About Thank You Letters

Thank you notes are an important, polite courtesy. They serve as a pleasant way to show your appreciation for something or someone. Writing a thank you note is a quick, easy task that can yield positive results. A simple thank you note goes a long way.

The Facts

Thank you notes are governed largely by culture. In modern culture, emailed thank you notes are common. However, etiquette still dictates that hand-written thank you notes are preferable. They are a simple, personal way to show someone you care and appreciate what they have done for you.

Benefits

Showing your appreciation not only reflects well on you, it also encourages the behavior you are thanking a person for by noting your enjoyment of it. Additionally, in many instances thank you notes are expected. Not sending one in such an instance can be seen as rude or inconsiderate.
When gifts are sent by mail, thank you letters serve an additional purpose of letting the person know you received the gift.

Time Frame

When it comes to thank you notes, the quicker the better. Writing a thank you note while you still feel appreciative towards the person makes the thank you note more sincere and easier to write. Additionally, it is important that you send the thank you note quickly, while the recipient still remembers what you are thanking him for. Furthermore, delaying in sending a thank you note may make it appear as though it was an afterthought.

Type

There are multiple types of thank you notes based on your reason for writing. Business thank you notes are warranted after interviews, or if someone goes out of their way to help you with something at work. Personal thank you notes are appropriate to send when you have received a gift or help with something. This can include wedding gifts, shower gifts, baby gifts, holiday gifts, birthday gifts, help moving, help painting and more.

Features

A basic thank you note should include a number of elements. First, it should thank the giver or express appreciation. Next, it should mention specifically what they did for you or gave to you and how you have or will benefit from it. In cases where there is a gift of money, it is uncouth to refer to what exactly the gift is; in this instance, saying "generous gift" works well. Finally, thank the person again and sign the note.

Misconceptions

Many people feel that writing thank you notes is difficult or intimidating. It really is not as bad as many people think. Don't obsess to much about wording. Just express the appreciation you feel to the best of your ability.

[mickymar]

on 3/28/2009 Great Tips! You know I never thought about sending a thank you note after a dinner party! 5* R