Herrera: SUBJECT: YOUR JANUARY 20 LETTER OF INQUIRY ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS Here are the answers to your questions about our company’s product. We are glad to inform you that we can supply your needed chairs and tables. We also wish to inform you that from January 1 to January 31, 2017, we have a New Year promo which is 10% discount on all our products. 1. Yes, we can provide you the needed number of golden tiffany tables and chairs. 2. Yes, we can deliver it as soon as you pay the total amount of the products. 3. Yes, we accept credit cards. We hope we answered all your queries about our golden tiffany products. We look forward to more business transactions with your company. Thank you. E X A M P L E LETTER OF REQUEST 10 Is commonly used everywhere. We daily use it in academe, in industry, even in corporate world. The main purpose of this letter is to request for something you need. In writing a letter of request, you may follow these steps: 1 First paragraph: (orientation) This is the introduction part where you begin with the details of the event or any activity. The date, time, and venue should be also indicated. 2 Second paragraph: (information) In this part, you need to mention the requested materials or equipment or even venue. You need to be very specific in this part. 3 Last paragraph: (action) Thank the person in charge to promote good will. June 13, 2016 MR. BICO I. GABRIEL School Principal St. Matthew High School San Mateo, Rizal Dear Mr. Gabriel: Greetings! The student council of St. Matthew High School is planning to conduct a student orientation for the newly grade seven (7) students of our school on June 25, 2016, Friday, at 9:00 AM. In connection with this, may we request your good office to allow us to use the Multi-Purpose Hall for the said activity on the said date. The Student Council ensures the cleanliness and orderliness of the venue. We look forward to your favorable response to this request. Respectfully yours, ANNE CABALLES President, Student Council E X A M P L E ACKNOWLEDGMENT LETTER 11 One way to build goodwill with colleagues and clients is to send an acknowledgment, letting them know that something they sent arrived and expressing thanks. It is usually a short, polite note. Dear Mr. Evans: I received your comprehensive report today. When I finish studying it in detail, I’ll send you our cost estimate for the installation of the ECAT 1240 Pet Scanner. Thank you for preparing such a thorough analysis. Regards, ROGER VONBLATZ E X A M P L E ACCEPTANCE LETTER 12 When you decide to accept a job offer, you can notify your new employer by telephone or in a meeting—but to make your decision official, you need to send an acceptance in writing. Dear Ms. Castro: I am pleased to accept your offer of $44,500 per year as a Graphic Designer with the Natural History Museum. After graduation, I plan to leave Pittsburgh on Tuesday, June 2. I should be able to find living accommodations and be ready to report for work on Monday, June 15. If you need to reach me prior to this date, please call me at 412-555-1212 (cell) or contact me by e-mail at jgoodman@aol.com. I look forward to joining the marketing team and working with the excellent support staff I met during the interview. Sincerely, JOSHUA GOODMAN E X A M P L E REFUSAL LETTER 13 When you decide to reject a job offer, send a written job refusal to make that decision official, even if you have already notified the employer during a meeting or on the phone. Writing to an employer is an important goodwill gesture Be especially tactful and courteous—the employer you are refusing has spent time and effort interviewing you and may have counted on your accepting the job. Dear Mr. Vallone: I enjoyed talking with you about your opening for a manager of aerospace production at your Rockford facility, and I seriously considered your generous offer. After giving the offer careful thought, however, I have decided to accept a management position with a research-and-development firm. I feel that the job I have chosen is better suited to my long-term goals. I appreciate your consideration and the time you spent with me. I wish you success in filling the position. Sincerely, ROBERT MANDILLO E X A M P L E WRITING ACTIVITY #2 Instruction: Write a Complaint Letter out of the given scenario. Please be guided with the correct format. Cont’d. You received an item (Powerbank Teclast 20000 mah)from Shopee that was delivered by a Ninjavan last Tuesday, June 25, 2019. However, you didn’t expect that the item was defective (state your own reason). Other than that, instead of black color, white item was delivered. WRITING ACTIVITY #3 Instructions: In response to the complaint letter concerning on the item you purchased that has a defect and item mismatch in terms of color, WRITE an ADJUSTMENT LETTER. Therefore, the inside address will now serve as the sender. Note: Not following the instruction will not be given points.