How to Write a Thank-You Letter
Thank You: The two most important words! This article explains how to write courteous, professional or personal thank-you letters.
- If possible, address your letter to a specific person
Do not address your thank-you letter just to the company or organization in general.
- Do not thank the person beforehand
For example, "Thanking you in advance for your help in this matter". To do so is presumptuous and suggests you are unwilling to write a follow-up letter.
- Stick to the point
- Be sincere
Most people can sense when you aren't being honest.
- Make your letter stand out
Be creative. Create a headline if appropriate. Be specific and include details from the event.
- End the letter on a positive note
Closing depends on the type of thank-you letter. For example, you may:
- Reaffirm your gratitude or restate the compliment.
- Suggest possible future action.
- Close with either an expression of thanks or an indication of your intention to continue contact.
- Use an appropriate letter closing.
Thank-You Letter Tips:
Why writing a thank-you letter can get you a job:
Managers say thank-you letters are expected in most situations. A recent survey by CareerBuilder.com found that:
- Nearly 15 percent of hiring managers would reject a job candidate who neglected to send a thank-you letter after the interview
- 32 percent said they would still consider the thankless prospect but that their opinion of him or her would diminish
- Nearly a quarter (23 percent) of managers prefer handwritten thank-yous
- 21 percent seek a typed hard copy
- 19 percent want e-mailed thank-yous followed up with a snail-mailed letter
More Thank-You Letter Tips