An Easy Guide On How To Write A Query Letter

If you’re here, chances are, one of your employees got on your nerves so bad you feel the need to do something about it without losing your temper unprofessionally. Good news is you’re in the right head space to search for how to write a query letter. You should first understand what a query is all about before you proceed to writing a query letter.

Simply put, a query is a question you ask to settle or resolve your doubt on a particular situation and get all the necessary explanation. In the business world, it’s the official way to yell at someone without actually yelling. Get it?

Let’s get down to business.

Table of Contents

What is a Query Letter?

Query letter is issued out to an individual or a worker of an organisation who in one way or the other has committed an offence.

All you need to know about how to write a query letter is in this article. Learning how to write a query letter is quite simple, as it should be a one-page letter – short and straight to the point, no need for a long story.

The recipient of the query should know from the first paragraph that you’re displeased with him/her.

Often times, a query letter is mostly given to someone that has gone against the code and conduct of a particular organisation and to call such a person to order, the need for it comes up. It is also seen as a warning letter against misconduct, with a hint of grave consequences if they fail to adjust.

No one at work would want to be issued a warning letter as it is a minus in his/her records.

You can write a query letter to address issues such as late coming, inappropriate dressing/behaviour, toxic behaviour, and poor performance at the workplace.

Usually, a verbal warning comes first. Then, if such a person fails to desist from such an act, then, you should issue a query letter to express your displeasure and give them a chance to explain the misconduct, just in case there’s more to it than you know.

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How to Write a Query Letter

Keep in mind that the query letter should be written as formal letter, not informal letter. Don’t make the mistake of being friendly or asking questions that doesn’t involve the offense you’re addressing.

At most, your query letter should be between 3-5 paragraphs. You should provide a detailed explanation of why you’re writing the letter in the first place. Include details about the wrongdoings of the person and also the time it occurred should be clearly stated in the letter, and if there had been prior warnings before writing the query letter.

Read also: How to write an excuse letter of absence from work.

Samples of a Query Letter

From,

Head of Department,

Digging & Wells Co,

Esther Banks,

To,

Florence Peter,

D520F

Date: 16th March 2018

Subject: Late Coming to the Business Office

Dear Florence,

It has come to our recent observation that you have been coming late to the business office for the last two weeks (14 working days)and it is in your best interest to reconsider your choice of resumption to the business office, as your decision would either affect you positively or negatively.

You can go back to the company’s code of conduct books to get acquainted better with the timings of the business office. From 7:30am till 5:30pm

Kindly desist from your newfound hobby of coming late to the business office as this practice is strongly frowned upon by the management. Take this as a warning as a repeat of such behaviour would lead to serious punishment.

Thank you,

(Your Signature),

Esther Banks,

+23400000000.

Read also: How to write a professional cover letter for job application.

Here is another sample of a query letter below and this is placing focus on the nonchalant attitude of this particular worker to work.

Perhaps you have such a person in your office/organisation, this query letter is definitely your go-to if you’re considering issuing one to the person.

To:

Abayomi Pamilerin,

Retail Officer.

Marketing Department.

From: Justin Joseph,

Head of Human Resources.

December 12th, 2022.

Subject: Letter of Query for Misconduct.

This letter serves as a formal reprimand for your display of unprofessionalism and nonchalant attitude to the growth of the business office.

You were invited to a meeting that included the branch manager, the head of the disciplinary committee and other co workers that were involved in this misconduct on October 20, 2022.

You were informed at this meeting that your nonchalant attitude and poor performance are not acceptable in the workplace. You were warned against engaging in such activity.

On November 15, 2022, a warning email was sent to you requesting you to change your behaviour which you have failed to obey after the meeting. You continued your behaviour despite the warnings you have received.

Seeing that this is the third time we have expressed our dislike towards your behaviour, you have decided to desist from this same attitude. This behaviour of yours is inappropriate because it is against our code of conduct in Section 1, Part B which states boldly that the working environment should be peaceful, and the laws abided to, anything against this seeks for the disunity of the organisation which you have failed to abide by.

Your employment would be terminated without further notice if such behaviour is repeated as you have been given enough chances to change your attitude to work and your attitude to your coworkers.

Let this letter open your eyes to your nonchalant attitude and total disregard to your boss and fellow workers in the business office as a repeat performance would not be accepted.

A justification for your continued attitude must be written and sent to [email protected] as requested by the management. Should you have a justification or you feel there is a miscommunication, include it in your letter also.

Yours Sincerely,

Justin Joseph.

[Your Signature]

(Date).

Read also: Insights on how to write a resignation letter.

Conclusion

Now you know what a query letter is. With the samples above, you have something to use as a guide at your place of work. Don’t forget that the query letter should be a formal letter and not an informal letter.

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About Author

Angela Ajani: Give her books and you've made her day. Ajani Angela is a graduate of History and International Studies from Bowen University, currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Ibadan.
Angela loves to read and meet new people. Her interests are not limited to just education; she also loves to offer advice to people going through a lot.
Angela loves to hear from readers. You can email her at [email protected].