When you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated, unfairly warned, laid off, demoted, fired, or not reasonably considered for a job opening, you may appeal the decision to your employer. However, if that fails, there is a higher chance of success if you can prove that it was a discriminatory or retaliatory action by showing what happened. You can do this by drafting and sending a letter of appeal for reconsideration.
The letter will help ensure that the higher authority who influences hiring and company decisions and policies will read your appeal. The appeal letter for reconsideration will outline precisely what transpired and how the decisions negatively impacted your career goals and life plans. The letter will help you ask for one last chance to prove yourself and give the company another chance to reconsider its decision.
It is a request (or letter) to an administrative body (usually the same person who made the original decision) asking them to review their decision.
If a potential employer or hiring manager decides not to select you, you can submit a letter of appeal for reconsideration. The letter is intended to persuade the employer/hiring manager to re-review your application as well as other additional information, such as your educational background and level of expertise.
You may also submit a letter of appeal when applying for benefits or authorization from a government body or institution that has denied your application or request. The letter can also be sent after receiving a denial or refusal on your initial request or an unfavorable response from an appeals board.
Pre-Made Templates
How to Write a Letter of Appeal for Reconsideration
Writing this letter can be your last chance to convince the hiring manager/potential employer to acknowledge your concerns and act upon them. A good letter should have an honest recount of the situation and should be addressed to the right person, depending on the company’s hierarchy or level of authority. The letter should also contain all the key elements to convince them that their decision might have been unfair.
Additionally, the letter should explain why you are writing, how long you have been with the company, and your role in the situation that warranted this appeal, then explain why you believe there were issues with how the case was handled.
Here is a breakdown of all the key elements that should be included in the letter:
Introduction
It should be directed to the right person (a person of authority within the company or even someone with power over the original decision-maker). It should include your contact information (including your email address) as well as the date. Also, make sure to include the recipient’s contact information.
Check your previous correspondences with the company to find the correct contact information. If you were new to the company, you might consider asking your colleagues or checking the company’s website, social pages, or other related platforms for such information.
Body of the letter
In this section, you should be as clear and concise as possible when providing details about your complaints. The appeal letter should not be a narrative; it is a letter that requests something from someone else, so it should clearly outline what information or action you hope to gain from the recipient reading your letter.
The body of the letter should comprise:
- Why do you want reconsideration: Explain precisely why you want the decision to be reconsidered and why you think it was unfair. You mustn’t undermine the company process, no matter how simple or inconvenient it may have seemed to you. It is also essential that you only address your personal experience and leave out any information that pertains to anyone else.
- State facts: This section should provide a clear and concise summary of how events transpired, including all relevant dates and times. It is essential to be specific so that your letter is very detailed and leaves no room for interpretation or confusion. Also, ensure that there are no factual errors, as this may weaken your case.
- The reason they passed on your request: This is where you highlight the discrepancy between what you were looking for initially and how the final decision was deferred. Explain why you think the decision was unfair and highlight examples of similar cases where someone else in a similar condition was treated differently from how you were treated. Again, it would help to not complain about or blame anyone else for the decision or lack of action.
- Support your request: This part of the appeal letter should provide all the evidence to support your case. This can be done by listing dates, names/titles, or even an overlooked solution during the original decision-making process. Give specific examples of any negative impact the decision has had on your life or career, then reiterate what action or information would make your life easier.
- State what you would like to happen: This is where you ask for what you want from the recipient, whether it’s a job or a re-evaluation of your case. So be sure that your request is specific and focused on the desired outcome; avoid making demands but instead go for a professional, courteous approach. Acknowledge that you understand that their decision is final and explain why you believe that it is unfair. State that you are hoping for a different outcome and provide all the information necessary for reconsideration.
Conclusion
In this section, summarize what you have asked for and why. Let the recipient know that you expect a reply, if necessary, and specifically ask them to either reconsider or let you know why your request cannot be met. Conclude the letter in a professional business tone and express your gratitude to the recipient for taking the time to review your appeal. You can also encourage the potential employer/hiring manager to contact you if they need further information about your case. Add your signature and print your name after your conclusion.
Letter of Appeal for Reconsideration Template
[Your Full Name]Â Â
[Your Address]Â Â
[City, State, Zip Code]Â Â
[Your Email Address]Â Â
[Your Phone Number]Â Â
[Date]
[Recipient’s Name or HR Department’s Name]Â Â
[Recipient’s Job Title, if known]Â Â
[Company Name]Â Â
[Company Address]Â Â
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient’s Name or HR Department],
Subject: Appeal for Reconsideration Regarding [Specific Decision or Situation]
I am writing to formally appeal for reconsideration regarding the decision made about [mention the specific decision or situation, e.g., my recent job termination, performance evaluation, etc.]. I believe that this decision may have been based on an incomplete understanding of the situation, and I respectfully request a review of the circumstances.
From my perspective, there appear to be aspects of the situation that were either not fully considered or perhaps misunderstood. Specifically, [describe the key points of your perspective, ensuring to stick to factual information]. For instance, [provide a specific example or incident that supports your perspective].
To substantiate my viewpoint, I have attached [mention any documents, data, testimonials, or other forms of evidence that support your case]. These documents clearly show [briefly describe what the evidence demonstrates]. I believe this additional information provides essential context that was not available during the initial evaluation.
I wish to express my utmost respect for the decision-making process at [Company Name] and my intention is not to dispute the authority of the decision-makers. However, I am concerned that the decision may not have been made with a complete understanding of all relevant facts.
In the decision dated [date], it was concluded that [mention the specific decision or issue]. However, I believe that certain aspects of my situation were not fully considered. For example, [provide specific details or evidence]. This information provides a different perspective on the situation and I believe it is crucial for a fair assessment.
I respectfully request a formal review of the decision regarding [specific decision or situation]. My aim is to ensure that all relevant information and perspectives are considered. To facilitate a fair reassessment, I propose [suggest a specific action, such as a meeting, a review panel, or a re-evaluation process]. I am prepared to provide any additional information or clarification that may be needed for a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. My hope is that, upon further review, [state the desired outcome, such as a reversal of the decision, a modification of the terms, or another specific resolution].
I am fully committed to [Company Name] and am willing to discuss this matter further at your convenience. I am open to any suggestions or solutions that would address the concerns raised in this appeal. Thank you for taking the time to consider my request for reconsideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Sample Letters of Appeal for Reconsideration
Sample 01
Dear Ms. Smith,
Subject: Request for Reconsideration of My 20XX Annual Performance Evaluation
I am writing to respectfully request a reconsideration of my 20XX annual performance evaluation conducted on December 10, 20XX. While I deeply respect the comprehensive evaluation process at TechPro Solutions Inc., I believe that certain key achievements and contributions I made over the past year were not fully considered in this assessment.
The evaluation concluded that my overall performance was categorized as ‘Meets Expectations,’ particularly noting a need for improvement in client engagement and project management. This assessment was surprising to me, especially given the positive feedback I received from clients and my direct supervisor, Mr. Alan Grant, throughout the year.
I believe that my contributions to the high-profile Delta Project, which was a critical success for our team, were not adequately reflected in the evaluation. For instance, I led a team that successfully delivered the project two weeks ahead of schedule, resulting in significant client satisfaction and a 20% increase in efficiency. Additionally, my role in mentoring two junior team members led to their successful integration into our department, enhancing our overall team performance.
Enclosed are emails from our clients at Delta Corporation expressing their satisfaction with the project, along with the project completion report showing our ahead-of-schedule delivery. Also included are the mid-year and third-quarter feedback forms from Mr. Grant, which highlight my effective client management and project leadership skills.
Given this information, I kindly request a formal review of my 20XX performance evaluation. I propose a meeting with Mr. Grant and a representative from Human Resources to discuss my performance in detail. I am prepared to present additional evidence and discuss each aspect of the evaluation to provide a more comprehensive picture of my contributions over the past year.
I am fully committed to my role at TechPro Solutions Inc. and am eager to ensure that my performance is evaluated in a manner that truly reflects my contributions and dedication. I appreciate your attention to this appeal and am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss this matter further.
Thank you for considering my request for a performance evaluation reconsideration.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Sample 02
Dear Ms. Johnson,
Subject: Appeal for Reconsideration of My Employment Termination
I am writing to formally appeal the decision to terminate my employment with Bright Future Technologies, effective as of January 15, 20XX. I believe that this decision was made without a full understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident on January 10, 20XX.
As you are aware, my termination was primarily based on the incident involving a breach of company protocol. While I acknowledge my part in this incident, I believe there were extenuating circumstances that were not fully considered.
On January 10, under the pressure of an urgent project deadline, I made a decision to bypass a standard protocol to expedite the process. This decision, although made with the intention of meeting our client’s urgent needs, was not in line with company procedures. I understand the seriousness of this action and deeply regret that I did not follow the appropriate channels.
I would like to highlight my previous record with the company, which has been without incident for over five years. My commitment to Bright Future Technologies and dedication to my work have been evident, as shown in my performance reviews and the successful completion of numerous projects.
In light of my history with the company and the unique circumstances of the incident, I respectfully request a reconsideration of the decision to terminate my employment. I am open to any form of disciplinary action you deem appropriate, short of termination, and am willing to undergo additional training to prevent future occurrences.
I am committed to upholding the standards and values of Bright Future Technologies and wish to continue contributing to the company. I appreciate your consideration of my appeal and hope for the opportunity to discuss this matter further.
Thank you for your time and understanding in this sensitive matter.
Sincerely,
Robert Thompson
Some Quick Tips
Here are some tips to consider when writing and sending a letter of appeal for reconsideration to increase your likelihood of getting a timely response:
- Use a professional tone: Using a professional tone in your letter is very important. Remember that the person you are writing to will make their decision based on your letter; therefore, it should be professional enough that they would want to help.
- Keep it brief: Do not attempt to explain everything leading up to the termination in the letter. Instead, keep it short, state why you believe your termination was unfair, and ask for reconsideration.
- See company’s policy: Look at any handbook or employee manual you signed when initially accepting employment with this company, if applicable. See what their policy is concerning appeals or grievances and follow this policy.
- Admit mistake: Be sure to apologize for any wrongdoings you feel contributed to the termination, if applicable. If you do not admit guilt, it will make it harder to prove your case.
- Proofread: Proofread the letter before sending it to ensure there are no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Mistakes can decrease your chances of getting a response.
- Proper format: Be sure to make your letter presentable by using the proper business letter formatting and layout. Put your name, current contact information, and date at the top of the letter. Then, put the company’s name and address, as well as your employer’s title, name, and signature, across from it. Then, make a new paragraph for each item you put in your letter. Having your letter in proper formatting will increase its effectiveness.
Conclusion
When you believe that you have been wrongly terminated, unfairly warned, laid off, demoted, fired, or not rehired, it is crucial to follow the proper channels for getting your concerns heard and investigated. For example, suppose you believe that the process used to make the decision was unfair. In that case, sending an appeal letter for reconsideration is an effective method for getting this corrected and having your case reconsidered by the person who made the initial decision. By doing so, you can potentially restore your employment status or receive a different result.
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