GUIDELINES
- A polite letter accepting a client's??s or employee's suggestion can be an essential public relations tool, even though you are rejecting the reader's??s suggestion. Make sure and tell the reader clearly that you are not accepting his or her proposal.
- Express your gratitude for the reader for his or her suggestion. Give him or her a compliment.
- Shortly explain why you refused his or her suggestion.
- Close the letter positively.
SAMPLE LETTER
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Letter Date]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
I am afraid that I must turn down your flattering request for advice. I was surprised that you turned to me for guidance for your divorce, as I have no experience or knowledge of such events. The only guidance I can give you is to see Colin Hunt; Colin practices divorce law in York. I would gladly give you an introduction if you so desire.
I hope that whatever you decide is for the best, and I wish you well in the future.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Sample letter to reject a request for advice on divorce.
Further things to consider when writing rejection letters to acquaintances
Rejection Letters
Rejection letters are letters written to inform people that something they have made, written, etc., has been turned down. These letters can be used, for instance, to inform people that they have not been chosen for a job or school enrollment or that a book they have written has not been chosen for publishing. Conveying rejection can be difficult because most people don't know how to say the words without hurting the recipient. Actually, in most cases, people don't write rejection letters at all. They just drop communication with the concerned person, (which is rude). Rejection letters are important because they help build trust and develop goodwill between the parties involved.
After rejection, the people affected will be frustrated no matter what. However, well-drafted rejection letters can soften the blow and encourage them to keep trying. An excellent rejection letter is brief, considerate, and to the point. Begin by thanking the recipient for trying. State your decision politely and assertively, giving reasons for it. If you are rejecting a job application, for instance, give a genuine reason for it and encourage the recipient to apply for other positions. End on a positive note and wish the recipient success.
Letters to Acquaintances
Letters to acquaintances are letters you write to people that you know slightly, but who are not close friends. An acquaintance could be a colleague at work but whom you do not interact with on a regular basis, a person you went to school with but know little about him/her, or your Facebook contacts whom you interact with on a minor level. You could write a letter to this person to ask for a favor, invite him/her to a social event, or just pass some information. Although most people would opt for a social media message or text, a well-drafted letter will make the recipient see the seriousness of the matter and feel obliged to return the favor.
The best letters to acquaintances are warm, sweet, and friendly. Begin the letter with a proper salutation, based on your relationship with the recipient. State the purpose of the letter and be clear about what you want from the recipient. If you are asking him/her to do something for you, for instance, mention why you think he/she is the best person to get it done. Make the letter short and only provide the necessary details. Conclude on a positive note.
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