Typing a Business Letter in Full Block Format

Full block format is used for formal business letters. This format is
characterized by the fact that every line starts at the left margin. None of
the lines of type are centered, or on the right. The only exception is in the
case of a pre-printed company letterhead. Full block format would be a great
format to use if you were to write a letter of resignation, a professional
thank you letter, a letter of recommendation, or perhaps resume a cover
sheet.

Here
is an explanation of each line in the letter:

1. Return Address:  If your stationery has a
   letterhead, skip this. Otherwise, type your name, address and optionally,
   phone number. These days, it’s common to also include an  email address.
2. Date: Type the date of your letter two to six lines
   below the letterhead. Three are standard. If there is no letterhead, type
   it where shown.
3. Reference Line: If the recipient specifically requests
   information, such as a  job reference or invoice number, type it on one or
   two lines, immediately below the Date (2). If you’re replying to a
   letter, refer to it here. For example,

• Re: Job # 625-01
• Re: Your letter dated 1/1/200x.

6. Inside Address: 
   Type the name and address of the person and/or company to whom you’re
   sending the letter, three to eight lines below the last component you
   typed. Four lines are standard. If you type an Attention Line (7),
   skip the person’s name here. Do the same on the envelope.
7. Attention Line: Type
   the name of the person to whom you’re sending the letter. If you type the
   person’s name in the Inside Address (6), skip this. Do the same on
   the envelope.
8. Salutation: Type the
   recipient’s name here. Type Mr. or Ms. [Last Name] to show respect, but
   don’t guess spelling or gender. Some common salutations are
   • Ladies:
   • Gentlemen:
   • Dear Sir:
   • Dear Sir or Madam:
   • Dear [Full Name]:
   • To Whom it May Concern:
9. Subject Line: Type the
   gist of your letter in all uppercase characters, either flush left or
   centered. Be concise on one line. If you type a Reference Line (3),
   consider if you really need this line. While it’s not really necessary for
   most employment-related letters, examples are below.
   • SUBJECT:  RESIGNATION
   • LETTER OF REFERENCE
   • JOB INQUIRY
10. Body: Type two spaces
    between sentences. Keep it brief and to the point.
11. Complimentary Close:
    What you type here depends on the tone and degree of formality. For
    example,
    • Respectfully yours (very formal)
    • Sincerely (typical, less formal)
    • Very truly yours (polite, neutral)
    • Cordially yours (friendly, informal)
12. Signature Block: Leave
    four blank lines after the Complimentary Close (11) to sign your
    name. Sign your name exactly as you type it below your signature. Title is
    optional depending on relevancy and degree of formality. Examples are
    • John Doe, Manager
    • P. Smith
      Director, Technical Support
    • R. T. Jones – Sr. Field Engineer

Tips:

• Readability
  of a business letter body depends on the chosen font. The generally
  accepted font is Times New Roman, size 12, although other fonts such as
  Arial may be used.
• Try
  to keep your letters to one page, if your letter requires more than
  one page all of the salutation and signature items would go on the second
  page at the end of the letter.
• How
  many blank lines you add between lines that require more than one, depends
  on how much space is available on the page.
• The
  same goes for margins. One and one-half inch (108 points) for short
  letters and one inch (72 points) for longer letters are standard. If there
  is a letterhead, its position determines the top margin on page 1.
• If
  you do not type one of the more formal components, do not leave
  space for them. For example, if you do not type the Reference Line (3),
  Special Mailing Notations (4) and On-Arrival Notations (5),
  type the Inside Address (6) four lines below the Date (2).

Business Letter Templates

Viderity offers a large collection of business letters
written by business professionals to help you achieve your desired message when
writing business letters. The letters will give you and your company a
professional image.  View
our Business
Letters Kit.