A consideration letter is a formal document used to request that an organization or individual re-evaluate a decision. It serves as a professional tool to express ongoing interest and present a case for a different outcome. This letter allows a candidate to demonstrate continued commitment and provide additional context that might influence the decision-maker’s perspective.
Understanding the Purpose of a Consideration Letter
A letter of consideration is most effective in specific professional and academic situations. It is commonly used after receiving a job rejection, particularly if you made it to the final interview stages. In this context, the letter reinforces your interest in the company and asks the hiring manager to keep you in mind for future openings. It can also be used to present new information that wasn’t available during the initial application.
Another common use for this type of letter is in academic admissions. Students who have been placed on a waitlist or had their application deferred by a college can write a letter of continued interest. This communication reaffirms their strong desire to attend the institution and provides an opportunity to update the admissions committee on recent achievements. The goal is to prompt a second look at an application, which differs from a simple thank-you note by actively seeking reconsideration.
Key Components of a Consideration Letter
A Direct and Professional Opening
The opening paragraph of your letter must be direct and clearly state your reason for writing. Begin by referencing the specific position or program you applied for and the date of the decision you received. This immediately provides context for the reader. A concise statement that you are writing to request reconsideration of your application is sufficient and professional, and it respects the recipient’s time.
Reiteration of Your Interest
Following the opening, it is important to genuinely reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Briefly mention specific aspects of the company, its mission, a particular project, or the role itself that resonate with you. This shows that your interest is not generic but is based on thoughtful research and a true alignment with the organization’s values. Expressing continued excitement demonstrates your resilience and commitment.
Highlighting New Information or Strengths
This part of the letter is your chance to add new value to your candidacy. Focus on any significant accomplishments or qualifications you have gained since your initial application or interview. This could include the completion of a relevant certification, a major achievement in your current role, or new insights that would benefit the organization. Presenting new information gives the decision-maker a tangible reason to reassess their initial evaluation.
Addressing Potential Weaknesses Tactfully
In some cases, it may be beneficial to tactfully address a potential shortcoming in your original application. This should be done carefully and without making excuses. For instance, if you believe a lack of experience in a specific area was a concern, you can mention steps you are actively taking to build skills in that domain. Frame it positively, focusing on your commitment to professional growth.
A Clear and Confident Closing
Conclude your letter with a clear and confident closing. Summarize your request for reconsideration and express your hope for a positive outcome. Reiterate your belief that you would be a strong asset to the organization. Provide your contact information again and thank the recipient for their time and renewed consideration.
How to Structure and Format Your Letter
The presentation of your consideration letter is as important as its content. Adhering to a standard business letter format ensures your document looks professional and is easy to read. At the top of the page, include your contact information: your name, address, phone number, and email. Below this, add the date, followed by the recipient’s name, title, and the organization’s address.
Always address the letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or the head of the admissions committee, using a formal salutation like “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:”. The body of the letter should be single-spaced with a blank line between each paragraph. Use a clean, professional font such as Times New Roman or Arial in a 10 or 12-point size. The entire letter should be confined to a single page.
The structure should flow logically from the introduction of your purpose to the supporting details. After the body, use a professional closing like “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” followed by your typed name and signature. This polished format reinforces the professionalism of your request.
Writing with the Right Tone
The success of a consideration letter depends on its tone. The voice of your writing should be persuasive, not demanding. You are making a polite and reasoned request, not insisting on a different outcome. Your language should convey gratitude for the initial opportunity, not a sense of entitlement to a second chance.
Maintain a positive and professional demeanor throughout the letter. Avoid any language that could be interpreted as complaining, bitter, or critical of the decision-making process. For example, instead of saying, “I was a better candidate,” you could phrase it as, “I believe my new skills in X make me an even stronger fit for your team’s current needs.” A respectful tone is more likely to be well-received and can leave the door open for future opportunities.
Consideration Letter Template and Example
A well-structured template can help you organize your thoughts and ensure you include all necessary components. The following template provides a framework that you can adapt to your specific situation.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Title]
[Organization’s Name]
[Organization’s Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],
I am writing to respectfully request your reconsideration of my application for the [Job Title/Program Name] position, for which I was interviewed on [Date of Interview] and informed of your decision on [Date of Decision]. I was very grateful for the opportunity to learn more about [Company/University Name] and your team.
My interest in joining [Company/University Name] remains strong. I was particularly impressed by [Mention a specific aspect, like company culture, a recent project, or a program feature]. I am confident that my skills in [mention 1-2 key skills] align perfectly with the goals of your [department/program].
Since our conversation, I have [mention a new development, e.g., “completed a certification in Advanced Data Analytics,” or “led a successful project that resulted in a 15% increase in efficiency”]. This new accomplishment has further developed my expertise in [relevant skill area], and I believe it adds significant value to my candidacy.
Thank you for your time and for reconsidering my application. I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your team and am available to speak further at your convenience.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Final Tips Before Sending
Before you send your letter, proofread it multiple times for spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors, as mistakes can undermine your professional image. Reading the letter aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing and check the overall tone. Confirm that you have spelled the recipient’s name and title correctly. Finally, send the letter promptly after receiving the decision, as timeliness shows you are proactive.