Last Updated on January 8, 2023
Whenever we are or feel cheated, or treated unjustly or unlawfully in any organizational setting, be it school, at work, or at the business place, an appeal is considered necessary. An appeal letter is useful to make someone or person(s) reconsider a decision or action taken about you. A letter of Appeal gives you the opportunity to be heard, as it allows you to state the event or situation, explain why you think the situation or action was wrong or unjust, and outline how you would like it to be, as the aim of an appeal letter is to have a decision or action reconsidered and hopefully reversed or overturned.
Table of Contents
What is a letter of Appeal?
It is a letter that acts to entreat or arouse a sympathetic response or can be seen as the act of making a serious, urgent, or heart-felt request for aid, support, mercy, or information on a decision or action taken to be reversed. It involves soliciting a higher authority or person to reconsider a decision taken or implemented.
When to write an appeal letter?
There are various times you might need to write an appeal letter and this can be addressed based on the issue, event, or situation that prompted the letter. Some of these situations include;
- Demotion at work
- Layoff or dismissal.
- Denial of promotion or raise in wages/salary when you believe you’re entitled to one.
How to write an appeal letter?
Before writing an appeal letter ensure;
- Review the organization policy on appeal: Depending on the letter of appeal letter you are writing, the information on the process to go about it is made available in the student or employee handbook. You can enquire from the human resources or operations manager for work-related, or ask a guidance counselor or academic or staff advisor for school related, if you’re unable to find the process on your own.
- Determine the mailing address of the recipient: When sending your letter, carefully address the letter to the intended person you want to send the letter. For instance, if you’re appealing for wrongful layoff or dismissal, send the letter directly to your employer, to avoid your letter passing through a number of hands which can amount to delay to action or response to your issue.
- Use polite tone: Ensure you avoid any form of anger or judgment, fault finding, or condemnation in your letter. Even though you might be very upset with the situation or issue. Be persuasive and confident but not aggressive.
- Explain the situation: This part of the letter gives you a chance to explain the circumstances behind the event that occurred. Carefully explain what happened, and state the facts on what has taken place that you wish to appeal for. It’s essential you stick to facts. Provide evidence if need be as this makes your case much stronger. These can be policies that were not upheld, documents that would help establish what Happened, and specific mails with times and dates. Lastly address your wrongs, shortcomings, or fault because admitting to your fault may take away or dissolve any grievances of the recipient about you.
- Describe why it’s unfair/unjust: In this section of your letter, you make an effective persuasive argument that is focused on persuading or convincing the decision-maker to grant your request. It’s best to avoid being emotional. You can quote a suitable or appropriate policy of the organization that is relevant to your situation. You can also include the negative impacts of the event on you, the organization, and others that have occurred or may likely come to play.
- Request a specific action /outcome: After you have carefully explained the event of the situation, and how it occurred, your next focus should be on asking your reader what to do or what you desire as the outcome regarding the situation.
What not to include?
The following are not to be included or are to be avoided in an appeal letter
- Lengthy stories.
- False information.
- Grammatical errors.
- Exaggeration of facts.
- Emotional appeal(pity).
- Personal attack.
- Avoid any hint of anger or judgment.
- Avoid assumptions.
Why is an appeal letter important?
An appeal letter is of importance because;
- It gives the victim a voice to be heard and also an opportunity to explain what transpired that prompted the situation behind the letter.
- It helps point out mistakes from both the reader and the writer’s end and corrections where applicable.
- It helps provide possible solutions or outcomes in resolving the issue or situation.
Samples of Appeal Letter
Professional Appeal Letter
Jane Jons
45 Uruan Street
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Mr. Obot
Sales Manager
Harulite Enterprise
123 Nwaniba Road
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
May 7, 2022
Dear Mr. Obot,
[Explain the situation] My name is Jane Jons. I have been working with Harulite Enterprise company over the past 6 years. Recently, I was relocated, without warning, from the Advertising Department to the Production Department.
[State why it is wrong/unjust] This came to me as a shock. My cubicle is lined with awards and accolades for my competence in providing prominent advertising strategies and support. Copies of those certificates have been attached. Not only is this where I excel, but it’s also where I’m happiest passionate and find fulfillment. Without a doubt, that is a major reason for my professional success and achievement.
[State why it is wrong/unjust] Moving me to the Production Department is of no reasonable benefit to your company. My strength in the Advertising Department sets your company up at its peak to shine and receive favorable patronage. Finally, my experience in production is limited to customer refunds. I’ve never been formally trained, nor do I wish to be.
[Briefly outline what you hope the new outcome will be.] It is my sincere wish that you will allow me to return to my position as Advertising Manager. If employee satisfaction and functionality are of concern to you, I rest assured you will consider this. Likewise, a continued flow of favorable customer patronage is sure.
Thank you for your attention in this matter. I look forward to your speedy response.
yours sincerely,
(Signature, if hard copy)
Jane Jones
School-Related Appeal Letter
Sampson Edet
#43 Udo Ette
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Dean Francis
Academic Dean
University of Uyo
#34 Ikpa Road
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
August 1, 2022
Dear Francis:
[Explain the situation] My name is Sampson Edet. I am a final year student at the University of Uyo. I am writing to request consideration of the circumstances that led to my inability to complete final exams within the allocated timeframe last semester. This event resulted in my failure in three of my courses; GEO414,PHY402, and BIO412 respectively.
[State why it is wrong/unjust] I was admitted to the school clinic from the 6th of June to the 13th of June 2022 which was the time the exam took place. I know it is my responsibility to maintain communication with my Head of the department, but my condition during the time I was hospitalized kept me from being able to do so prior to the end of the semester. The doctor’s report from the clinic is attached. I am a diligent student and failing at this period of time will delay my academic goals.
[Briefly outline what you hope the new outcome will be.] It is my earnest desire to be allowed to take the exams I missed last semester due to the illness and have my grades corrected and updated based on my performance. This will reflect my true abilities and prevent me from being disadvantaged academically prior to the illness.
Thank you for your attention in this matter, as I anticipate a positive outcome.
Respectfully yours,
(Signature, if hard copy)
Sampson Edet
Conclusion
The general aim of an appeal letter is to have an action or decision that was taken either wrongfully or impolitely overturned or resolved. So writing an appeal letter is necessary to achieve your desired goal or aim with regard to the letter. Also bear in mind that in writing an appeal letter you need to keep it brief, be specific about your complaint, use a polite tone, avoid any form of anger or aggression and most importantly be confident and persuasive in your writing, as this will enhance or yield your desired outcome.