Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[shiloh]

Hi, I need to write a mail to a professor who is also a chairman of a English department in the university in order to refuse his job opening. I don't knw how to write it appropriately and politely.
Here is the contant I've wrote, pls help to correct it.
.......
Dear Professor X(or Dr. X ??),
First of all, I would like to thank you for giving me an oppertunity to work at the Department. However, due to my personal reason, I've called the Personnel office and formally declined the job.
-----
Question I: Should I describe the reason in detail why I declined the job?
Will it be more polite if I explain the reason why? Or it's not necessary?
Question II: How should I end the letter? Should I say sorry to inform him this? Or say thanking him for giving me the chance?? Or say......hopefully, there will be a chance to work with him in the future???

How should I write it appropriately and politely????

[CP]

This should work. And be sure to check your spelling before sending it out!

Dear Professor X / Dear Dr. X, [either is appropriate]

I would like to thank you for giving me an opportunity to work in the department. However, due to personal reasons, I've decided that I must decline your kind offer of employment. I have already called the personnel office and formally declined the job.

If there is any chance for us to work together in the future, I will certainly be pleased to do so. Once again, thank you.

Yours truly,

Shiloh Washington
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[shiloh]

Thank you so much,CP. I love the last sentence the most!!

"If there is any chance for us to work together in the future, I will certainly be pleased to do so. Once again, thank you." ---I think the professor will be glad to see it.

Thank you!!

But I have another question.
According to a book I read, it said the below is for different people.
for friend : Sincerely Yours, Truely Yours, Your friend or Best Regards
for superior: Respectfully Yours

Can I choose one which I can use it for any kind of person??

[CP]

[shiloh]

2. Remember to spell it truly, not truely. Don't ask why. English is a funny language.
I saw the word "truely" on our newspaper.....can't believe it.....it's wrong spelling on our newspaper.
3. Respectfully yours will work fine for your letter. I just picked the relatively neutral but useful Yours truly because I usually use that one. You could also use Respectfully or Sincerely without fear of insulting the prof.[/quote]
talking about neutal and useful, then how about "Best regards"? I saw it appearing a lot on customer's e-mail when I was working.

[CP]

It's okay, but for your letter, I'd use Respectfully. Most profs would prefer respect over regards from a student. Regards would be all right from a colleague.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb