How to write a professional letter format? What is Semi block format?
Since the introduction of email, a lot has changed in the professional way of communication. Surely, showing respect for the recipient is still one of the most important elements of a formal business letter.
What are the 3 formats of a business letter?
As you may know, there are in general 3 popular modern business letter formats, which are: fully block format, modified block format and semi-block format.
The latter, which is the least common of the 3, is a variety of the block format style, except that each paragraph is indented instead of left-justified. Semi-block letters are like 'Modified block letters, with the exception the paragraphs are indented. Modified semi-block business letters are considered a little less formal than full-block letters.
The most common layout of a professional business letter is known as Block Format (or ‘Full block’). It is the easiest format to use and simplest to set up in your word processing program. Using this format, the entire letter from beginning to the end of the letter, including your contact information, the date, the employer’s contact information, the body of the letter, and the greeting and closing, signature, is all left-justified. Also, in block format, the content on the page is single-spaced, except for a double space between each paragraph (as well as space above and below the date, above and below the salutation and signature). This gives a clean and professional look to your letter. The block format is perfect for a cover letter created to accompany a resume as part of a job application. Keep reading to learn more about block format cover letters and review examples and templates.
Another commonly used letter format is known as the modified block format, in which the body of the letter and the sender's and recipient's addresses are left justified and single-spaced. However, the difference with a Block format, is that in Modified Block format, the date and closing, have a tab to the center point of the letter, and that is where you begin to type. It is more suitable to use this format on less formal occasions.
This Semi block letter format template provides a sample of how to write a business letter according to Semi block letter format. Therefore, when formatting your letter, make sure to use this business letter format template to ensure you structure and communicate in a professional.
Writing tips for professional letters
Here are some other tips for writing a proper professional letter.
- Make sure your letter is diplomatic and respectful.
- Keep it concise, also 'Short and Sweet'. Make sure the bottom line is clear without going through a lot of details.
- Use standard fonts. Verdana or Calibri (sans serif) of Times New Roman (Serif) are widely accepted fonts.
- Font size: typically typed in a 12-point size.
- Make sure to have correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Use a colon (:) after the salutation and a comma (,) after the closing.
- Ask somebody you trust to proofread the letter or check your letter thoroughly for errors before sending it.
Feel free to download this intuitive template that is available in several kinds of formats or try any other of our basic or advanced templates, forms, or documents. Do not try to reinvent the wheel every time you are facing a challenge. Consider learning from others that have gone through the same challenge before you.
Download this Semi block letter format and save yourself time and effort! You will see that professionally formatting your letter has never been easier.