Send a written apology letter (even after apologizing in person) if: * You're excessively late * You have a history of tardiness * Your lateness caused a problem for the company (e.g., lost business, safety issues). Use a traditional greeting Start with the word “Dear” (optional) followed by your boss’s title. Avoid conversational greetings (like “Hey”) and first names. Example: “Dear Mrs. Vallorma,” Keep the message brief and to the point Begin by offering your apology in the body of the letter, mentioning the time and date that you were late and the reason for your tardiness. Example: “I’d like to apologize for being 2 hours late on Thursday, April 2nd. I had an incident at home that needed to be addressed right away. I regret that my tardiness had a negative impact on this month’s pending projects and I would like to reiterate how sorry I am.” Note the consequences Show that you understand the consequences of your being late. Example: “I understand that my absence during the first two meetings not only put extra strain on my coworkers but resulted in missed business opportunities with potential clients and gave them a sub-par impression of the values of this company.” Present future expectations Show that you’ve thought about future plans if an incident were to come up again that might prevent you from being on time. Example: “I’ve asked my neighbor to step in and assist should a similar incident come up in the future.” Express gratitude End on a positive note, thanking your boss for their patience and understanding. Example: “Thank you for your understanding and I’m eager to have another chance to show my loyalty to this company.” Sign your name If you have an electronic signature saved to insert in the letter, do so, otherwise simply include your full name. If you work at a large company, include your job title for context. Example: “Sincerely, Joanna Klamer Client Intake Associate Joanna Klamer”