write leave application letter writing

• How to Write a Leave Application Letter [+5 Letter Samples]

The need to write a leave application letter could arise for a number of reasons . So your son is ill and you need to stay home to take care of him. Would management even let you go? How do you get this drafted? It’s not like anybody is allowed to just travel right? 

The truth is, at some point during your employment, you may need to request a leave of absence. This could be for a variety of reasons ranging from personal or family health problems, the birth and/or adoption of a child, to rest from excessive job stress. It could also be the loss of a loved one or the pursuit of a hobby or a desire to travel. A leave of absence in your case is not a luxury, but a necessity.

What is a Leave Application Letter? 

A leave application letter is a letter written to apply for a leave of absence from the office for a certain period.

The concept of a leave application centers around a formal way of asking for a break/leave of absence from work for a specified time period.

A person writes leave application letter they’re unable to perform their duties for a stipulated period of time.

Types of Leave Applications 

• Sick Leave  

Sick leave is basically a leave of absence due to an illness. Sick leave is granted under a number of scenarios; for personal physical or mental illness, the care of a sick child, spouse, parent, or parent of a spouse, regular health checks, and/or to address the physical, psychological, and legal effects of domestic abuse. 

At the moment, there are no federal legal requirements for paid sick leave. For companies subject to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Act does require unpaid sick leave. The U.S. government ensures that federal employees get 13 paid sick days a year.

• Study Leave 

Study leave is basically a leave of absence from work granted in order to allow a person time to study or carry out research. In the case of a school pupil, it allows them to study at home, usually in order to prepare for examinations.

According to the labor laws in the US, Study Leave with or without pay is a matter for arrangement entirely between the employer and the employee. By law, the maximum length of study leave granted in the same employer’s service is two years. 

• Sabbatical 

By definition, a Sabbatical leave is a period in which a person does not report to his regular job but who remains employed with that company. Also commonly referred to as ‘career break’ or ‘adult gap year’, It is a period away from work, agreed with your employer.

The truth is, there are no laws that cover taking a career break or sabbatical; as such employees have no statutory right to take leave. A sabbatical will in most cases be an authorized, unpaid leave of absence.

• Maternity/Paternity Leave

Maternity leave is basically a period of absence from work that is granted to a mother before and after the birth of her child. The US government doesn’t guarantee for paid maternity leave, employers may, however, provide paid leave if they choose. If you have worked at a company for at least a year, you are entitled by federal law to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave.

Paternity leave is a period of time that the father of a new baby is allowed away from work. Usually, a company provides up to eight weeks of paid paternity leave. When a man takes time off because his partner is having a baby, adopting a child or having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement he might be eligible for: 1 or 2 weeks’ paid paternity leave, paternity pay and/or shared parental leave and pay.

• Vacation/Holiday Request Letter 

Vacation leave is ideally available to all eligible employees for the purpose of rest, relaxation, and to attend to personal affairs. It is strikingly similar to annual leave which is paid time off work granted by employers to employees. Although not stipulated by law, many employers nonetheless offer paid vacation, typically around 10 workdays, to attract employees.

• Emergency Leave Application 

Emergency leave is necessary to cater to unforeseen circumstances such as the death of a loved one/family member. A funeral leave, which is leave of absence with pay, must not exceed three days and can be granted for absence from work. You qualify for an emergency leave if; there is a verified death, a life-threatening condition due to an accident, illness, or major surgery, or to visit a terminally ill person in the immediate family.

5 Top Leave Letter Format

Sick leave letter format.

The Manager,

(Insert company name)

Subject: Leave Application due (Insert illness)

Dear Sir/ma’am,

Respectfully, it is to inform you that I am suffering from (Xyz’s illness). I am an employee of your firm for the past (x years). I recently have been diagnosed with a (insert illness). Due to this sudden illness, it would not be possible for me to make an appearance at the office for a month. 

This critical condition has deteriorated my health a lot. I cannot eat properly and have a really bad body rash. It is impossible for me to concentrate on anything. I can attest to have been a dedicated employee and did not take any additional leave from work ever. 

The employee regularity record would serve as evidence of this claim. I would be able to come back after my complete recovery and serve your firm again with the same vigilant and attentive inclination. I hope you take my plea into consideration and allow me a leave of absence for a month. I shall remain indebted to you for this kindness.

Yours Truly,

(Insert name),

(Insert date)

Study Leave Letter Sample

The Manager (Authority name),

Institute Name…

Institute Address…

Sub: Leave Application for Further Study

Dear Sir/Ma’am,

The Higher Education Commission, (Country name) has recently offered a free six-month study program (Another country name) for the candidates fulfilling the criteria. For government and private servants, it is a prerequisite to get approval from the relevant authority. 

Sir/Ma’am, I fulfill the criteria of this study program. I believe it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to fulfill my dream of studying abroad.

I am committed to continuing my services to the department after receiving higher education in (Country name). I shall be indebted to you for approving my leave application for the study program.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours faithfully,

Job Designation…

Contact no…

Sabbatical Leave Letter Sample

Dear [Recipient Name],

My name is [insert name] and I have been working in the ICT department for the past decade. I have recently found myself stuck in a loop, doing the same things over and over again. My learning process stopped and I haven’t improved for a while now.

Feeling the need for self-development, I would like to request for an extended leave, sabbatical, in order to continue my studies and earn another degree. 

I am committed to [company name] and I am happy to work here. I am planning to resume my work at [company name] once I earn my degree, by then, I will be more knowledgeable, motivated, experienced, and more committed.

I do believe that this move is beneficial for both me and the organization. I plan to enroll in late September. The program will take no longer than nine months, so I should be back by May. I have briefed the head of the department and he assured me that coverage is available and that workflow will not be affected much.

I kindly ask you to consider my request and I am hopeful that will approve it. Attached to this letter are the program acceptance letter and other related documents for your reference.

Thank you very much.

Best Regards

(Insert name)

Maternity Leave Application Letter

Subject: Application for Maternity Leave

Dear Mr./Mrs. {Recipient’s Name},

I write to inform you of my intention to take the allotted {Number of weeks} of maternity leave available to me. I hope to start my maternity leave on {Starting date} and return to the office by {Tentative joining date}, barring any unforeseen issues regarding my pregnancy and delivery arise.

If my plans change for any reason, I will let you know as soon as possible. A letter from my doctor confirming the relevant details have been attached to this letter.

Please do well to contact me if you need any additional information.

Yours Sincerely,

{Your Name}

Annual Vacation Request Letter  

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear Mr./Ms. {Recipient’s Name},

I write to inform you that I will be traveling with my family for a period of one month, between {start date} and {end date}. Due to the fact that my entire quota of annual leave sanctioned by the company is pending, I request you to adjust my leaves accordingly.

Following my earlier discussion with my team lead, I have requested my colleague, Mr./ Ms. {enter name} to take over my project while I am on leave. I have already handed over all material regarding the project to him/ her, and expect there to be no exigencies in my absence.

Due to the nature of my travel plans, I may not be available to take phone calls. I request you to address any urgent work-related matters to my email address {enter email ID}.

I will be grateful for a positive reply to my leave request.

Thanks and regards,

How Employers & HRs Can Receive Leave Application Requests

With online forms, Formplus provides a flexible way to store your received data in the cloud storage of choice. You also have the option to opt-out of storing your data on our servers

With unlimited file uploads , users can submit online forms without any restriction to the size or number of files that can be uploaded, Formplus is a great tool to manage employee data. 

Form analytics and reports also give you an insight into an overview of the data submitted to your form.

 Top Leave Application Template for HR and Employers

• Maternity Leave Application Form 

This online maternity leave application form is for a pregnant employee intending to apply for maternity leave as the delivery period nears. This request will help you plan ahead and help solve challenges that may arrive as a result of an employee leave which might be up to 6 months, depending on the labor laws in your country. 

• Paternity Leave Application 

Form Formplus’ online paternity leave application form allows your employees to apply for paternity leave when expecting a baby. That is if the labor laws grant prospective Fathers paternity leave when expecting a child with their partners.

• Sick Leave Form

This sickness notification form template allows your employees to formally notify you of their illness and unavailability to work. With this form, you can track all sick notifications from employees.

• Travel Request Form 

With the online travel request form template, you can let your prospective customers, employees or ward request for a travel package for business trips, holidays, honeymoons, pilgrimage, etc. This travel request template is perfect for travel agencies, employers and tour consultants.

On the whole, a leave application letter should contain a valid reason for your leave application, which should convince the employer and make him grant you leave. 

If you are having a reasonable enough claim for leave application then your request will not be declined without any justification, particularly, when it is due to some personal reasons, could be an illness, urgent piece of work or for visiting sick parents, etc

Most importantly, the leave application should not sound friendly or casual; rather it must be formal and professionally-written.

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12 Leave Letters For Work (With Examples)

When you need time away from work for any reason, you will need to provide your employer with a formal leave letter. A leave letter informs your employer of your absence from work and provides details of your expected return. Depending on your particular situation, you may need to write an annual leave letter, a maternity leave letter, a paternity leave letter, a sick leave letter, or a study leave letter. Whatever your reasons for needing time away from work, it is important to know how to write a leave letter that is professional, clear, and concise. In this article, we will provide you with templates and examples of different kinds of leave letters to help you get started.

Leave letter for being unwell

Dear [Name of manager],

I am writing to inform you that I am unwell and will need to take a day off from work. I am feeling very weak and have been experiencing mild fever and body ache. I am not in a position to come to work today, and I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.

I am taking the necessary precautions as suggested by my doctor and will be back to work in full health as soon as possible.

[Optional] I have also requested my doctor to provide a sick note for the same, which I will submit to you as soon as I receive it.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Leave letter for a family event

I am writing to request a day off from work on [date]. I am planning to use this day to attend a family event that has been planned for some time. It is very important to me to take part in this event and I am confident that I am able to make up the hours missed by working additional hours over the next week.

I am aware of the workload that needs to be completed and I am confident that my absence will not negatively affect the progress of our projects.

[Optional] I am also aware that I must provide proof of the event, and so I am including a copy of the invitation.

Thank you for considering my request. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Leave letter for a doctor’s appointment

I am writing to request a day off from work on [date]. I have scheduled a doctor’s appointment for a medical issue that I have been having for some time. It’s necessary that I now visit the doctor to have it looked at.

I am confident that I can make up the hours missed by working additional hours over the next week. I am also aware of the workload that needs to be completed and I am confident that my absence will not negatively affect the progress of our projects.

Letter Letter for attending a volunteer event

I am writing to request a day off from work on [date]. I am planning to use this day to take part in a [volunteer event]. I feel it is important to give back to the community and I believe that this event will be a great opportunity to do so.

Leave letter for a surgery

Dear [Name of Manager],

I am writing to inform you that I am requesting a leave of absence from work for the next two weeks. I am having surgery for a medical condition and need to take the necessary time to recover.

I am hoping to return to work by [date]. Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Leave letter for a family trip

Dear [Name of Manager], I am writing to inform you that I am requesting a leave of absence from work for the next two weeks. I am going on a family trip to [location] and need to attend. I will to return to work by [date].

Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Leave letter to complete a professional course

I am writing to inform you that I am requesting a leave of absence from work for the next two weeks. I am taking a course to further my professional development and need to attend the classes. I am hoping to return to work by [date].

Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I am confident that the course will help me do better at my role once I’m back.

Leave letter for a vacation

I am writing to inform you that I am requesting a leave of absence from work for the next two weeks. I am taking a much needed vacation and need to take the time to relax and rejuvenate.

I will return to work by [date]. Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Leave letter for the death of a relative

I am writing to inform you that I am requesting a leave of absence from work for the next two weeks. I am attending a funeral for a relative and need to travel out of town to attend.

I am hoping to return to work by [date]. Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Leave letter for visiting a government office

I am writing to inform you that I will need to take a day off from work on [date] in order to visit a government office. The purpose of my visit is to [explain details of why you need to visit the government office]. I understand that this leave is short notice and apologize for any inconvenience.

I will try to be available on phone while I’m away.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Leave letter for maternity leave

I am writing to inform you that I will be taking maternity leave from [start date] to [end date].

I have been with the company for [length of time] and I am excited to start this new chapter of my life as a mother. I am grateful to be able to take this time off to spend with my new baby and family. I am confident that I will be able to return to work on [end date] and I am committed to providing the same high quality of work that I always have.

My team will be in good hands while I am away and I will be available to answer any questions via email or telephone. I am looking forward to coming back to work and continuing to contribute to the success of the company.

Sincerely, [Your name]

Leave letter for paternity leave

I am writing to inform you of my intention to take paternity leave from [start date] to [end date].

I am expecting a child and am looking forward to welcoming my new addition to the family. I am grateful for the paternity leave policy that the company offers, and I am taking advantage of it to spend time with my family.

I am confident that all of my work will be completed before I leave, and I will remain available to answer any questions that may arise. I am happy to provide more information or provide assistance with any tasks that may be needed while I’m away.

Leave letter for the death of a pet

I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a few days of leave from work to grieve the death of my pet, [name of pet]. I was very attached to [name of pet], and I need some time to process and come to terms with her passing.

I hope you can understand the importance of this time for me and that you can grant me this leave.

Leave letter to take care of a sick family member

Dear [name of manager],

I am writing to inform you that I need to take a leave of absence from work in order to take care of my [relation]. My [relation] has recently been diagnosed with [illness], and I need to take some time away from work to provide them with care and support.

I understand that this may cause some disruption for the team, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I am hoping to return to work by [date].

However, this may be subject to change depending on the situation. I will keep you updated on any changes and provide any information that you may need. Thank you for your understanding.

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• Leaving a Job

Formal Leave of Absence Letter Example

• How to Request a Leave From Work
• Dos and Don’ts for Requesting a Leave

What to Include in Your Formal Letter

Leave of absence request template, leave of absence request email example, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Do you need to take a leave of absence from work? If so, it’s important to put your request in writing, both for documentation purposes and to make it easier for your manager to understand what you're requesting.

How to request a leave of absence depends on your position and company policy. Some companies have formal policies in place for employees to request a leave of absence from their jobs. Others accept informal requests. Your employer may have a form you need to complete to request a leave of absence, or you may be required to write a letter documenting your request.

Here's information on how to request a leave of absence, examples of written and email requests for a leave of absence, and tips on what to include when you ask for a leave from work.

Key Takeaways

• Employers are obligated to provide leave for family, medical, or religious reasons, as required by law.
• Other leave benefits are voluntary; they must be agreed upon by an employee and an employer.
• Before you apply for leave, check your employer's policies and procedures for requesting leave.
• It can be helpful to outline your request in writing for your manager to review, as well as to schedule a meeting to clarify policies regarding leave from work.

How to Request a Leave of Absence From Work

Many companies offer leave benefits to employees. However, not all leave benefits are mandated by law. Employers are required to provide some leave. Others are voluntary incentives provided by an employer. Voluntary leave benefits are typically an agreement between an employee and an employer or between an employer and an employee's representative, such as a labor union.

The typical process for requesting a formal  leave of absence  from work is to discuss your situation with your manager or human resources department and learn the process for requesting leave. Your employer will explain what leave is available, the eligibility requirements for leave, and the procedures for requesting leave. You may be required to meet with a manager to review your request and the information you'll need to provide.

It can be helpful to write a letter (or, more typically, an email) to your direct supervisor requesting a meeting to discuss whether, and how, you should apply for a leave of absence.

In this letter, you should include the following:

• Your  reason for needing a leave of absence  (such as the birth or adoption of a child, personal or family health issues, loss of a loved one, or relief from excessive job stress)
• The things you are willing to do to help prepare for your absence (examples: training your replacement, writing a detailed handbook of your daily work processes, or offering to remain available to answer any questions during your absence)
• The anticipated dates of departure and return to work
• A request for your supervisor’s assistance in helping you negotiate the leave of absence process with senior management or your human resources department

Once you have attended this meeting with your supervisor, follow up on the conversation with a written request for a leave of absence. This will be added to your personnel file to initiate the formal leave-of-absence process and provide documentation, if required, prior to the approval of your leave.

The Balance

Dos and Don’ts for Requesting a Leave of Absence

It’s important to ask for your leave in the best possible way. The following guidelines will help you write a request that’s effective, professional, and considerate.

Give as much notice as possible.  It takes time to arrange cover for your role. The more notice you can provide, the easier it will be for the company to accommodate your request.

Speak to your direct supervisor first. Outline your request in writing after the conversation, and make sure to complete the leave request paperwork. 

Know your rights. The Family and Medical Leave Act entitles many employees to unpaid leave to deal with medical conditions and family needs, such as the birth or adoption of a child or emergencies related to a family member’s active military service. Eligible employees who work for companies comprising 50 or more employees are entitled to 12 working weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period. Find out whether you’re covered before requesting leave.

Your state may also have family and medical leave laws that provide for employee absences from work. Check with your state labor department for information on programs in your location.

When requesting a formal leave of absence, your letter should include the following:

• Request for a leave of absence
• The dates you expect to be away from work
• The date you plan to return to work
• An offer to provide assistance, if feasible
• Thanks for considering your request

This leave of absence example template is for a formal request for a leave of absence from work, following a discussion with the employee’s supervisor.

Your Name Your Address Your City, State Zip Code Your Phone Number

Supervisor’s Name Title Organization Address City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],

This letter is a formal request for a leave of absence, to follow up on our meeting yesterday. As we discussed, I would like to request a leave of absence from [Date] through [Date].

I will return to work on [Date].

Please let me know whether you require any further information or have any questions.

Thank you very much for your consideration in affording me this opportunity for personal leave.

Your Signature (hard copy letter)

Your Typed Name

Here's an example of an email message requesting a leave of absence.

Subject: Leave of Absence - John Dooley

Dear Jennifer,

As we discussed yesterday, I would like to request a formal leave of absence from my job for family reasons. I plan to be away from November 2, 2024, to December 30, 2024, returning to work on January 3, 2025.

If approved, I would be glad to help with a plan to cover my workload in my absence. I would also be available to answer questions and provide assistance while I am on leave.

Please let me know whether you require any additional information. Thank you very much for your consideration of my request.

Are employers required to give employees paid leave from work?

Federal law does not require employers to pay employees for time not worked, such as personal leave, vacations, sick leave, or holidays. Some states mandate paid family, sick, parental, and school leave. Check with your state department of labor for details.

What is the best way to request a leave from work?

Your company may have a policy in place for requesting leave from work that specifies circumstances where leave may be granted and how much time employees are entitled to take as leave. Check your employee handbook or talk to your manager for details. If a policy is in place, be sure to adhere to those guidelines for requesting a leave of absence.

National Conference of State Legislatures. " State Family and Medical Leave Laws ."

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. " Leave Policy Tips ."

Department of Labor. " Leave Benefits ."

Department of Labor. " Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) ."

National Conference of State Legislatures. " Paid Family Leave Resources ."

U.S. Department of Labor. " Personal Leave ."

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Leave Application Letter for Office: Format, Samples, Templates

Home Blog others Leave Application Letter for Office: Format, Samples, Templates

A leave application is something everyone has been taught to write since school days. But what I have seen is that many individuals have several doubts swirling around when they actually sit down to write one. Being an employee of a private firm for many years, I have witnessed the same issue in the work scenario, too. Moreover, I feel that the leave application for office must be written in a convincing, engaging, yet formal manner.

For me, the application of leave in office acts as an official statement to let the manager know that I am planning to take a leave from work. Now, do you know the leave application format for office? If not, let me help you learn the process of drafting such a document. I also recommend taking the KnowledgeHut Professional training for further help with such workplace communication.

Why Should You Submit an Office Leave Application?

Submitting a leave application for office informs your manager or team lead about your absence from the workplace. Remaining off work without the knowledge of the management may reflect an unprofessional attitude on your side. I think it also creates a difficult situation for your respective team and may hamper the progress of some of your ongoing projects.

Hence, I think it’s a good idea to draft a leave application letter for the office beforehand. You can even send the application on the day when you won’t be able to attend the office because of a personal matter or other unavoidable circumstances.

Types of Leave Application

A leave application for office can be of various types depending on how they accommodate different situations. I have curated the common leave application types for your reference below:

• Maternity Leave Application:  A time off given to new mothers to care for their newborn or newly adopted child.
• Annual Leave Application:  A planned time off that can be accrued over a particular year.
• Sick Leave Application:  An application granted for medical appointments or health-related issues.
• Vacation Leave Application:  This time off is similar to the annual leave application and can be used for relaxation and travel purposes.
• Casual Leave Application:  A short or unplanned leave granted to employees for unforeseen or incidental reasons.
• Emergency Leave Application:  A compassionate or urgent time off granted to address sudden or unforeseen family and personal emergencies.
• Half-day Leave Application:  A type of   leave application for an office that grants the employee permission to be absent from work for half of the usual working hours in a day.

What to Include in an Office Leave Application Letter/Email?

Learning how to write a leave application begins with knowing the content that you must include in your letter or email. Therefore, what follows is my list of points that should definitely be included in your leave application for office.

• Salutation:  Such an approach will usually include the name of an addressee whose name is written in your notice of leave.
• Subject:  This section of the leave application should include the cause behind your request for leave and the date you filed for it.
• Reason for Leave: I advise that you put across the necessary details so that your application for a leave grant while transiting from office receives the attention it deserves.
• Work Plan: To assure peace of mind to customers, talk about your colleague who will look after all responsibilities when you are not there.
• Closing Sentence: Give thanks to the said individual.
• Name:  State your correct name.
• Designation:  Tell about your exact job function in the company.
• Date:  Cite the present date.

Leave Application Format for Employee

Let me show you a leave letter format for the office that will help you draft future applications with ease.

To: [Manager’s Name]

From: [Your Name]

Date: [Current Date]

Subject: Leave application for [your reason and date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to request a leave of absence for (number of days) from (start date) to (end-date). The reason for my leave is (your valid reason for leave).

I have completed all the urgent tasks and delegated the remaining tasks to (your colleague’s name). I am confident that my absence will not have any negative impact on our team’s work.

I will be available by email or phone during my leave if needed. I will also make sure to check my work email regularly.

I appreciate your consideration.

[Your name and designation]

How to Write a Leave Application Letter for Office

Following the correct leave application format for employees is important for you to be granted leave from your workplace. That is why I have curated a step-by-step guide for you to learn how to draft a leave application for office.

1. Use the Company Letterhead:  Use an official letterhead for your leave application if your company has one. It will help add a professional touch to your leave application for office for personal reasons or any other reason. Include your company name, address, and contact information as given on the letterhead.

2. Include the Date:  Write the current date you submitted the leave application at the top left or right corner. I advise you to use the DD/MM/YYYY format.

3. Add Your Name, Designation, and Employee ID:  Mention your full name along with your position or designation in the company and employee ID, if applicable.

4. Address the Recipient:  Your leave application for office should be addressed directly to your HR department head or reporting manager as specified by company policy. Try to use formal titles like Sir or Ma’am.

5. Subject Line:  Include a subject line that briefly states your leave request.

6. Content:  I suggest you clarify the reason and time period for the leave in the paragraph. Along with that, make sure you clearly explain the reason for your absence. According to the company policy, you will need to give enough time for your planned leave to the concerned authority.

7. Polite and Formal Tone:  Maintain a formal and courteous communication style at all times throughout the leave application. Strictly avoid making unreasonable demands.

8. Express Gratitude:  Finally, end by thanking the approval authority for taking the time to review your leave application.

9. Signature:  Wrap up the leave application with your full name and signature.

10. Proofread:  Double-check the leave application for any grammatical, factual, or spelling errors before submission.

Sample Leave Applications For Office

A sample leave letter format for office can help you draft your future applications without making any errors. Let me walk you through some of these sample leave applications for the office.

1. Sample Leave Application for Office for Personal Reason

The following sample leave application will help you learn how to cite personal reasons for your absence.

Subject: Application for Personal Leave

Dear {Recipient’s Name},

I have an important personal matter to attend to due to which I will not be able to come to the office from {start date} to {end date}.

I have transferred all my tasks to {person’s name} and have asked them to call me for any help during my absence.

Kindly consider my leave application for approval and oblige.

Yours Sincerely,  {Your Name}

2. Sample Leave Application for Marriage

The leave application for marriage is different from other leave applications for office, as shown below.

Subject: Leave for Marriage Ceremony

Dear Sir/Ma’am,

I am pleased to announce that I will be getting married on {Date}. So, I request you to grant me leave from {Date} to {Date} for my marriage function.

I have already started to work towards completing my task before the date.

Looking forward to receiving a positive response from you soon.

{Signature}

3. Maternity Leave Application Sample

Here is a leave letter for office samples for those who want maternity leave.

Subject: Application for Maternity Leave

I am writing to inform you about my decision to take the allotted {Number of weeks} of maternity leave available to me. I plan to start my leave on {Starting date} and return to the office by {joining date}.

I will let you know as soon as possible if my plans change for any reason. I have attached the physician’s letter to confirm the relevant details.

4. Annual Leave Application

Here is a sample of an annual leave mail in the office   for your reference.

Subject: Annual Leave Application

I will be traveling with my family for one month between {start date} and {end date}.

As per my prior discussion with my team lead, I have requested my colleague {enter name} to take over my project while I am on leave.

I may not be available to take calls because of the nature of my travel plans. Please address any urgent work matters to my email address {email ID}.

I await a positive reply to my leave request.

Thank you and regards,  {Your Name}

5. Sick Leave Application

Here is a sample sick leave application for the office for your reference.

Subject: Sick Leave Request for One Day

Dear [Supervisor/Manager’s Name],

I regret to inform you that I will not be able to visit the office tomorrow, [date], due to my health condition. I have visited the doctor and therefore will have to take the day to relax and recover. Therefore, I would like to request one day of sick leave.

I will be available via email for all urgent work matters.

Wishing you and the team a productive day in my absence.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

6. Vacation Leave Application

Here is a vacation leave letter example for office.

Subject: Vacation Leave Application

Dear Mr./Ms. {Recipient’s Name},

I am writing this application to request a leave of absence from {start date} to {end date}. My family and I are taking a vacation to Manali as this period marks the summer vacation for my children. I want to take part of my allotted paid leave in this regard.

In the meanwhile, my teammate, {enter name}, has been authorized to take up any pressing matters in terms of my job duties.

I look forward to your approval.

Sincerely,  {Your Name}

7. Casual Leave Application

Subject: Casual Leave Application

Dear Mr./Mrs. {Recipient’s Name},

I request a leave of {X days} from {start date} to {end date} since I have to attend to a medical emergency of a close relative. As the relative is situated in Uttrakhand, I must be away for {X days}.

I shall be reachable during the period mentioned in my email. My person in charge, {person’s name}, will be handling my tasks in my absence.

I will be thankful if you consider my application at the earliest.

8. Emergency Leave Application

Here is how you can write a leave letter for an emergency.

Sub: Emergency Leave Letter

I have to tend to a personal matter in my hometown because of which I will not be able to come to the office until {date}.

I have informed my colleagues about my leave and have briefed everyone on the project we are working on. You may contact me on (Your mobile number) if you need me with any urgent information.

Please grant me a leave for three days and oblige.

{Your Name}

9. Leave Application for Half-day Sample

Here is a sample leave application for the office for a half day.

Subject: Request for Half-Day Leave on [Date]

Dear [Supervisor Name],

This is to inform you that I am applying for a half-day leave on [Date], [Morning/Afternoon]. I need to [briefly state the reason for leave].

I have completed all urgent tasks and informed [colleague name] about my absence. They have agreed to cover the pending tasks for me.

I will be available via email or phone throughout the day for urgent matters.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Leave Application for Office: Template

I have attached a sample   leave application for the office template for your reference. You can also download it instantly.

Tips for Writing Office Leave Application Letters

I have also curated some tips that you can use while drafting an application for medical leave in the office or for other reasons.

• Use a formal tone and professional format to write the leave application for the office.
• Provide all relevant details, including the purpose of your leave and the duration of absence.
• Send your leave application in time.
• Let the management know about your work status, too.
• Attach supporting documents if needed.
• Follow up with the manager or supervisor if they have not responded to your application yet.

Writing a leave application for the office will be an easy task for you once you have read this guide. I have included the formats for all application types, including a one-day leave application for the office, for your reference. Moreover, you must also follow all the tips and guidelines to ensure your application is in the correct format and tone.

You can learn more about such leave applications and how to draft them through free online courses from KnowledgeHut. These courses will enable you to learn more about effective communication in the workplace and enhance your skills for career advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can apply for a casual leave application for the office if you want to attend a function. Make sure to follow the correct format and inform your manager about your planned absence. This will enable you to get approval instantly.

Several leave types are available for employees, including maternity, annual, half-day, casual, vacation, and sick leave. Familiarizing yourself with their respective formats is essential to ensure you submit the correct application.

Your application should encompass several required elements. The three simple ones are the subject line, the date, the reason for your leave, and the name of the person to whom you have transferred your work.

List down the factors that your manager can incorporate in canceling your absence request for the office. If your manager’s explanations are not convincing enough and you need a leave, you can discuss the matter with your HR department, which may be escalated to the seniors if required.

Yes, your leave remains cancelable even after it is approved. All you have to do is prepare a new document stating the new dates or your reasons for changing your leave. You may also want to bring the matter to your HR and proceed with the application without any problem.

Abhresh Sugandhi

Abhresh is specialized as a corporate trainer, He has a decade of experience in technical training blended with virtual webinars and instructor-led session created courses, tutorials, and articles for organizations. He is also the founder of Nikasio.com, which offers multiple services in technical training, project consulting, content development, etc.

Avail your free 1:1 mentorship session.

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Effective Leave Application Letter to HR: Tips & Templates

Table of Contents

Are you stressing about how to write a leave application letter to HR ? Don’t worry! We’ve got your back! Whether it’s for personal or medical reasons, crafting the perfect letter can be challenging. But this article will guide you through what to include in an effective leave application, along with some useful samples. Let’s dive in and learn how to ace that leave application letter to HR!

Why Should You Submit a Leave Application Letter to HR?

Submitting a leave application letter is important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that your absence from work is authorized and documented . So you don’t face disciplinary action or negative consequences upon returning. It also helps the company plan and allocate resources accordingly, as they know of your absence in advance. Moreover, It shows professionalism and respect towards your employer and colleagues. It communicates your commitment to maintaining open communication and following company policies.

What to Include in a Leave Application Letter to HR?

When writing a letter to your HR Manager requesting time off , it’s crucial to ensure you cover all the key points. Below are specific sections that need to be included for your leave application to be complete and effective

• Receiver’s Name & Address: You must include the name and address of the person receiving your leave application letter.
• Clear Subject Line: Use a clear subject line that includes “Leave Application” and any other necessary details.
• Formal Salutation: Start with a formal salutation that includes the recipient’s name. You can use their first title only if you know the person well.
• Reasons in the Body of the Letter: State the reason for your absence. Mention how long you’ll be away, who will cover for you while you’re gone, and how to contact you if needed.
• Thank the recipient: Express gratitude to the reader for considering your leave request.
• Professional Closing: End the letter with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely.”
• Your Name: Sign off with your full name.
• Your Job Position: Optionally include your job title in the signature.
• The Date of writing: Add the current date at the end of your letter.

Leave Application Letter Samples

Let’s look at some well-crafted leave application letter samples that will help you craft one for yourself:

Sample 1: Sick Leave Application Letter

Dear [Manager’s Name], I am writing to request sick leave for the next three days, starting from [date]. I have been experiencing severe flu symptoms, including fever, body aches, and headaches. The doctor has advised me to rest at home and refrain from going to work until my condition improves. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience my absence may cause. And I intend to make up for the lost time upon my return. Also, I have informed my colleagues about the pending projects and ensured they know what needs to be done while I am away. I hope to recover soon and resume my duties as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Sample 2: Maternity Leave Application Letter

Dear HR Manager, I am writing to formally request a maternity leave of absence from work starting from [Date] as my due date is approaching. My last working day will be [Date], and I plan to return on [Date]. However, I would like to take advantage of any paid leave or sick days available to me. During my absence, I have made arrangements with [Coworker’s Name] to handle any urgent matters that may arise in my department. They are aware of their responsibilities and have agreed to step in while I’m away. I appreciate your support and look forward to returning to work once my maternity leave ends. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Sample 3: Casual Leave Application Letter

Dear [HR Manager’s Name], I am writing to request a casual leave from work on [Date] for personal reasons. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and assure you that I will complete all pending work before leaving. Recently, my family has been going through a tough time as my grandmother is unwell and requires medical attention. As the only person available to take care of her, I feel it necessary to be present with her during this difficult period. I understand that taking time off may affect our team’s progress. But I promise to make up for the lost time by working extra hours upon my return. I hope you can understand my situation and grant me this leave. Please let me know if any procedures or forms need to be completed to process my application. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Sample 4: Emergency Leave Application Letter

Dear HR Manager, I am writing to request an emergency leave from work due to a family emergency. Unfortunately, my mother has been admitted to the hospital, and her condition is critical. I would like to take the next two weeks off from work to be by her side during this difficult time. I understand that this may cause some inconvenience for the company. But I will try to ensure that all of my tasks are completed before I leave and that any critical deadlines are met. I have already spoken with my colleagues who have agreed to cover for me in my absence. Additionally, I will be available via phone and email if anything urgent comes up. Thank you for understanding my situation and for your assistance during this time. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Writing a leave application letter to HR doesn’t have to be complicated. Make sure to follow the guidelines discussed in this article and use one of the effective samples provided in this article. It will help you quickly compose a clear and concise message that effectively communicates your request for time off. Remember to include all the necessary details and follow company policies and procedures. Good luck!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Home » Job Tips » Career Advice » Leave Application for Office

How to Write Leave Applications for the Office? [with Format & Samples]

Taking some days off work is undeniably important because everyone needs to take leaves at several uncontrollable times. In fact, research shows that employees who make use of their annual leave tend to be 40% more productive. This is because they’re less prone to irritability, depression, forgetfulness, and fatigue than those who don’t take any time off. It just goes to show you that sometimes it pays off in terms of productivity when you give yourself some rest. In this blog, we’ll help you get your well-deserved time off work by showing you how to write a leave application for office that cannot be rejected.

Table of Contents

How to Write Leave Application for Office?

To ensure your leave application for office is written professionally and includes all the key information, follow these guides on how to write a leave application for office. Additionally, to learn how to communicate professionally in a corporate office, you can pursue a business communication skills course . 

1. Understand Your Organization’s Policy on Leave

It is important to review your company’s leave policy and rules carefully before planning a vacation or any other activity that requires taking time off. Understand your entitlement to various types of leaves offered by the company, including earned and casual leaves. Also, understand their eligibility criteria.

2. Add the Subject (Purpose) of the Application

This is where you state why you are submitting an application for leave. You should specify what type of leave it is, such as a vacation or sick day request.

Also Read: Application For Sick Leave

3. Include Salutation and Receiver’s Name

Here, include who the letter is addressed to, which could be your boss or a specific individual in the Human Resources team.

4. Mention Reason for Taking Leave

Explain in detail why you require this time off from work including events like medical appointments/treatment that require absence from the workplace etc. This way, your superior understands fully without leaving any doubt the reasons you’re requesting this time off.

5. Specify the Number of Leaves Needed

Employees should indicate the dates that they will need to be away from work. This includes both the start and end date of their leave period.

6. Include a Work Plan During the Absence

Employees can create a plan for their absence, outlining tasks to be completed before they leave. They should also provide detailed instructions on how to execute daily duties in case of emergency when not present at work and offer training and knowledge transfer to any substitutes during the period away from duty.

7. Add Contact Information

Employees must supply their up-to-date contact details in order to be reachable by co-workers during any emergency situation. To ensure minimal disruption or loss of productivity due to said absences, employees should remain available via phone/email if needed.

8. Use Polite and Professional Language

Express your request for leave in a respectful and professional way. Be sure to keep an appropriate tone throughout the conversation, using phrases such as “Please,” “Thank you” and other polite words that demonstrate respectfulness.

Ask politely rather than demanding support, being mindful of how decisions might affect both parties involved. Show appreciation if granted permission by expressing gratitude with statements like “I am very grateful” or “I would be most obliged”.

9. Conclude Professionally

End your leave application with a polite closing phrase such as ‘Warm Regards’, or ‘Yours Sincerely’, followed by your name. If you are sending a hard copy of the leave request make sure to sign it at its end for added authenticity.

10. Proofread Your Leave Application

Review your leave letter for any mistakes. It might be helpful to read it aloud as this can help pick out typos, grammar issues, and anything else that doesn’t sound quite right. Additionally, check that the dates you have specified in the document are correct and make sure all of the information is accurate before submitting it. Make adjustments where needed so that there are no errors in your application.

Also Read: Half Day Leave Application

Sample Leave Application Format for Office

This is a sample format of a simple leave application for the office that works for different types of leave applications.

1. Sample for Annual Leave Application

Everyone deserves a break to recharge and rejuvenate. Use this sample annual leave application letter for office to request time off from work, to get your well-deserved vacation or personal time.

2. Sample Maternity Leave Application

If you’re going to have a baby soon, it is necessary for you to take some time off work. Here is a sample maternity leave application to inform your boss about your absence.

3. Emergency Leave Application Sample

Emergencies are usually unpredictable. An unexpected circumstance can arise at any time, requiring immediate time off from work. Here’s a sample emergency leave application for office to notify your employer about your urgent absence.

4. Sample Leave Application for Office for Personal Reason

If you wish to take a leave of absence from the office due to a personal reason you do not want to disclose, you can write an application in the following format.

5. Sample Medical Leave Application for Office

If you are suffering from an illness or sustained any injuries and are unable to work for some time, you can submit a medical leave application. Here is a format for the same:

6. Sample Three-Day Leave Application for Office

Here is how you can write a three-day leave application to attend a wedding:

You can check out more marriage leave application samples to write an application for different scenarios. 

When you need time away from work, it is essential to submit a well-crafted leave application for office. Make sure your request follows all guidelines given by the company and includes vital information such as why you are requesting time off, etc. Employ polite language in your letter and make certain that everything has been checked twice so there are no mistakes present.

Are you ready to write a professional leave application now? Share with us in the comments below some other scenarios where you can use the above-mentioned leave application samples. Read more on leave applications, get to know what is privilege leave to check if you have it as part of your benefits package.

If you are taking a leave due to an illness, injury, medical condition, medical emergency in a family, or childbirth, you should provide a medical certificate with your leave application.

You can address the leave application email to your manager by writing, “Hi [Manager’s Name], I am writing to request leave from [date] to [date] due to [reason]. I have completed most of my current tasks and have coordinated with [Colleague’s Name] for pending tasks. In case of an urgent matter that requires my attention, you can contact me at [email address]. Thank you for your understanding.

If you plan on taking a leave of absence, submit an application well in advance, four or five days before the decided date. If it is due to an emergency, try to inform your manager or supervisor as early as possible.

To draft a leave application for personal reasons write, “Dear [Manager’s Name], I am writing to request a leave of absence due to personal reasons. Please grant me a leave from [date] to [date]. Thank you for your understanding.

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Harshita is an English Literature graduate from the University of Delhi with 3 years of experience in Content Writing and Editing. Dedicated to her craft, she loves creating magic with words. She is a big fan of hoarding cute planners and journals and can be seen watching FRIENDS (almost EVERYTIME) in her spare time. Her meticulous attention to detail makes her stand out from the crowd. A typo epidemic is her worst nightmare!

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Published In: Letters

Writing a Leave Application (Free Samples & Templates)

There is always a time where one wants to take a breather from school or work. The break might be scheduling a vacation with family and friends or just a retreat from schoolwork. It could also be unavoidable situations such as accidents, sicknesses, or weddings.

What is Leave Application?

It is mainly a formal way of asking for a break from work or school for a certain amount of time. For example, in school, a student must write a leave application to his/her principal or teacher. It is also crucial that they follow the rules to compose a perfect application to make it acceptable by the institution. Your request will not be denied if you have a genuine reason for your leave application.

Reasons behind taking leave

• Death in the family.
• Family or friend’s wedding.
• A medical procedure, e.g., surgery
• Home emergencies like a fire, damage to property, etc.
• Sickness in the family.
• Relatives are visiting from or going to live abroad.
• Stress and anxiety from work.
• Doctor’s appointment.
• Babysitting problems at home.

Casual Leave Application

It is a letter written to inform the appropriate authority of your absence for a specific period when you look to take a break due to personal reasons. You are required to record your annual leave days to account for how many you have left. Employers use these letters for evidence keeping. When writing a casual leave application, include your leave details, i.e., when you need the leave and the return date.

• Employees need to inform their manager about their casual leave beforehand to make time to find replacements for their absence.
• It is essential to use formal language.
• Keep it short by only mentioning the required information.
• Include a signature at the end of the casual leave application.
• Include the name of the person who will be undertaking your tasks while on leave.

Sample casual leave application letter

Subject: Casual Leave Application

Dear Mr. Robertson Ian,

I would like to request for a leave of 6 days from the 2 nd Dec to  8 th Dec since I have an imperative delicate matter at hand. The reason for my leave is that my father, who has been unwell for some time now, is scheduled for urgent surgery.

I will resume work from 8 th Dec, and I shall be available at my work email address and my personal phone number. Besides, I have instructed Vivian Julio to be in charge of some errands during my absence. She is experienced and well equipped with adequate skills for any emergency. I  will be grateful if you understand and grant me the leave.

Yours Sincerely,

Lydia Lauren.

Leave Application for Marriage

Employees write this letter to inform the manager of their leave to attend a wedding. It might be their wedding or a relative’s wedding.

• Employees need to inform their manager about their leave for marriage beforehand to make time to find replacements for their absence.
• Include a signature at the end of the marriage leave application.
• Include the accurate date, time, and venue for the occasion.

Sample leave application for marriage

Frank Lewis, 1423, Street 47 Shahdara, Delhi 10 th Dec 2020. The Manager ABC Cooperation Ltd. Shahdara, Delhi Subject: Leave request for my  marriage

My name is Frank Lewis working in the Information, Communication, and Technology department.

I am glad to inform you that I am getting married on 10 th Dec 20XX. This is an imperative and one of the long-awaited moment in my life, and  I would like to take a leave from 4 th Dec 20XX to 22nd Dec 20XX. This will give me adequate time for relevant arrangements. Please find a wedding invitation along with the letter. I also surpass the invitation to all the co-members.

Kindly grant me the leave, and your presence at the wedding function will be highly appreciated. I will resume my duties on 23rd Dec 20XX. Before I leave, I will email you the reports of the project in process. I have asked my team member Joshi Evan to cover up work in my absence, and he has accepted.

Thank you for your understanding.

Frank Lewis.

Leave Application for Office

Employees write a Leave Application for Office when they need to take a break from the office for a certain period. Office rules are to be followed to write formal leave applications. This letter illustrates an employee’s inability to work at the office.

• Employees need to inform their manager about their leave from office to make time to find replacements for their absence.
• Keep it short by only mentioning the required information, i.e., reasons for taking the leave.
• Include a signature at the end of the office leave application.
• Write the recipient’s name.
• Provide your correct contact information in case of an emergency.

Sample leave application letter for office

Leave application for college.

Leave Application for College is necessary when you need to take a break from college for a particular period. This letter is commonly submitted to the principal. It will not be denied if there are genuine reasons like visiting a sick family member or suffering from an illness.

Sample leave application letter for college

Kathline Wendy,

The American University of Barbados,

9 th June 20XX

Mr. John Tyson

Vice Principal, School of Medicine

American University of Barbados

Subject: Leave application for college

I am Kathline Wendy, a fourth-year student in the school of medicine in your college. My Student identity number is  SM346572. I am writing this letter to inform you that I will be away for 3 days as from this 10th June 20XX. I am sorry to let you know that I lost my uncle, who has been battling cancer. We need to take his body from the funeral home, and all the family members are supposed to be present. 

 I kindly request you to accept my plea and grant me leave for the three days. I will be glad if my uncle gets a decent send-off. After getting back to school, I assure you that I will work harder and smarter to attain very good grades, and I hope to be amongst the top performers in our class.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

Kathline Wendy

Maternity Leave Application

A Maternity Leave Letter informs your employer that you plan to take maternity leave at the end of a pregnancy.

• Employees need to inform their manager about their maternity leave beforehand to make time to find replacements for their absence.
• Express gratitude.
• Use appropriate salutations.
• Format your application correctly.

Sample sick leave application letter

Subject: Application for sick leave

Dear: Mr. Anderson Huan

 I am emailing you to let you know that I cannot make it to the office for the next two days. I had symptoms of viral infection, I went to the doctor, and he prescribed 2 days of rest.

I have asked my colleague Mathew to handle my pending tasks to make sure that deadlines are met.

If you need any urgent help, I will be available to answer calls and can respond to emails within a short time possible. I will be back in the office on Monday 14 th, 2020. Attached is the doctor’s note.

Thank you for understanding

Jane Walton

Leave Application to Boss

Leave Application to Boss is written by an employee to inform your boss that you will be away from work for a specific period.

Employees need to inform their manager about their leave beforehand to make time to find replacements for their absence.

• Be honest about the reason for the leave.

Sample leave application letter to boss

Subject:  Leave application for 1 st Dec 20 XX

Dear: Mark Lawson

I hope this email finds you in good health. I would like to inform you that I will need a day off on Monday. I cannot attend the office tomorrow because I have an emergency at home, which cannot be avoided. My son got sick at night, and we had to rush him to the hospital, and  I really need to be by his side for at least a day.

 As there are important tasks scheduled for tomorrow, I have assigned all the duties to my colleague June Walton. I will be available on calls just in case of any urgent query; feel free to contact me on my number. I will send an email about the ongoing project first thing tomorrow in the morning. I will be grateful if you understand the emergency.

Half-Day Leave Application

You can ask for a half-day leave for simple, urgent, or personal reasons.

• Mention the hours you will be away.
• Be genuine.

Sample half day leave application letter

To the Human Resource Manager,

Mr. Brand Ltd.

Subject: Half day leave application

Dear Sir/ Madam

I am writing this to inform you that I will not be available tomorrow during the morning hours. I have been having a toothache for some days now, so I will see a dentist, and my appointment is scheduled for 9 am in the morning. I will be able to get back to work at 12 pm. In my absence, you can contact Ken Rick. I am sure that the team will handle everything exceptionally, but don’t hesitate to reach out to me in case of any queries.

Yours Truly,

Linda Jones.

Leave Application Templates

You can download one of our sample application letters if you find it challenging to write a leave application letter from scratch. They are easily editable, making it easier for you to fill in the details for your leave. Leave Application Templates allows your employees to write a good and formal letter indicating their leaves’ details.

Tips for Writing a Leave Application

• Include a signature at the end of the leave application.
• Use polite and professional language to make it sound genuine.
• Revise the letter for any grammatical or punctuation errors.
• Provide a genuine reason why you need to take the leave.
• Provide your contact information in case of a work emergency, and you need to be reached.

Key Points to Remember

• Salutation and addressing to the appropriate person.
• The subject of the letter.
• Reasons for taking leave.
• Leave days required.
• Include your correct contact information.
• Don’t forget to include your name and details at the end of the application letter.

Related Documents

• Letter Writing
• Formal Letter Writing In English
• Leave Letter
• Leave Application For School

Leave Application for School - Writing Instructions and Samples

If asked about your memories of school life, you will definitely have a lot to say, but there would be one common thought that all of us share as school going kids – the plight of writing leave letters. There are many who just avoided taking leave for any reason just because they would have to write a leave letter. Moreover, it had to be signed by parents as well, so writing leave letters was never an easy task. Draft after draft after draft, it never ended, right. This article on leave application for school will explain how it can be written and thereby ease the process of writing leave letters.

Table of Contents

Format of writing a leave letter for school, leave application 1 – leave letter to principal – to participate in the national level literary competition, leave application 2 – school leave letter format – sick leave, leave application 3 – letter to principal for leave – going out of station, leave application 4 – letter of absence.

• FAQs on Leave Application for School

Leave letters come under the category of formal letters, and so the format of a leave letter is the same as any formal letter. When writing a leave letter in English, see to it that you use formal/professional English language.

• Begin with the receiver’s address as it is mostly handed over to the concerned person directly.
• The date should be mentioned as it indicates when the letter was written.
• The subject comes next. It should be as precise as possible.
• Use a respectful salutation.
• When you write the body of the letter, mention clearly the reason for which you are applying for leave and the time period of your leave.
• Maintain a neutral tone throughout the letter.
• Write to the point. Do not use long, unwinding sentences that might confuse the reader or present the content of the letter as confusing.
• Proofread the letter, edit and correct spelling and grammatical errors, if any, before you submit it.
• Attach any additional documents if necessary. For example, medical certificate, on duty certificate, etc.

Some Sample Leave Application Letters for You

Have you been asked to write a letter to the principal requesting for leave? Here is what you have to do. Be brief and genuine when you are writing a leave application and provide enough information to quote the reasons for your absence. Go through the sample leave applications given below for a better understanding of the format of writing a leave application for school.

The Principal

Holy Angels High School

Bangalore – 560025

25 th September, 2020

Subject: Leave application to participate in the National Level Literary Competition

Respected Ma’am,

I am Susan Caro, student of Class X C. I have won first place in the Elocution competition and have been selected for the next level of competitions that will be held in New Delhi. The National Level Competition will be held from the 3 rd to the 7 th of October. I will have to report to the venue at 9 am on October 3 rd .

I request you to kindly grant me leave for a week (2.10.2020 – 8.10.2020). I will make sure to take note of all the lessons and complete the work that will be given during my absence.

Thanking you

Yours faithfully,

DAV Matriculation Higher Secondary School

Mysore – 570045

May 6, 2021

Subject: Sick leave request

Respected Sir,

My son Keshav has been admitted at KIMS Hospital due to severe food poisoning and fever. The doctor has advised him to take complete rest at least for a week. He has become completely weak and anaemic.

I request you to kindly understand our situation and grant him leave for a week from May 7 th to May 12 th . I am attaching the medical certificate for your reference. I will make sure that he completes all the assigned tasks once he gets back to school.

Yours sincerely,

Perks Matriculation Higher Secondary School

Coimbatore – 641056

Subject: Leave request for going out of station

I am Adharsh, a student of Class VII B. As my brother is getting married on the 5 th of August (Thursday), I will have to leave along with my family tomorrow (3 rd August) to Kerala. I will be returning to Coimbatore on the 9 th of August (Monday). I would be highly obliged if you could kindly grant me leave for a week (03.08.2021 – 09.08.2021). I will make sure to find out the lessons completed during the week and submit all of them in a week’s time.

Class VII B

Roll No. 12

Nehru Vidhyalaya

Malda – 732101

West Bengal

Subject: Letter of Absence

I am Dennis, father of Renita (student of Class VIII C). This is to inform you that my daughter met with an accident on her way to school today morning, and she is admitted at Hem Hospital. She has been injured badly, and the doctors are doubting possible fractures as well.

I request you to kindly excuse her absence from school until she recovers completely. I will take the help of her teachers and friends to keep track of the daily lessons and tasks. I will also provide the medical certificates when she gets back to school.

Thank you in advance for understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions on Leave Application for School

What are the details to be included when i write a leave letter for school.

When writing a leave letter for school, make sure you clearly state the reason for absence and the dates on which you would want to take leave. You can also mention the date on which you would be returning to school and assure to finish all the work that has been assigned during your term of absence.

What is a leave application?

A leave application is a formal request for permission to take leave from regular classes or work. It has to be short, to the point, genuine and should state the time period and reasons for absence.

What is the format of a leave application?

A leave application includes,

• Receiver’s address
• Subject (Purpose of the letter)
• Body of the letter (including the reason for leave, number of days with particular dates, date of return)
• Complimentary closing

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Securing a job in today’s competitive job market is pretty challenging, a well-written job application letter can make all the difference in landing a dream job. It serves as your first introduction to your potential employer and offers a valuable opportunity to showcase your qualifications, skills, enthusiasm, and suitability for the role.

To explore the ins and outs of writing a job application letter, and how to make a strong impression with it, check out this blog. This blog will show you how to write an exceptional job application letter that will help you stand out from the competition.

A job application letter is commonly referred to as a cover letter. This letter of application is a document that is sent along with your resume when you apply for a job. Its main purpose is to introduce yourself to the potential employer or hiring manager, providing an opportunity to present your skills, qualifications, and experience that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Additionally, it aims to persuade the hiring manager to consider you for the role. 

Therefore, a strong job application letter serves as your ultimate gateway to your dream job.

• Components of a Job Application Letter

To draft an outstanding application you need to follow the right step to write a letter. Therefore, here are the key components that you should follow:

Include your contact information and the date at the top of the letter, followed by the employer’s contact details.

Begin your letter with a formal greeting to the hiring manager. It’s best to address the letter with the name of the hiring manager. For this, it’s advisable to call the company and ask for the hiring manager’s name as it would look professional. Alternatively, use a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager”.

Craft a standout introduction to build that positive impression from the start of your letter. Your introduction should highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that make you a suitable candidate for the job.

Highlight what value you can bring to the company with this position. Talk about why you’re the perfect fit for the job; this way, you can showcase your professional skills and stand out from other applicants.

Express your enthusiasm for the position and reiterate your interest in the opportunity. Also, thank the employer for considering your application. End the letter with professional closing for example: “Yours sincerely”, “Best regards”, or “Thanks for your consideration”, followed by your name and signature.

Read More: All You Need to Know About Resume Headlines – With Example

• Tips on How to Write a Job Application Letter

Customize your application letter for the job; formally, it’s best to follow the key components that we discussed above. This way, you can tailor your application letter to each job, highlighting the qualifications and experiences most relevant to the position.

Show your understanding of the company and its values in your application letter as this shows that you are aware of what the company does, and your genuine interest in the position.

Though you have a lot to say and express in your letter, do not go over the board, keep it concise and to the point, focusing on key skills and experiences that align with the role.

It sometimes happens that the hiring manager may not read the entire letter but rather would just find the relevant keywords that match the job requirements. Additionally, incorporating keywords will also help your application stand out to applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Finally, once you have drafted your outstanding job application letter, give a quick check on the grammatical errors to ensure the letter is professionally well formatted without any blunders.

• Best Job Application Letter Format (Example Templates)

Subject: Application for the Role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position listed on [where you found the job posting]. As a recent graduate from [University/College Name], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and grow both personally and professionally.

During my academic studies, I developed strong skills in [relevant skills or coursework]. I am particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the company or job description] and am eager to apply my knowledge and enthusiasm to support [Company Name]’s goals.

I am highly motivated and detail-oriented, and I possess excellent communication skills. I am confident that my academic background and passion for [industry or field] make me a strong candidate for this position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of [Company Name].

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Subject: Job Application for [Job Title] Position at [Company Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as listed on [where you found the job posting]. With over [number of years] years of experience in [relevant industry or field], I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to your esteemed organization.

In my current role at [Current Company], I have successfully [mention key achievements or responsibilities]. These experiences have equipped me with strong skills in [relevant skills or competencies], including [specific skills mentioned in the job description].

I am particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the company or job description], and I am confident that my background in [relevant experience or industry] aligns well with the needs of [Company Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my qualifications and experiences can contribute to the continued success of [Company Name].

Yours Sincerely,

Subject: Expressing Interest in [Job Title] Position at [Company Name]

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as posted on [where you found the job posting]. With [number of years] years of experience in [relevant industry or field], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [briefly mention key responsibilities or achievements]. These experiences have honed my skills in [relevant skills or competencies], and I am eager to apply them to drive success at [Company Name].

I am particularly impressed by [specific aspect of the company or job description], and I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the talented team at [Company Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background and expertise align with the needs of your organization.

Read More: Resume Headline For Freshers: 30+ Examples and Tips

Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, you understand that a well-written job application letter can significantly enhance your chances of securing an interview with your dream company in this challenging job market. Therefore, follow these tips, key components, and templates to draft a successful job application letter that impresses your hiring manager. With the right approach, you’ll be one step closer to your next career opportunity.

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The 18 Do’s and Don’ts of Cover Letters Every Job Seeker Should Know

Posted: May 8, 2024 | Last updated: May 8, 2024

Most job seekers don’t spend nearly enough time working on their cover letters, assuming that their resume is enough to get them an interview. But when there is competition, a great cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and getting passed over. 

Your cover letter is your first impression when you’re applying for a new job, and it should be a good one. It’s also an opportunity to show your personality and demonstrate why you’re a perfect fit for the role.

Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task, but you can do a few simple things to make the process easier. Here are some easy do’s and don’ts that can help you write a great cover letter that will impress employers.

Sell Yourself

Like your resume, your cover letter is your chance to brag (professionally) about why they should hire you. Be proud of your skills and accomplishments, and use them to explain why you are the best candidate for the job.

When you sit down to write a cover letter, think about what will grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to learn more about you. What can you say about your skills and experience that will set you apart from the other candidates?

If you can, include specific examples of times when you have excelled in a similar role.

Answer the Question: Why Do You Want to Work Here?

You can be more human and personable in your cover letter than in your resume. So be sure to tell the reader why you want the job . This is especially true if you are making a career change or have been out of work for a while. 

Briefly explain your situation so that the hiring manager doesn’t have any questions about why you’re applying. 

For example, you can say something as simple as: “After ten years of working in office administration, I am interested in finding new challenges in the marketing industry.” 

Address How You Meet the Needs of the Organization

There’s a reason most job applications require a resume and a cover letter. A cover letter gives you a chance to communicate with the organization and elaborate on your resume. It’s your opportunity to explain how you meet the organization’s needs and why you should be selected for an interview.  

When writing a cover letter, it’s important to focus on how you can help the company reach its goals. You need to do your research to do this.

Find out the company’s goals and plans for achieving them. Then, craft a cover letter that demonstrates how your skills and experience can help the company succeed. 

You can also use your cover letter to address some of the other job needs that may be difficult to include on your resume. These are things like having a driver’s license and access to a vehicle or details about your availability, such as when you can start.

Personalize Each Letter

Each employer should receive a personalized cover letter, but don’t worry! You can create one or two cover letter templates and tailor them for each job, just like you should do for your resume.

People still expect your cover letter to follow the formal letter format that includes the date, your name and contact information, and the company’s contact information. Be sure to update each cover letter so that it has the correct details and is addressed to the right person. Addressing your cover letter to the wrong person or sending the wrong letter with your resume probably won’t get a second look. 

If you can’t find who to address the letter to, it’s better to use something generic like “hiring manager” or “hiring team” than the wrong name.

Keep it Short

Almost everyone will tell you that your cover letter must be one page. In most cases, this is great advice. Limiting yourself to one page helps you avoid repetition and really focus on what the hiring manager needs to know.

But the truth is, your cover letter should be as long as it needs to be. 

I have been successful in submitting a two-page cover letter in the past. In this case, I was applying for a position that was actually two part-time jobs combined into one full-time job. The two roles were related but required different skills, so there was no way to address them all with a single-page cover letter.

Make sure your cover letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors. Use Grammarly (which is free) to catch spelling errors, grammar mistakes, and other language issues that you may overlook. This attention to detail will show the employer that you are taking the time to make sure that your letter is professional and that you are taking the job seriously. 

Proofreading your own cover letter (and resume) can be difficult because you have likely read it so many times that you no longer see the mistakes. Having someone else take a look at it with fresh eyes can be helpful. In addition, they may be able to offer suggestions for improvements or point out information that is missing.

Get Their Attention Right Away

Almost every cover letter starts in the same boring way: “I am writing to apply for the [position] job at [company].” This does not tell the employer anything about you or why you are qualified for the job. 

Instead, use the first paragraph to grab the employer’s attention and make them want to read more. 

You can do a few things to make your first paragraph truly stand out: 

• Tell them right away why you are qualified for the position. If you have work experience that matches the required qualifications, mention it first. 
• Use strong, active language to engage the employer and show that you are enthusiastic about the position. 
• Talk about your transferable skills, such as those you gained from previous jobs, volunteering, leadership roles, or your side hustle. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have used these skills in the past and how they will help you succeed in the position you are applying for.

Starting your cover letter with a strong hook will immediately set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your dedication and enthusiasm for the role.

Use Action Words

Use strong action words on your cover letter, such as: created, managed, oversaw, and implemented. These words will demonstrate your ability to take charge and get things done. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who can take the initiative and get the job done, so make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills by using descriptive words .

Address Employment Gaps or Potential Concerns

Your cover letter is also an opportunity to explain any gaps in your employment history or to address any concerns that the employer might have about your candidacy. For example, if you took a few years off to raise your children, use your cover letter to explain how this has prepared you to return to the workforce and be an even better employee.

If you are out of work, don’t try to hide it. Employers may eventually discover the truth, so it’s better to be honest with them from the start.

Explain your situation briefly and focus on the positive – what you have been doing to stay busy and how you are excited to put your skills to use in a new role. Honesty is always the best policy, and employers will appreciate your transparency.

Don’t Repeat Your Resume

Now that you know what you should be doing on your cover letter, let’s talk about some of the things you need to avoid. 

Your cover letter is meant to elaborate on your resume, not repeat it. If it doesn’t tell us anything more than your resume already does, why are you even bothering to write one?

Hiring managers don’t want to read the same information twice. They want to see how you can add value to their organization, not just a list of your past accomplishments.

Use your cover letter to talk about your skills and experience in a more natural way. Expand on what you want an employer to know about yourself and your application. 

Don’t Be Negative

If you are applying for a new job, you are either unemployed or underemployed, hate your current job , or are worried that you may be about to lose it. None of these situations are fun to be in, but you can’t let that show in your cover letter. You have to keep it positive!

You want to show the employer that you are excited about the opportunity and are confident in your ability to do the job. 

If you hate your current job, focus on how you are looking for a new challenge and how you believe this job will be a better fit for you. Or, if you are worried you may lose your job, focus on how you are proactive and are already looking for new opportunities. 

Don’t Discuss Why You Need the Job

Everyone knows that you need a job to make money to support yourself and your family. You don’t need to explain this or the details of your specific situation in your cover letter. Mentioning that you are hoping to buy a new house next year doesn’t matter to an employer. 

What does matter to an employer is what you can do for them. They want to know how you will:

• make their company more money
• save them money
• make their company more efficient
• help them to avoid potential problems

In your cover letter, focus on what you can do for the employer, not on what they can do for you. 

Don’t Make Excuses

Making excuses will only draw more attention to your weaknesses or make you sound like a difficult person to work with.

If you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications they are looking for, that’s okay – just don’t point it out! Let them decide if it’s a deal-breaker or if they are willing to train you in that specific area. They might not even notice!

Avoid making excuses for past job experiences or choices that might negatively reflect on you. If you were fired from a job, for example, simply state that the job wasn’t a good fit and move on. Don’t try to justify your actions or make excuses—this will only make you look bad.

Don’t Lie Or Exaggerate

Many people feel the temptation to lie or exaggerate their skills and experience when applying for a new job. Although lying on your application may seem like a harmless way to make yourself look more qualified, it can lead to serious consequences.

When an employer is interested in hiring you, they will conduct a background check and call your references. If you’re caught lying on your job application, you will likely be immediately disqualified. In some cases, you may even be banned from applying to that company in the future.

Lying on your application can also be a form of fraud, which is a crime in many jurisdictions. Depending on the severity of the lie, you could lose your job, be sued, or even be prosecuted for falsifying documents.

Lying or exaggerating about your experience or education can also lead to problems down the road if you are hired for a position based on false information. For example, if you claim you are proficient at using a specific program that you don’t really know much about, you will struggle in your new role. Not being able to do your job will be stressful and raise questions with your employer. Unless you’re a quick learner, you will probably find yourself job searching again within a few months. 

So, the next time you’re tempted to fudge the truth on your application, remember the potential consequences. Be honest on your applications, and you’ll be much better off in the long run.

Don’t Send a Generic Letter

As mentioned, your cover letter should be unique to each employer and job opportunity. Don’t simply copy and paste the same letter for every job application. A few small tweaks are all you need to make your cover letter specific to each job and increase your chances of getting an interview. 

If it’s obvious that you’ve created one cover letter and are using it repeatedly to apply to dozens of jobs, it gives the impression that you don’t really care if you get this job or not – you just want any job. And while that may be true, you don’t want to create any apprehension with an employer. 

Don’t Use Clichés or Slang Terms

Avoid using clichés, slang, and overly casual language when writing a cover letter. Such language can come across as unprofessional and may not convey the message you are trying to get across in the best way possible. 

Clichés include phrases like “I’m a people person” or “I’m a go-getter.” These phrases are overused and do not add anything unique to your letter. 

Using slang can give the impression that you are not taking the process seriously. It can also make it difficult for the reader to understand what you are trying to say. Instead, focus on using clear and concise language, which will get your point across in a way that is both professional and respectful.

While it is important to be friendly and personable in your letter, being too casual can make you seem unprofessional and could hurt your chances of getting the job.

Don’t Include Unnecessary Personal Information

There are a few reasons why you should not include personal information in your cover letter. First, it is not necessary. The employer is only interested in your qualifications and not your personal life.

Second, while it may seem like a good idea to make yourself seem more relatable, including personal information can actually have the opposite effect. It can make you appear unprofessional.

Third, including personal information on your cover letter can be a privacy concern. If an employer knows too much about your personal life, they could potentially use this information against you. For example, if you mention that you have young children, the employer may assume that you will need to take time off for childcare. As a result, you may be passed over in favor of a candidate without the same responsibilities.

Lastly, sharing personal information in your cover letter could also lead to identity theft. If you include your home address or phone number, a savvy thief could use this information to steal your identity. By including personal information in your cover letter, you could be putting yourself at risk.

Overall, you should always err on the side of caution to protect your privacy. Stick to the facts and let your qualifications speak for themselves.

Cover Letters Are Tricky But Beneficial

It can be difficult to strike the right tone in a cover letter. You want to sound enthusiastic and professional without coming across as desperate or pushy. The goal is to show that you’re a good fit for the company, so focus on that. 

If you’re not sure how to get started, plenty of cover letter examples are available online. Just make sure to tailor the letter to the specific company and position you’re applying for, and only include the skills and experience that you actually have.

With these tips, you should have no problem creating a cover letter that will stand out and help you get hired.

Quick Resume Tips

If you want to make a good impression and stand out from the competition, here are 20 resume do’s and don’ts . Following these simple tips, you can be sure that your resume will make a great impression on employers.

Add Your Side Hustle to Your Resume

Job seekers are told they need to stand out if they want to get hired. But how? One of the easiest ways is to include their side hustle on their resumes . Your side hustle is teaching valuable job skills that can make you a stronger candidate. Not mentioning this on your resume or cover letter is a mistake! 

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How to Write a Strong Letter of Recommendation for College

If you’re a college counselor, coach, teacher, or mentor looking to support your college-bound students, chances are you’ve been asked to write a strong letter of recommendation. Stand-out letters of recommendation can give students a serious leg-up during college admissions. According to a 2024 post from Admit Report , college admissions officers will read as many as than 50,000 applications per admission cycle for a given university.

With that much competition, it can take a lot to help your student stand out. So, what catches an admissions officer’s eye? Strong letters of recommendation.

In that same survey, admissions counselors said letters of recommendation were more important to them than a student’s extracurricular activities, AP test scores, or even class rank. That means it’s worth putting a little extra effort into your next letter. Here’s how to write a college letter of recommendation that will blow the admission committee’s socks off. 

Need more help? Check out Going Merry’s high school counselor hub for email templates, how-to’s, and other resources.

Introduction

The introduction is one of the most important parts of your letter. This is your chance to hook the reader and draw them in. Here’s how to ace one common recommendation letter format. 

1. Open with a formal salutation

Your letter of recommendation should begin like any business letter. Keep in mind that, while common, “Dear Sir or Madam,” can feel gendered or outdated. “To Whom It May Concern,” is acceptable but can feel a little impersonal. If you can, find out the name of the admissions director. If you can’t find a direct contact, simply address your letter to “Dear Admissions Counselor.” Be sure to type on your official letterhead to give your letter an even more professional look.  

2. Introduce the student 

Start your first paragraph with a sentence or two explaining how long you’ve known the student and in what capacity. Were you their baseball coach, English teacher, or high school counselor ? Explain how you met. If possible, use a little descriptive detail to bring this anecdote to life, and mention your first impressions of the student. It’s usually standard to use the student’s first and last name upon first mention, then refer to them by their first name going forward.

3. Establish a personal connection 

Next, add a sentence or two demonstrating your connection to the student. This is one of the most crucial parts of writing a strong college letter of recommendation. Admissions officers are looking for endorsements from people who really know the candidate well. If you don’t have a personal connection to the student that goes beyond simply being their teacher or counselor, that’s okay. Remember, you can always say no and encourage them to ask someone else to write their letter instead.

One of the best ways to establish this connection and help a student stand out is to tell a memorable story that illustrates their character. Include an example of a time when their qualities or skills really shone. Maybe this is a story about how they stepped up in a leadership position, reacted well in a moment of success or failure, or went out of their way to help another student. Make sure it’s specific and personalized.

Use this section to paint a picture of this young person and explain what makes them stand out. 

1. Highlight the student’s achievements  

Use the next paragraph to mention the student’s top accomplishments. Keep in mind that the admissions officer will already have the student’s resume and GPA in front of them, so don’t waste time listing a bunch of achievements. 

Instead, mention a specific example or short anecdote that might add color to a prominent resume item. For example, the admissions officer probably already knows that your student is a varsity basketball player or a debate team captain. But if this is the hardest-working student-athlete you’ve ever coached or the most brilliant debater the school has ever seen, that’s worth a mention.

Another tip: While it can be helpful to use a letter template , try to avoid using the same formula for every student on your list. College admissions officers are often assigned to a particular region. That means the same person will likely end up reading the same high school teachers’ or counselors’ letters year after year. If your letters are practically the same for each student, the admissions officer will notice.

2. Speak to the student’s character 

Now that you’ve mentioned a student’s successes, it’s time to explain what personal qualities led to such success. Try to make this part of the letter flow naturally from the previous section. 

This is your chance to talk about the student’s hard work, magnetic personality, or aptitude for learning. That said, it’s best to avoid generic statements and clichés . The phrases “great work ethic,” and “strong team spirit” show up on thousands of letters each year. Instead, use concrete examples and descriptive detail to bring your student’s character traits to life. 

Instead of “He’s thoughtful,” say “He’s capable of discussing even the most complex topics with humility and nuance.” Instead of “She’s intellectually curious,” say, “She thinks like a scientist, and over the last four years, she’s turned in such thoughtful lab assessments that sometimes I worried she was teaching me more than I was teaching her.” It’s that kind of vivid description and personalization that catches the attention of college admissions counselors. 

Also be mindful of racial biases and gender biases in letter writing . If you’re not mindful, these unconscious biases can sneak into your letter and negatively color the admissions officer’s view of your student.

3. Provide context 

Praise doesn’t mean much without context. Be sure to benchmark your student’s achievements against those of their peers. This kind of context gives college admissions counselors a better understanding of the student’s abilities. It will be easier for them to make admissions decisions when they can clearly evaluate a student’s performance relative to others. 

So, for example, a weak recommendation letter might state that a student “writes well and participates often in class.” A strong recommendation letter might say something like, “I’ve taught more than 2,000 students in my time as an educator and I’ve never met someone with such a knack for the written word. Many young people struggle to describe their inner world in vivid detail, but Henry succeeded in capturing both me and his classmates with his thoughtful, relatable prose.”

Your final paragraph is your chance to remind your reader why this student is so unique and deserving of a spot at this particular school. Be sure to follow these general guidelines:  

1. End on a positive note 

Your final paragraph should provide a brief summary of your recommendation so far and express why you believe so strongly in this particular student’s likelihood of success. It’s standard to include your contact information in the conclusion in case the admissions office has any further questions for you. This could include your email or office phone number — whatever you’re comfortable providing.   

2. Use a formal closing

As with your opening, the closing of your letter should be professional and businesslike. “Best Regards,” is a common closing, though “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,” will also work.

Guidelines to follow as you write 

Writing a strong letter of recommendation isn’t just about what you write – it’s how you write, too. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

• Keep it relatively brief: The audience you’re writing for has to evaluate countless recommendation letters just like the one you’re writing. Be respectful of their time and try to keep your letter to around one page in length.
• Be honest and balanced : While it’s important to emphasize the student’s positive qualities, it’s just important to be honest and balanced in your assessment. Avoid exaggerations or misleading statements.
• Tailor the recommendation to the college: Do some research on the colleges the student is applying to and customize your letter accordingly. Highlight traits or experiences that align with the particular college’s values or programs. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the student’s goals and aspirations.
• Avoid cliches: Steer clear of overused phrases and generic statements. Instead, provide original and thoughtful insights about the student.
• Use professional language and tone : The admissions process is serious business. Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter and use appropriate language. Avoid slang or informal expressions.
• Proofread and edit : Take the time to review and edit your letter carefully. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that the letter flows smoothly and is well-organized. Consider asking a colleague to proofread it when you’re done.
• Follow the guidelines : If the college or university provides specific guidelines or requirements for the letter of recommendation, make sure to follow them closely. This may include details on formatting, submission methods, or specific questions to address.
• Give yourself enough time to write: Writing a college letter of recommendation can take hours, days, or weeks depending on who you are and your relationship to the student. Give yourself plenty of time to sit down, write a draft, and revisit it to make sure it’s polished enough to submit. 

Support your students with Going Merry 

Letters of recommendation are one of the most critical parts of the college application process . That’s because the rest of a college application is pretty dry. Grades and ACT scores only say so much about a person, and colleges want to see more than just academic performance. 

The best students are born leaders with courage, drive, and personality. A good letter can bring your student to life for an admissions committee and even help sway their decision. 

As a high school counselor, you may write dozens — if not hundreds — of recommendation letters each year. Fortunately, Going Merry can help take the busywork off your plate so you focus on what matters. 

With Going Merry’s high school counselor resource hub, you can find everything from free email templates and financial aid lesson plans, to thousands of scholarships sorted by amount, location, and eligibility requirements. Sign up now or schedule a demo to find out how Going Merry can streamline your workflow. 

Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

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