Time isn’t always an ally, but the proper use of it will make things better. When apologizing for missing a deadline, it is best to be truthful and contrite when expressing yourself.

Do not make excuses, take responsibility, and plead for mercy that you may receive a second chance.

Here is a sample of an apology letter for missing a deadline you promised to make.

Example:

December 8, 2010

From:
Anthony Pierce
987 Business Center Circle
Beaumont, Alaska 99876

To:
John Smythe
5673 Antler Way
Kronos, California 92050

Dear Mr. Smythe,

May I please request your good office to accept my apology for having missed the deadline which is on November 26, 2010. I am aware of the policy of the company that every deadline must be met on the set date but I was not able to submit my work on time because my Innova stopped on the highway. Smoke started to come out of the engine. I had to call the car shop for my car to be towed. It took them an hour to tow the car.

When we were at the car shop, the mechanic told me that I had a sludge damaged engine which is a usual problem with cars. He said the repairs would be extensive and it would take at least two mechanics to do all the repairs. Some parts should be replaced but they cannot attend to it because they have a lot of job orders for the day. They further told me that the repairs would be finished after two days. I had to go around town to look for the spare parts that would be used replace the damaged ones.

I am very sorry for the inconvenience that this delay might have caused you. I assure you that this will not happen again. I am asking your good office for a second chance. I hope you will give me another assignment and I promise to submit it on time. I will see to it that I will never wait for the deadline before submitting my work and I will endeavor to submit all my reports at least one day before the deadline.

I will consider it as my priority. I do my work on time as can be proven by my previous assignments with your company. I have been doing my reports for more than a year now and this is the first time I have incurred such delay in the submission of my reports. I am a professional person and I do my work seriously.

Thank you and hoping for your consideration regarding this matter.

Anthony Pierce