Basic Letter Formatting Etiquette

Are you interested in writing a letter? Before you begin writing your letter you need a few essentials, such as a writing utensil, envelopes, proper stationery and stamps. Additionally all letters need to have the proper formatting. This is the proper format for a written letter.

AddressDateSalutation / GreetingMain body with necessary headingsClosingSignature

You would be surprised at how many business professionals do not follow these basic guidelines when writing a letter, not to mention how many college students graduate without this necessary knowledge in letter etiquette. With the formatting down, it is not time for your to write your letter with the correct spelling and punctuation. Always show consideration for the other party, such as thanking them for the time they are taking to read your letter. If you stop and think about how and when the receiver will be reading your letter you might get some ideas on how to show the greatest amount of consideration.

Using proper grammar and spelling is easier then ever with the use of spell check and grammar check. Use these tools liberally to correct any simple mistakes. However, do not think that they are perfect. Have somebody you know and trust read over every important correspondence before you mail it. The importance of having a second set of eyes on your letter cannot be expressed enough. Just because a letter looks perfect to you does not mean that it does not contain errors. Simple mistakes will reflect very poorly in the eyes of your receiver especially if you are trying to impress them. Messing up words such as where and were will destroy your chances of creating a positive impression. When in doubt have multiple people review your letter.

Office Etiquette

These relationships often help to facilitate work getting done by the use of informal networks, and the like. However, there are some things to watch for when dealing with work "friends":

Just like elementary school, there are workplace bullies, gossips, hangers-on, and snitches. Sadly, this behavior never changes. Be cautious about these types of people.If you find yourself in the "in" group, and it turns out that the "in" group is keeping many others out, belittling, or unfairly criticize others, think about leaving this group - it's nothing more than a schoolyard clique and eventually, someone will bring it down. You don't want to be brought down with them.Always be friendly to everyone - even if you aren't close. It's surprising how many people look favorably upon someone who is always friendly, even if they don't know them well. The old adage that "perception is reality" is in play here in a positive way. You might learn a lot about things you didn't know by associating and being friendly with a wide group of people, and you'll have more people to turn to for your own favors, if you need them.The most important advice is to really know who your office friends really are. In the ever-shifting political sands of the workplace, confiding your secrets, hopes, desires, dreams, reservations, and dislikes to someone who you think is your friend and who turns out otherwise by betraying you could spell disaster for your job, and even for your career. Tread very carefully and be sure people are your friends before you get too chummy with them.With all co-workers, friends or not, remember to always stay professional while at work or at any work-related function.

Now, go enjoy your work related friends, tell an appropriate for the workplace joke, ask someone join you for lunch, and have fun.

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