Communicating effectively on the phone is an essential skill. And whether you’re talking to a client, a colleague, a supplier, your boss,  you need to make sure your purpose and the information is clear. 

In the information age, email has become the dominant form of communication. Being able to write a polished, professional email is now a critical skill both in college and the workplace. Below are some key distinctions between formal and informal writing, as well as some guidelines to follow when composing a formal email to a superior (professor, current or prospective employer, etc.) or someone who does not know you.

A CV (US resumé) is a summary of your education and work experience used when applying for a job. The lesson illustrates the most common format and explains the main points to consider when preparing or updating your own.

Formal language is more common when we write; informal language is more common when we speak. However, there are times where writing can be very informal, for example, when writing postcards or letters to friends, emails or text messages. There are also examples where spoken English can be very formal, for example, in a speech or a lecture. Most uses of English are neutral; that is, they are neither formal nor informal.