English

Overview of Business Correspondence

Advertisements

Topics

  • Introduction to Human Resource Management
  • Job Analysis and Manpower Planning
  • Staff Recruitment
    • Recruitment
    • Characteristics of Recruitment
    • Sources of Recruitment: Internal Sources
    • Sources of Recruitment: External Sources
    • Differences Between Internal and External Sources of Recruitment
    • E-recruitment
    • Overview of Staff Recruitment
  • Staff Selection
    • Meaning and Definition of Staff Selection
    • Difference Between Selection and Recruitment
    • Steps in Employee Selection Process
    • Psychological Tests
    • Interviews
    • Types of Interviews
    • Limitations of Interview
    • Overview of Staff Selection
  • Staff Training
    • Training
    • Comparative Overview of Training, Education, and Development
    • Importance of Training
    • Types of Training
    • Preparation of Training Programme
    • Methods and Techniques of Training: On-the-Job Training
    • Methods and Techniques of Training: Off-the-Job Training
    • Types of Employee Training: Key Distinctions
    • Hindrances to Training
    • Benefits of Training to Employer and Employee
    • Overview of Staff Training
  • Staff Morale
    • Meaning and Definition of Staff Morale
    • Characteristics of Staff Morale
    • Morale Productivity Matrix
    • Measurement of Morale
    • Factors Influencing Morale
    • Determinants of Morale
    • Methods of Raising Morale
    • Indicators of Low Morale or Disadvantages of Low Morale
    • Passive Effects of High Morale or Advantages of High Morale
    • Importance of Team Work
    • Measures for Building Effective Teams
    • Overview of Staff Morale
  • Staff Motivation
    • Meaning and Definition of Staff Motivation
    • Motivation Process
    • Characteristics of Staff Motivation
    • Difference Between Motivation and Morale
    • Importance of Staff Motivation
    • Factors Influencing Motivation
    • Difference Between Financial/Monetary and Non-Financial/Non-Monetary Incentives
    • Maslow's Theory of the Hierarchy of Human Needs
    • Herzberg's Two Factor Theory
    • Critical Appraisal of Herzberg's Theory
    • Relationship Between Maslow and Herzberg Theories
    • Overview of Staff Motivation
  • Staff Remuneration
    • Meaning and Definition of Staff Remuneration
    • Money Wages and Real Wages
    • Methods of Wage Payment: Time-Rate System
    • Methods of Wage Payment: Piece-Rate System
    • Distinction between Time-Rate and Piece-Rate System
    • Wage Records
    • Various Staff Benefits
    • Gratuity
    • Types of Leave
    • Overview of Staff Remuneration
  • Staff Leadership
    • Meaning and Definition of Leadership
    • Distinction Between Leadership and Management
    • Importance of Leadership
    • Leadership - Qualities of a Good Leader
    • Leadership Styles
    • Difference between Different Styles of Leadership
    • Leaders: Born or Made?
    • Leadership Continuum
    • Situational Leadership
    • The Managerial Grid
    • Overview of Staff Leadership
  • Staff Appraisal
    • Performance Appraisal
    • Potential Appraisal
    • Objectives of Performance Appraisal
    • Importance of Performance Appraisal
    • Method of Performance Appraisal
    • Appraisal by Results
    • Appraisal by Superior Staff
    • The 360° Appraisal
    • Overview of Staff Appraisal
  • Staff Promotion and Transfer
    • Meaning and Definition of Promotion
    • Benefits of Promotion
    • Limitations of Promotion
    • Open and Closed Policy of Promotion
    • Dry Promotion and Upgrading
    • Demotion
    • Requirements of a Sound Promotion Policy
    • Bases of Promotion
    • Meaning and Definition of Staff Transfer
    • Need and Purposes of Staff Transfer
    • Types of Transfer
    • Is Transfer a Punishment?
    • Transfer Policy
    • Overview of Staff Promotion and Transfer
  • Staff Separation
  • Emerging Trends in Human Resources
  • Business Communication
    • Communication
    • Importance of Communication in Business
    • Elements of the Communication Process
    • Oral or Spoken Communication
    • Written Communication
    • Distinction between Oral Communication and Written Communication
    • Gestural Communication
    • Visual Communication
    • Distinction Between Gestural and Visual Communication
    • Internal Communication
    • External Communication
    • Distinction Between Internal and External Communication
    • Formal Communication
    • Informal Communication or Grapevine
    • Distinction Between Formal and Informal Communications
    • Horizontal Communication
    • Vertical Communication
    • Diagonal Communication
    • Barriers to Communication
    • Overcoming the Barriers to Communication
    • Current Trends in Business Communication
    • Overview of Business Communication
  • Business Correspondence
    • Needs and Functions of Business Correspondence
    • Elements and Components of Business Letters
    • Essentials of a Good Business Letter
    • Types of Letters
    • Overview of Business Correspondence
  • Reports and Report Writing
    • Meaning and Definition of a Report
    • Characteristics of Reports
    • Purposes or Functions of Reports
    • Essentials of a Good Report
    • Format of a Report
    • Types of Reports
    • Overview of Reports and Report Writing
  • Various Business Entities
  • Sources of Business Finance
  • Globalisation
  • E-Business
  • Outsourcing
    • Concept of Outsourcing
    • Parties Involved in Outsourcing
    • Concept of Outsourcing
    • Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
    • Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO)
    • Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO)
    • Overview of Outsourcing
  • Business Regulators and Intermediaries
Estimated time: 54 minutes
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Need and Functions of Business Correspondence

  • Meaning – Business correspondence is formal written communication between organisations and stakeholders for professional purposes.
  • Widening Contacts – Letters help businesses communicate with people in different places.
  • Sharing Information – Used to inform about new branches, products, changes, or enquiries.
  • Legal Proof – Signed letters serve as written evidence in case of disputes.
  • Record Keeping – Letters can be stored for future reference.
  • Goodwill & Impression – Good letters build company image and create a lasting impression.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Elements and Components of Business Letters

  • Heading – Shows the company’s name, address, and contact details. It is usually printed on the letterhead.
  • Date – Written on the right side in full form (e.g., 31 January 2022). It is important for record and legal reference.
  • Reference – Helps connect previous letters and identify the department or file number.
  • Inside Address – Contains the name and full address of the receiver. Proper titles like Mr., Mrs., or Ms. should be used.
  • Salutation – The greeting of the letter, such as Dear Sir or Dear Madam.
  • Body of the Letter – Includes the opening, main message, and closing paragraph. It should be clear, brief, and polite.
  • Complimentary Close and Signature – Polite ending like Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely, followed by signature and designation.
  • Other Elements – Identification marks, enclosures, copy distribution, and postscript may be added if required.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Types of Letters> Application Letters for a Job

  • Meaning and Purpose – An application letter is written to apply for a job. It is a type of sales letter where the applicant sells his/her skills and suitability to the employer.
  • Main Objective – The main aim is to get an interview by creating a good impression and showing how the employer will benefit from hiring the applicant.
  • Address and Date – The applicant’s address and date are written at the top of the letter. The inside address depends on whether the application is advertised or unsolicited.
  • Salutation – “Dear Sir” is commonly used in most job applications.
  • Opening Paragraph – Clearly mention the post applied for and reference to the advertisement, if any.
  • Middle Paragraph – Include details like education, experience, skills, age, and other relevant information.
  • Conclusion and Enclosures – Politely ask for an interview, use “Yours faithfully” as complimentary close, and mention any documents attached.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Types of Letters> Specimen Application Letter

  • Types of Application Letters – There are two types:
    Unsolicited (sent without advertisement) and Solicited (sent in response to an advertisement).
  • Unsolicited Application – Sent when no vacancy is advertised. The applicant requests consideration and encloses bio-data.
  • Solicited Application – Written in response to a job advertisement and clearly mentions the source and date of advertisement.
  • Opening Paragraph – States the post applied for and expresses interest in the job.
  • Bio-data Content – Includes personal details, academic qualifications, experience, extra-curricular activities, and skills.
  • Additional Details – May include merit record, publications, languages known, testimonials, and references.
  • Conclusion and Enclosures – Politely ask for an interview, end with “Yours faithfully,” sign the letter, and mention enclosures attached.
CISCE: Class 12

Difference Between Solicited Letter and Unsolicited Letter

Basis Solicited Letter Unsolicited Letter
Job Advertisement Written in response to an advertisement Written without any advertisement
Initiative Employer invites application Job seeker applies on own
Reference Refers to the job advertisement No reference to advertisement
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Types of Letters> Interview Letters

  • Purpose – Interview letters are sent to shortlisted candidates after reviewing job applications.
  • Post Details – The letter clearly mentions the name of the post for which the candidate is called.
  • Interview Information – It includes the date, time, and place of the interview.
  • Authority and Documents – It states the name/designation of the interviewer and asks the candidate to bring original certificates and testimonials.
  • Other Information – It may mention details about TA/DA (if allowed) and ends with a polite closing and signature.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Types of Letters> Offer of Appointment

  • Purpose – An appointment letter is sent to inform the selected candidate about their selection for the job.
  • Post and Salary Details – It clearly mentions the name of the post, basic salary, salary scale, and allowances or benefits.
  • Joining Details – It states the date, time, and person to whom the candidate must report for duty.
  • Terms and Conditions – It includes details about probation period, type of appointment (permanent/temporary), and notice period for termination.
  • Acceptance – The letter usually asks the candidate to sign and return a copy as acceptance of the appointment.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Types of Letters> Letter of Enquiry

  • Purpose – A letter of enquiry is written to get information about price, quality, availability, and terms of sale of goods.
  • Clear Request – The purpose of enquiry should be clearly stated, and a polite request should be made for catalogue, price list, or quotation.
  • Business Details – Brief information about the buyer’s business and expected quantity should be mentioned.
  • Terms and Conditions – Ask about discount, credit terms, packing, delivery, payment, and other business conditions.
  • Time and Concession – Specify the required date for reply and give reasons if asking for special concession (e.g., large order).
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Types of Letters> Quotation Letters

  • Meaning – A quotation letter is written by a seller in reply to a letter of enquiry.
  • Reference and Thanks – It should mention the reference number and date of enquiry and thank the customer for interest.
  • Prices and Terms – Clearly state prices, discounts, credit terms, delivery details, and other conditions of sale.
  • Validity and Offer – Mention the period for which the quotation is valid and any special concessions.
  • Sales Approach – Use polite and persuasive language to attract the customer and show willingness to serve.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Types of letters> Order Letters

  • Meaning – An order letter is written by a buyer to purchase goods after accepting the quotation.
  • Reference – It should mention the quotation or advertisement on the basis of which the order is placed.
  • Details of Goods – Clearly state quantity, quality, price, packing, freight, and other specifications.
  • Delivery Instructions – Mention the time for delivery and mode of transport. Also specify bank details if documents are to be sent through a bank.
  • Clarity and Accuracy – The order must be brief, clear, complete, and accurate to avoid confusion.
  • Seller’s Acknowledgement – The seller should thank the buyer, confirm dispatch details, mention invoice amount, and request prompt payment.
  • Good Business Relations – Maintain polite tone, express gratitude, handle delays with regret, and treat every order as an opportunity to build goodwill.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Types of Letters> Reference Letters

  • Purpose – Reference letters are written to collect credit information about a customer before granting credit.
  • Need for Credit Check – Credit involves risk, so the seller checks the customer’s character, capacity, capital, and business condition.
  • Requesting References – The buyer provides names of traders or bankers as references for credit enquiry.
  • Contents of Enquiry Letter – Mention the customer’s name, credit amount, credit period, and assure confidentiality.
  • Information Asked – Ask about financial position, payment habits, maximum credit limit, and business reputation.
  • Reply to Enquiry – The reference should state trading experience, credit details, financial condition, and give an opinion with no responsibility clause.
  • Grant or Refuse Credit – If reply is favourable, credit may be granted. If unfavourable, credit should be refused politely and carefully to maintain goodwill.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Types of Letters> Complaint Letters

  • Meaning – A complaint letter is written by a buyer to inform the seller about defects, damage, delay, or mistakes in goods supplied.
  • Reference Details – Mention order number, date, invoice details, and other relevant information clearly.
  • Clear Explanation – State the problem precisely with proper facts and evidence.
  • Polite and Firm Tone – The complaint should be written calmly and courteously without anger.
  • Specific Claim and Action – Clearly mention the compensation or action required, such as replacement, refund, or quick delivery.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Types of Letter> Reply to the Complaint Letter

  • Express Regret – The seller should politely express regret for the inconvenience caused without making excuses.
  • Explain Briefly – Give a reasonable explanation of the problem (e.g., damage in transit) in a calm and professional manner.
  • Corrective Action – Clearly mention the steps being taken, such as replacement, refund, or claim against transport company.
  • Assurance for Future – Assure the buyer of better service and careful handling in future.
  • Common Reasons for Complaints – Complaints arise due to wrong quantity, defective goods, overcharging, delay in delivery, loss or damage in transit, or invoice mistakes.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Types of Letters> Resignation Letters

  • Meaning – A resignation letter is a formal letter written by an employee to inform the employer about leaving the job.
  • Purpose – It provides written notice, mentions the last working day, and serves as official proof of resignation.
  • Structure – The body usually has three parts:
    informing resignation, expressing gratitude, and offering cooperation during transition.
  • Professional Tone – The letter should be clear, polite, and professional without complaints or criticism.
  • Notice and Transition – Mention the last working day and offer help in completing duties or handing over responsibilities.
Advertisements
Share
Notifications

Englishहिंदीमराठी


      Forgot password?
Use app×