The Best way of Writing an Application Letter

LJ. What’s the best way of writing an Application letter in terms of typing using a computer or probably just using your own handwriting.

Can you also specify where  Ellipsis can be used e.g using  Ellipsis in formal,
informal letter or maybe just including them in your own stories or any other writing?

 

Hi Thomas!

It is terribly fine to hear from you. Hope you are doing fine.

I love your questions.

I will start with the first.

 

What’s the best way of writing an Application letter in terms of typing using a computer or probably just using your own handwriting.

I think I must have mentioned it in my article on job application letters that the format of your letter depends on the format that your prospective employers specify. You have little choice but to do as they wish.

Employers may require that you email your applications as word documents or have them typed and printed out. Definitely, fulfilling these requirements is necessary for good results.

Most of the time, though, employers do not specify what kind of letter format to use, and it is up to you to use your discretion.

A handwritten application is not a bad effort. In fact, in some cases, it may show both personal touch and dedication. Writing in a clear, neat and legible handwriting will definitely be a plus. Employers obviously want to employ someone who can write well. So if you have got a very good handwriting, go ahead and write.

The downside of handwritten applications is that they may lack the formal and professional appearance of typed documents. Typed letters tend to command attention and give the impression that the one who sent the letter is quite serious. In fact, it is becoming a practice to have all business letters typed out.

All this considered, my conclusion is that if you can write in a neat, legible handwriting, and the employer has no  issues with it, go ahead, but your application will command more attention if it is typed.

Coming to the second question:

 Can you also specify where  Ellipsis can be used e.g using  Ellipsis in formal,
informal letter or maybe just including them in your own stories or any other writing?

As I explained in a past issue of Writer Digest, ellipsis are used to indicate omissions in quotations, hesitancy in speech and creation of anticipation or hanging thoughts.

I do not see an instance where you can use ellipsis in a formal letter. This is because we do not use quotes, speech, or deliberate hanging of thought.

However, in certain formal writings, such as essays or reports, you may need to use quotes. Therefore, in the instance that you quote what someone said or what a certain book says, and you leave out certain elements within the quote, you have to use ellipsis.

For example, suppose that I am writing an essay about love, and I find it incumbent to quote a passage from the Bible. I would say:

 

The Bible says at 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, to quote, “Love…endures all things,” unquote.
 

Note that the Bible says much more about love in this passage than what I have quoted, and the ellipsis points indicate this.

When it comes to informal writing, you can use ellipsis points to your hearts content. As the very name implies, informal writing is that which does not follow strict rules of grammar and tries as much as possible to sound like spoken speech. Thus, you can use them in your informal letters, emails, or text messages to indicate hesitancy or hanging thought.

For example:

I am at a loss of words…. I seriously don’t know what to say. 

 

When it comes to writing stories, remember that a story consists of narrative and dialogue. We usually use ellipsis points in the dialogue to indicate hesitancy in speech. For example:

“I…I am going to flog you…man!” Charles stammered. 

Try not to use any ellipsis in your narrative, except in few places where you create anticipation for what is coming or to indicate hanging or incomplete thought.

Unnecessary use of ellipsis points often makes your work look unsightly and is a sign of unprofessionalism.

So there, Thomas.

I certainly hope I have answered your question.

Thanks, it was a wonderful question. Hope to get more from you.

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