How to Write a Letter to Appeal a Job Offer Withholding

Write a letter to appeal a job offer decision as a thank-you note. Using the entire letter to complain about not getting the job suggests professional immaturity and is best avoided. Losing out on a job often hurts, especially if your confidence was high and the potential employer seemed highly interested as well. However, there are lots of qualified candidates for most jobs, meaning someone is almost always going to be disappointed. Use the letter to show your professionalism as you position yourself for another opening with the company.

Instructions

1. Address the letter to the hiring manager. Begin the letter by thanking the hiring manager for the opportunity to interview for the position and learn more about the company.

2. Acknowledge your disappointment at not being chosen. Feel free to state -- without sounding bitter -- that you thought your skills and qualifications perfectly aligned with the position and you were excited about the opportunity.

3. Conclude the letter by expressing continued interest in the company. Also ask whether there are any areas you can improve to become an even stronger candidate for future openings. Tell the hiring manager that you would appreciate any feedback at all and would like to stay in touch.

4. Sign and mail the letter.

References

• James Madison University; Responding to Rejection -- Thank-You Letter