Define Personal Business Letter
Fundamentally, the term personal business letter describes the nature of the communication. A personal business letter refers to any communication by way of a letter for which an individual writes a letter directed to a business party as described at the Writinghelp-central website. The letter writer of a personal business letter may send the letter to an addressee who is also an individual, but in that person’s role as an employee and representative of a business.
Formats
As with many forms of communication, opinions differ on the best format to use for a personal business letter. Typically, typed personal business letters use either a block format where every line begins at the left margin; or a semi-block format where either the Heading, the Concluding lines or both have a right-of-the-page placement. Both the Writinghelp-central and the Liberty, Missouri public schools websites provide examples of the semi-block style of the typed personal business letter.
Types - General
Types of personal business letters you might have a need to compose include a letter to a credit card company, letter to your bank or complaint letters to a retailer with whom you have done business. Potentially, also, certain letters to school officials, especially at the secondary grade level or below such as a parent on behalf of a child, could fall into the general category of personal business letters: although letters to post-secondary school officials from the student most likely will fall into the career-related category of personal business letters.
Standard Career Related
The most widely used career-related personal business letters involve a cover letter that accompanies a resume and a post-interview thank you letter. Less frequently, but closely related to these job-search related personal business letters, you may have occasion to write a letter requesting a reference from either a former teacher or employer; or a related request for a testimonial from a client or customer if you work in a self-employed capacity.
Career Related - Variations
Another personal business letter similar to the cover letter is variously known as a letter of interest, letter of inquiry, or application letter. This type of letter combines the most pertinent elements of a resume with the cover letter. Typically, you will use the letter of inquiry in a situation where the job skill set is very narrow and specific; and most often individuals working on a self-employed basis use this type: such as a work-at-home mother applying for a particular set of transcription projects.
Handwriting Occasions
Some instances occur when the letter writer can acceptably use a handwritten letter for a personal business letter or that a handwritten note even has preference. A letter from a consumer to a company about merchandise previously purchased, for example, does not require a typewritten letter because the company already has an obligation to the consumer. Some job search experts also suggest handwritten post-interview thank you notes because not only does the personal touch of a handwritten note stand out, but some proficient job seekers carry their stationery with them so as to actually write the letter in their car and drop it in the mail before even returning home from the interview: which also sets them apparent for promptness and seriousness.
