abbreviate company name in cover letter

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5 Exceptions to the “Don’t Abbreviate on a Resume” Rule

By Resume Confidence — — Posted in Job Search Tips , Resume Writing Tips

Generally speaking , yes, what you may have heard is true:  it is NOT recommended to abbreviate on resumes.

There is a formality to them in many ways, some include middle names, we list out our oh so impressive credentials, and, well, job searching is serious business for both the applicant and the employer.  We want to be taken seriously, and, communicate effectively.  Thus, to ensure both, generally, it’s safest to spell things out.

I do believe there are a few exceptions, though, that no hiring manager is going to mind, be confused by, or hold against a candidate, and therefore, sometimes it just makes space saving sense to shorten your syntax.  Here are the situations where I regularly feel comfortable using abbreviations on resumes:

2) “ Alphabet soup” of academic credentials :  B.A. for Bachelor of Arts, MBA, Master of Business Administration,, LMT Licensed Massage Therapist, and so on.  If it’s a standard degree/certification overall, or in your field, it’s fine to abbreviate.  If you are an LMT, for example,but applying for an unrelated position, I’d just leave it off the resume, or, if it’s listed somewhere for some reason, I’d abbreviate and then spell it out.

3) Months: (if you include them at all)  I can’t remember the last time I included the months in the work history of a resume, but if you do, it’s okay to shorten “January 2001” to any of these:  Jan. 2001, 1/01 or a combo thereof – just make sure the format you choose you use consistently for all dates.

4) States:   States can be abbreviated with their PROPER, UPDATED, 2-LETTER format (ex:  FL, not Fla.; IL, not Ill., etc….the 2 letter format was adopted earlier than I thought, when I googled, it says 1963, though the 3-letter versions are still floating around, as outdated as corded phones…) Here’s a list from the USPS for reference of the history of the codes and the proper, current ones.

5) Industry jargon/acronyms :  PM might mean ‘after 12:00 noon & before 12:00 midnight, yes, but no one in the P roject M anagement field will be confused if you use this standard abbreviation.

In fact, using the standard jargon & acronyms is expected, and shows you know what you’re talking about, you know the field.  If a teacher wrote out individual education plan on their resume instead of IEP, it might signal inexperience, not formality used for resume purposes only, for example.

Professional organization names & that sort of thing are a judgement call.  Some will be more well known than others.  If you have room, in this instance, it’s safest to include both the acronym and the full title of the organizations.

This all said, don’t use “tho” instead of “though” , or “cuz” or “cos” for because these are slang , not abbreviations.

I also always spell out “Assistant” because of my mom’s faux pas in her first secretarial job…. she abbreviated her boss’ title as “Asst.” Vice President….except, she left off the “t”!  Her good natured boss came to her & pointed to this & said, “Well, Beth, this may be true, I may be an a_$, but, I don’t think I want to announce it to the world in my business title.  Can you please fix this?”, and smiled.  She always remembers that one (as does he, I bet!)

And one final note… in this day and age of texting plz dnt use txt style 4 biz….evr!  (I have no idea if that is standard ‘texting’ shorthand or not…but you (I hope) get the idea! )  ( emoticons also a huge no-no in job search communications !)  😉

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Business Cover Letter Example & How-To Guide in 2024

You’re a master of negotiation.

You can analyze a balance sheet in your sleep, and you've got industry know-how down to a science.

But all your business acumen evaporates when you’re staring at a blank screen, trying to draft your cover letter.

Your career centers on effective communication and strategy, and yet this is the one place you’re lost.

Don’t worry. We know your struggle, and we’re here to help.

In this article, we’re going to teach you:

• What a Job-Winning Business Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Steps to Writing a Flawless Business Cover Letter
• 3 Essential Cover Letter Tips for Business Professionals

Let’s get started.

Business Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Business Cover Letter

You've just seen a top-notch business cover letter that's sure to get noticed.

Now it's your turn to learn how to write a cover letter that shows off your skills and lands you that job! Just follow the steps we're about to dive into:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Start your business cover letter by putting your contact details at the top, just like you would on your resume header . Here's what you should have up there:

• Full Name. Place your full name near the top corner of the page.
• Job Title. Use the exact title mentioned in the job ad you're applying for. With hiring managers juggling multiple roles, being specific helps them, which helps you.
• Email Address. Go with a professional email. Ditch quirky emails you might have had in your younger days. For example, [email protected] is a no-go, but [email protected] works just fine.
• Phone Number. Make sure it's a number where you can be reached easily. If the job is international, include the dialing code.
• Location. Your city and state (or country) are enough. But if you're looking for a remote role or planning to move, make that clear in both your resume and cover letter.
• Relevant Links (optional). Adding links to any important websites or social media profiles, like LinkedIn, is always a good idea.

After sorting out your details, focus on the hiring manager's contact information :

• Company Name. Write down the company's name.
• Hiring Manager’s Name. Include the hiring manager’s name, if you can find it.
• Hiring Manager’s Title. If you find out the hiring manager’s exact job title, say, the Director of Business Development , use that title instead of just "Hiring Manager."
• Location. Add the city and state (or country) of the company, especially if they have multiple locations. You can add the street address if you want to be super specific.
• Date (optional). Including the date you wrote the cover letter adds a professional flair.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've got all your contact details down, it's time to address the person who'll be reading your cover letter .

Trust us, "To Whom It May Concern" is not how you want to start your first impression.

Do a little homework first. Look up the company website, the job ad, or their LinkedIn profile to find the person who’s hiring for the job you’re after. You should be able to find their name somewhere and add it to your cover letter.

Then address them by using "Mr." or "Ms.", followed by their last name. If you're not certain about their gender or marital status, their full name works fine. For instance:

• Dear Mr. Thompson  
• Dear Alex Thompson

But if you couldn't find any information on the hiring manager or the head of the business department you’re looking to join, no worries. You can still address your letter to the team or the company at large:

• Dear Business Department  
• Dear Hiring Team  
• Dear Human Resources Team  
• Dear Head of Business

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers spend just a few seconds on each application before deciding if it’s worth reading more into it.

That's why nailing the start of your cover letter is key, especially when you're eyeing a business role. Lead with why this job catches your eye and some of the skills you’re bringing. Showing real enthusiasm for the role or the field can also make a hiring manager take a second look.

Doing your homework about the company pays off. The better you understand them, the more you can show how well you'd fit their culture. It's a strong signal that you're not just throwing applications left and right but are genuinely keen on this specific role.

Depending on your career stage, you might want to start your business cover letter with a standout achievement or any skills that make you a shoo-in for the job. Just keep it short and sweet. The goal here is to spark interest, so the hiring manager will read the rest of your letter.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The core part of your cover letter is your chance to shine as a business professional . Here, you want to go beyond the bullet points on your resume to really sell your skills and experience.

And don't just repeat your resume. Use this space to highlight what sets you apart from the competition. If you have any big wins in the business world, this is where you want to mention them. Take cues from the job ad to tailor your letter accordingly. 

For example, if you're applying for a role that requires strong analytical skills, focus on achievements from your past that prove you've got what it takes. Instead of talking about general leadership qualities, point out how you've used analytics to drive business growth.

Being knowledgeable about the company you're applying to can earn you extra points. If you're familiar with their market presence or have insights into their business model, weave that into your letter. It makes the hiring manager see you as a more suitable candidate when compared to the rest.

Make sure your enthusiasm shines through your entire letter, so it’s obvious you want this job, not just a job. Express your excitement for the role and be confident in stating how you can add value to their team with your unique skills and experience.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our other cover letter examples !

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Nailing the conclusion of your cover letter is essential. You want to assure the hiring manager that they've made the right choice in reading your application to the end.

Write a brief conclusion to your cover letter so you can recap why you're the ideal candidate for the business role you’re targeting. Briefly reiterate some of your most relevant skills, but don’t go overboard. The idea here is to summarize your key selling points.

Then add a call to action. This could be an invitation for the hiring manager to further discuss your application or to arrange an interview. This leaves a lasting impression and nudges the hiring manager to do something, which increases your odds of progressing to the next step.

Lastly, sign your business cover letter like a real professional. Just pick an appropriate closing line and sign your name underneath. Here's a sample:

Feel free to contact me at your convenience so that we may arrange an interview and further discuss how I can contribute to your business goals.

Warm regards,

Alex Johnson

If "Warm regards" feels too clichéd, other professional yet approachable options include:

• Yours sincerely,
• Yours truly,
• Thanks for your time,

3 Essential Business Cover Letter Tips

You already know the basics of crafting a solid business cover letter.

Now, let's take yours to the next level with some tailored cover letter tips for the business world.

#1. Match Your Resume

Your cover letter should echo the professionalism of your resume.

Presentation skills matter, and your application is the first place you get to showcase yours. If your resume and cover letter don’t pair well, you could come off as an unpolished candidate.

Make sure your text is positioned neatly on the page, and keep the font uniform all the way through. Just as you'd handle a business proposal, pay attention to those page margins and the line spacing. And while you’re at it, remember to keep it brief—an ideal cover letter is always one neat page.

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Are you trying to get your application out there as soon as possible?

Our resume builder is a lifesaver. Use it to create the best business resume in minutes, and grab one of our matching cover letter templates to complete your application. 

Every one of our templates is designed with feedback from hiring managers from around the globe, so they meet all industry standards and give your application a sleek, professional look.

#2. Mention Skills

Hiring managers want to know what you can bring to the table, and there’s no better way to show them than by mentioning your skills.

Your business cover letter should always include the most essential skills from your resume . Your skills tell the hiring manager what you can do and how much they might need to train you. But only if you mention your skills in the right way.

Don’t just toss them in there randomly, like a salad. Connect the dots for the hiring manager by weaving a narrative that backs up every skill you mention. For example, if you're good at data analysis, explain how that skill helped improve a past employer's quarterly earnings. 

The key here is relevance. Discussing your skills in context shows you're not only skilled but also aware of how those skills can benefit the company. It paints a picture of you as a well-rounded candidate who’s both qualified and ready to hit the ground running.

#3. Proofread the Final Draft

Never underestimate the importance of proofreading your cover letter.

A single typo or grammatical error might seem small, but to many hiring managers, it can scream "carelessness”—a crucial cover letter mistake for any candidate who claims to have “an eye for detail”.

Hundreds of applications get tossed aside for the same reason. So, to make sure your business cover letter is spotless, take the time to read it multiple times. Consider asking a friend for a fresh perspective, just in case you missed something yourself.

We recommend you also use a spell-checking tool like Grammarly . Don’t trust it blindly, though - you should always take the time to decide for yourself if it’s correct. Clean and polished writing shows professionalism, which can make all the difference in your application's success.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to writing your business cover letter!

Hopefully, we’ve inspired you, and you’ve prepared your application for that job you’ve been eyeing.

But before we say goodbye, let’s do a brief recap of what we mentioned:

• The top of your business cover letter should have a header where you include your contact information as well as the hiring manager’s. Just make sure it’s factually correct.
• Your opening paragraph should be captivating, or else the hiring manager might not bother to read more of it. Mention why you’re writing and be enthusiastic, so it shows you’re genuinely interested.
• The body of your cover letter should include the bulk of your sales pitch. Focus on your relevant achievements, qualifications, and skills and how they relate to the job you’re after.
• Make sure your cover letter matches your resume. This shows a professional touch, and it helps the hiring manager pick out your application from all the rest.

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GrammarMill

How To Include AP Style Company Names in Your Writing

If you are like me and tend to do a lot of blogging throughout the week, you probably mention a well-known company or two in your content. It is imperative that when you write any piece – particularly if it is for a specific company – that you get these names right. For instance, is “inc” capitalized? Is there a comma before “LLC”? While it often may seem that AP Stylebook guidelines can be difficult to learn, AP style company names are quite simple if you keep a few things in mind.

Rules for Writing Company Names in AP Style

Below you’ll find a list of things to consider when writing company names:

Include the Company’s Full Name

Use the company’s full name somewhere in the article, especially if the article’s subject matter could affect the company’s business. Doing so also helps search engines find your content. The full name is not required if the company name is irrelevant to the story, and you don’t have to use the formal name on first reference.

Consider Costco Wholesale Corp. as an example. It’s appropriate to refer to the company as Costco , but you’ll want to use Costco Wholesale Corp. if you’re writing an earnings report or a story that could influence the company’s stock price.

Drop the Comma

Have you ever wondered if there is a comma before LLC in AP style? Or if there is a comma after “inc” in a sentence? Well, if the company name is followed by Inc. , Ltd. or LLC , do not include a comma before it, even if it is included in the formal name elsewhere.

• Schlumberger Ltd.

Don’t Forget the ‘The’

Be sure to include “The” if it is part of the formal company name.

Company Name Examples:

• The Coca-Cola Co.
• The Gap Inc.

If “The” is not included in the formal company name, keep it lowercase unless it is the first word in the sentence.

• Pittsburgh is home of the United States Steel Corp. headquarters.

If you are unsure what the full name of a company is, you can consult the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Use Proper Spelling and Capitalization in Company Names

You should generally use the company’s preferred spelling of its name, but for corporate news or press releases, you can simply use the legal name filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Remember to capitalize the first letter of a company name even if it uses a lowercase one initially. For example, Adidas and Lululemon both tend to use a lowercase letter at the beginning of their names, but when referring to those companies in a piece of content, you would capitalize the first letter per AP style company names guidelines.

An exception to this capitalization rule is any company that begins with a lowercase letter but includes a capital letter elsewhere in the name, such as eBay . However, you should always capitalize company names when they appear at the beginning of a sentence.

• Ebay was originally named AuctionWeb.
• A broken laser pointer was the first item sold on eBay.

Likewise, if a company tends to use all capital letters in its name, you would not use all capitals. Instead, capitalize just the first letter followed by lowercase letters.

• Asus rather than ASUS
• Ikea rather than IKEA
• USA Today rather than USA TODAY

The only time it is appropriate to use all capital letters in a company name is if the letters are individually pronounced, as in BMW . Remember to brush up on your AP acronym rules while you are at it.

Do You Italicize Company Names?

No. Capitalization of company names is correct, but no italicizing or underlining is needed.

Avoid Symbols

Even if a company’s name typically includes symbols such as asterisks, exclamation points or plus signs, do not use these when following AP Stylebook , because they could distract or confuse readers. Take these company names for example:

• E-Trade rather than E*Trade
• Toys R Us rather than Toys “R” Us
• Yahoo rather than Yahoo!

Include Ampersands

When it comes to ampersands (&), you should use one only if it is included in the formal name of the company. Otherwise, use “and.”

• AT&T Inc.
• Eli Lilly and Co.

Examples of AP Style Company Names

Below you’ll find a list of the formal names of some major U.S companies :

Below you’ll find a list of the formal names of some major non-U.S companies :

AP Style Company Names: Conclusion

It may seem like there is a lot to remember with AP style company names, but if you keep these tips in mind, mentioning them in your content should be easy. What simple tips do you have for remembering how to write company names in AP style? Share them in the comments!

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Abbreviation in cover letter.

I have a question regarding writing cover letter. Can I abbreviate/shorten the name of the consulting firm? Like use BCG instead of Boston Consulting Group, or McKinsey instead of McKinsey & Company, or Bain instead of Bain & Company?

I would really appreciate your feedback. Thank you all in advance!

Overview of answers

• Date ascending
• Date descending

Hi Febrian,

Yes, you can.

Best, André

Yes, you could totally use those.

Avoid tough contractions such as don´t vs. do not, etc.

However, the CL is not such a relevant document so don´t overkill yourself either with it.

Hope it helps.

that’s totally fine in the text of the cover. If you use the standard structure with the address on top, I would keep the full name there.

That's totally okay. The shorter consulting firm names are well understood. Don't worry about it.

Hi Emily, thank you for your answer!

It is okay for company names and as pointed out by others, the letter is generally not read. Additionally, people in the industry all know the abbreviations that you mentioned.

To be honest, no one really reads the cover letter. And even if they read - they'll not pay attention. So just concentrate your efforts on the valuable things

Hi Vlad, thank you for your answer and input!

Hi Febrian, I would use the long name the first time mentioned in the letter and then the abbreviation

Hello Febrian,

Sure, you can go for it. Just avoid excessive abbreviation like McK for McKinsey.

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Abbreviations and Acronyms: How to Include them on a Resume (Examples)

One question that many resume writers (professional or DIY-ers) ask is how to deal with abbreviations and acronyms. It’s often tempting to abbreviate and use those acronyms as often as possible, since resumes should never be longer than two pages . And since you obviously want to pack as much relevant info as possible into those two pages to impress potential employers , why not shorten as many words and phrases as possible?

Well, there’s good news and bad news on that front. The good news is that job seekers can abbreviate and use acronyms where appropriate. The bad news is that you need to be careful about what you shorten and ensure that everything is clear to the reader.

The Litmus Test for Abbreviations and Acronyms

When you’re deciding whether to use specific abbreviations and acronyms, there’s a simple test and a general rule that you can use. Ask yourself whether the shortened version will still be clear--or confusing to the reader. With resume abbreviations, that decision is usually simple. If you use the standard abbreviation, there should be no problem. Acronyms can be more difficult, however, since so many acronyms have multiple meanings. However, even that can be overcome if you use them correctly.

You will likely want to use some abbreviations and acronyms. After all, you need to leave as much room in your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) as possible for skills, experience, and achievements. Long words and lengthy titles or organizational names could take up space that might be better used to document your value as an employee. We’ve compiled some tips that can help you to properly use abbreviations and acronyms on your resume or job application .

Tips for Using Abbreviations Properly, with Examples

First, strive for clarity. If a common abbreviation could be misinterpreted, spell out the word instead. For example, words like million and billion should always be spelled out in their entirety. That’s because the “M” and “B” – or “Bn” abbreviations can either be misunderstood or unrecognized. On the other hand, another unit of measure - “thousand” – is almost always abbreviated when preceded by a numerical value. So, you would write “7k” instead of “7 thousand.”

Examples of other acceptable resume abbreviations:

For the word “management” use the abbreviation “mgmt.” or spell out the entire word.

Abbreviate months using the first three letters of the month’s name. Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, and so on. Be consistent.

You can also abbreviate degrees in your education section. Use MBA for a Master of Business Administration, PhD for your Doctor of Philosophy, and other common degree abbreviations like MD, BA, etc.

You can also use less-common abbreviations, but only if you first list the full name so that readers can learn the reference. Make clarity your overriding concern. If there’s any doubt about whether the potential employer or hiring manager will understand an abbreviation, spell the word out instead.

Tips for Using Acronyms Properly, with Examples

The rules for using abbreviations and acronyms in a resume are similar. Like abbreviations, acronyms need to be properly understood by your reader. These simple tips can help you better manage your acronym usage in any resume or cover letter:

You should use your acronym in its complete word form prior to shortening it. For example, if you were listing a government position in the defense department, you might not want to write out Department of Defense every time you reference that job. But you should spell that name out the first time you mention it. Each subsequent appearance can use the acronym “DoD” instead.

Think about how to get your resume past the applicant tracking system when you’re making your decisions. If the acronym is a shortened version of terms used in the job description, use the full version instead. You must make sure that those keywords are properly included in your resume.

Do not use apostrophes when you’re using an acronym's plural form. If you worked as a physical therapist, you could use the acronym “PT” and any other physical therapists in your circle would be “PTs” – the plural form. You should only add an apostrophe to signify the possessive form of the acronym.

Never repeat a word that makes up part of the acronym if it leads to repetition. Customer management services might be referred to as CMS, but they should never be referred to as CMS services, since “services” is already part of the acronym.

Always capitalize acronyms. That does not mean that the words that make up the acronym always need to be capitalized as well.

Do your homework. There’s nothing worse than using the wrong acronym in a resume. It’s not only confusing, but makes you look unprofessional as well.

Use abbreviations during the job search with care. Abbreviations and acronyms can be a useful way to save space for skills and achievements. By shortening those long words, titles, and organizational names, you can reserve more of your resume for those important priorities. However, you must always think through the process and use these shortened terms the right way.

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Spell It Out: 16 Abbreviated Company Names Explained

By ethan trex | may 6, 2010.

Dozens of companies use acronyms or initials in their names, but how well do you know what the abbreviated letters mean? Let's take a look at the etymologies behind a few abbreviated company names.

Sorry, drugstore fans, there aren't three fatcat pharmacists with these initials running around out there. When the pharmacy chain was founded in Lowell, MA in 1963, it was known as "Consumer Value Stores." Over time the name became abbreviated to simply CVS.

Wikimedia Commons  //  CC BY-SA 3.0

Longtime five-and-dime mogul Sebastian S. Kresge opened his first larger store in Garden City, Michigan, in 1962. The store was named K-Mart after him. (Kresge had earned the right to have a store named for him; he opened up his new venture at the tender age of 94.)

Getty Images

The Swedish furniture giant and noted charity takes its name from found Ingvar Kamprad's initials conjoined with a the first initial of the farm where Kamprad grew up, Elmtaryd, and the parish he calls home, Agunnaryd.

The speaker company is named after its founder, James Bullough Lansing. But if Lansing had kept his original name, the company might have been called Martini Speakers. Lansing was born James Martini in 1902, but when he was 25, he changed his name to James Lansing at the suggestion of the woman who would become his wife. (The martini was already a popular cocktail at the time, and several of Lansing's brothers had also changed their name by shortening it to Martin.)

The stalwart men's underwear maker was originally founded by a group of New Yorkers named Bradley, Voorhees, and Day to make women's bustles. Eventually the trio branched out into knitted union suits for men, and their wares became so popular that "BVDs" has become a generic term for any underwear.

In the late 1960s, Larry Hillblom was a broke student at the University of California, Berkeley's law school, so to pick up a bit of extra cash, he would make courier runs from San Francisco. Hillblom would often fly packages on the night's last flight then return to the Bay Area with more packages.

After he finished law school, he decided the courier business was the real racket for him, so he recruited his pals Adrian Dalsey and Robert Lynn to help him with the runs. Although they started out making their delivery trips in a single Plymouth Duster, the company quickly took off, and they named it after their respective last initials.

7. AT&T

No surprises here. The telecom giant sprang to life in 1885 as American Telephone and Telegraph, although it's now legally known as just AT&T.

pvkr , Flickr //  CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The conglomerate behind Post-It Notes gets its name from its roots as a company that mined stone to make grinding wheels. Since it was located in Two Harbors, MN, the company was known as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, which was later shortened to 3M.

The beloved clothing store began in Sweden in 1947. Founder Erling Persson was only selling women's duds, so he called the store Hennes—Swedish for "hers." Twenty-one years later, he bought up a hunting supplier called Mauritz Widforss. After the acquisition, Persson branched out into men's clothing and began calling the store Hennes and Mauritz, which eventually became shortened to H&M.

10. A&W Root Beer

Keith Fahlgren , Flickr //  CC BY-SA 2.0

Roy Allen opened his first root beer stand in Lodi, CA, in the summer of 1919, and quickly began expanding to the surrounding areas. Within a year he had partnered with Frank Wright, and the pair christened their flagship product "A&W Root Beer."

Mike Mozart , Flickr //  CC BY 2.0

The adorable gecko's employer is more formally known as the Government Employees Insurance Company. Although GEICO has always been a private, standalone company, its name reflects its original purpose: Leo Goodwin founded the company in 1936 to sell insurance directly to employees of the federal government.

Wikimedia Commons //  CC BY-SA 3.0

The initials you see on darn near every zipper you own stand for Yoshida Kōgyō Kabushikigaisha, which translates into "Yoshida Manufacturing Corporation." The company is named after Tadao Yoshida, who started the zipper concern in Tokyo in 1934.

13. P.F. Chang's

If you go looking for Mr. P.F. Chang, you'll be in for a long search. The Asian dining chain's name is actually a composite of the founding restaurateur Paul Fleming's initials and a simplification of founding chef Philip Chiang's last name.

14. BJ's Wholesale Club

The bulk retailer is named after Beverly Jean Weich, whose father, Mervyn, helped found the chain as a spinoff from discount retailer Zayre in 1983.

15. ING Group

The banking giant's name is an abbreviation of Internationale Nederlanden Groep, or "International Netherlands Group," a nod to the company's dutch origins and headquarters. The company's heavy use of the color orange in its buildings and promotion is also a shoutout to the Netherlands; orange is the color of the Dutch royal family dating all the way back to William of Orange.

16. H&R Block

Brothers Henry and Richard Bloch founding the tax preparation firm in Kansas City in 1955. Their only problem was their last name. The brothers worried that people would mispronounce their surname as "blotch," hardly a term you want associated with your tax return. They decided to sidestep this problem by spelling the company's name "Block" instead, so that nobody would miss the solid hard "k" sound.