Formal Business Letter Sample

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. This Modern Business Letter template can help you find inspiration on how to create a professional email or letter. This Modern Business Letter covers three different types of common letter formats: fully block format, modified block format, and semi-block format.

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. 

The last and less commonly used letter style is the Semi-Block format. It is like the modified block 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.

Therefore, when formatting your letter, make sure to use this business letter format template to ensure you structure and communicate in a professional. 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.