What Are the Different Types of Business Letters?

Business letters are an important method of communication in the workplace.

Communication is vital to any organization. An effective way for a business to express thoughts and ideas is through letter writing. The main purpose of a business letter is not only to communicate, but to also provide written documentation that the communication occurred or information was given. As the objective for writing the letter changes, so does the approach to letter writing.

Cover Letter

When you are applying for a position, write a cover letter to accompany your resume. Use this as your opportunity to explain something that is not apparent on your resume and to express why you want to work for that specific company.

Letter of Recommendation

Write a formal letter when you want to recommend a colleague, client or former employee for a position. The purpose of a letter of recommendation is to state the person's positive attributes and why you think she would be successful in the position for which she is applying.

Resignation Letter

If you decide to change jobs and leave your current position, it is recommended that you write a formal resignation letter. Your human resources department may require this so there is written documentation about the specifics of your departure. Even if it is not a requirement at your place of work, writing an official resignation letter is a respectful and professional course of action.

Acknowledgment or Appreciation Letter

Write a formal acknowledgment or appreciation letter when you want to thank someone for a job well done. These letters give the recipient something to add to his career portfolio and demonstrate that he has exceeded expectations in the workplace.

Complaint Letter

When you are dissatisfied with a particular service or product, formally put your complaint in writing to the appropriate person or organization. Keep the language of the letter positive and state only objective facts. For example, you may write, "I was told when I placed my order that I would receive the item in six to eight weeks. Currently, it has been 12 weeks since I placed the order and I have yet to receive the item or receive any communication from your company regarding my order's status." Furthermore, this written documentation can help support your case if you are unhappy with the results of the complaint.

References

• Best Sample Resume: Types of Business Letters
• Letter Cover: Letter of Introduction
• Letter Cover: Resignation Letter

Resources

• WriteExpress: Business Letters
• Letter Cover: Cover Letter & Business Correspondence