GUIDELINES
- This is a brief letter that must be written soon after the occurrence of the unfortunate incident. Mention about the actions you have planned to rectify the error. Do not get into the details of the causes of the incident. A relationship could be patched up by clubbing apologetic actions with a well-worded note.
- Start the letter with a direct apology.
- Without being offensive about the situation, explain any action you have taken to rectify.
- End on a positive note.
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 apologize that I was not able to come to your party on the occasion of your retirement, but I was not well and hence was at the hospital
I also wanted to let you know that I appreciate the way you've helped me over the last few years. You have guided me wonderfully, and I believe that I can be as useful to other people as you have always been to me.
All my best wishes are with you.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Apology letter example for not attending a retirement party.
Further things to consider when writing apology letters to colleagues
Apology Letters
Apology letters are letters written to express regret towards a past occurrence or action. Simply put, apology letters are a way of putting down in words how you feel about a negative action and trying to make a positive impact on it. A great apology letter can repair your reputation and strengthen your connections. It might be that you have wronged a client or a customer, a professional situation in the workplace has not turned out as you expected, or you have done something terrible to your friend. You want to say sorry about these situations and salvage your relationship, so an apology letter is the greatest way to do this.
Apology letters should be written and sent immediately after the mistake has happened to show that you truly value your relationship with the other person. Begin the letter by stating how sorry you are, admit that you made a mistake, and take responsibility. Try to solve the issue and give suggestions on how you are going to do this. Assure the other party that the incident will not happen again in the future. Apologize again to the end and close the letter with a positive note.
Letters to Colleagues
Letters to colleagues are, simply, letters written to coworkers. These letters are written in a business or professional setting for different purposes. Maybe you want to thank a coworker for doing you a favor - write a thank-you letter. You want to congratulate him/her for a promotion - write a congratulation letter. Perhaps you want to apologize for doing something wrong - write an apology letter, or may be you have found a new job, and it's time to say goodbye - write a farewell letter. Although some colleagues may find writing letters a tedious process, it is a great way to maintain a strong working relationship.
Most letters to colleagues are informal. You really don't need to use all that formal jargon to people you know pretty well ? do you? Begin your letter with a warm and friendly salutation and the proper name of the recipient. Clearly state the purpose of your letter. Be specific and know exactly what you are talking about. Use clear language which the recipient can easily understand. Maintain a friendly and pleasant tone. Close the letter positively and with a note of anticipation that the recipient will take the necessary action.
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