Should I Handwrite or Type a Professional Thank You Note?

Both typed and handwritten thank yous are meaningful.

Handwritten Thank Yous Are Personal

Handwriting a note shows personality.

A handwritten thank you note indicates you gave it some thought and effort, demonstrating that the interview was important to you. It also is more personal and meaningful, compared to a typed note you could have printed off and sent generically to each of your interviewers.

Typed Notes May Be Neater.

If you have terrible handwriting, however, a typed note may seem more professional. You want your thank you to be clear and legible, and to reflect a professional, organized persona. If a handwritten thank you can't do that for you, a typed note may be more appropriate.

Bottom Line

Choose a handwritten note if your writing is neat and legible. If you suffer in the penmanship department, do a few practice drafts before writing the actual note. If it still looks illegible, stick with a typed note signed in your own handwriting.

References

• University of Illinois at Springfield: Business Correspondence
• Emily Post: Job Interview Tips 101