How to Write an Appeal Letter (+ Format and Examples)

Sometimes, employees are treated unfairly at work. For instance, they may be dismissed or transferred to a new location without just reason. This is why it is crucial to learn how to write an appeal letter.

Appeal letters can be used by anyone to challenge a decision or action they consider unjust. A student could send one to the dean to dispute being placed on academic probation and so forth.

An appeal letter should not be an emotional plea. It should state the facts of the complaint and be objective and professional. In this article, we explore appeal letters, their uses, and how to draft an appropriate one.

At its core, an appeal letter contains three main components. Ensure you include the following in your message:

• A description of the event or situation
• Reasons why it is unjust
• A suggestion for the intended income

Always get straight to the point. You want the reader to get everything you are trying to communicate.

Appeal letters are professional correspondences. Maintain the utmost courteousness and professionalism. Additionally, stay away from any emotionally-charged statements. Here are more guidelines to help you achieve clarity:

• Address the letter appropriately
• Admit where you may have made a mistake
• Maintain a professional and polite tone
• State facts only
• Keep your letter brief and to the point
• Make a statement suggesting the intended outcome
• Format your letter as a business letter
• Proofread your letter and correct any mistakes

Writing an appeal letter every time something goes wrong can be tedious and time-consuming. Here are a template and sample to help you draft an effective letter. You can customize them to meet your needs.

Appeal Letter for Termination of Employment

This is a letter written by a recently fired employee to challenge their termination. It states why the employee believes the decision was unfair and expresses their desire to get their job back.

Appeal Letter for Dismissal from Work

A dismissal appeal letter is written to challenge a punishment from an employer. For instance, if you are discriminated against and dismissed unfairly, you can use the letter to challenge the decision.

Appeal Letter for College Admission

This letter is written by or on behalf of a student who missed out on a place at their preferred college. It is used to appeal the decision when the student believes the decision was unfair or against college policy.

Appeal Letter for School

This appeal letter is addressed to a school concerning several matters, such as an unfair expulsion. It should state why the decision being appealed was a mistake and how it could be remedied.

After sending an appeal letter, you should follow it up. Send a second letter and remember to state the facts without getting emotional. Don’t use an unnecessarily rude or accusatory tone. The standard time to wait before following up on an appeal letter is one week. However, you can do it in three days if the matter is urgent.