Even though email is a dominating force in communication options, there’s still nothing quite like a heartfelt thank you note.
Whether you write one after interviewing at a job that you really hope to get, or put pen to paper to show appreciation for wedding gifts, there’s definitely an art to writing a great thank you note. Keep reading to get some practical tips about how to say “thanks” in a way that warms hearts and expresses gratitude.
Write By Hand When Possible
Of course, there may be some instances where it’s simply not possible to write your note by hand. Whenever it’s feasible though, you should always write your thoughts by hand, rather than typing them. There’s just something more genuine and personal about handwritten notes, not to mention, recipients usually appreciate that you took the time to practice good penmanship, because it shows thoughtfulness and dedication.
Invest In Custom Stationery
It’s quick and tempting to buy a pack of generic thank you notes from your local shop. That’s not necessarily an option to rule out entirely, but there’s a better choice in most cases: Think about investing in customized paper and envelopes that are designed in such a way that reflects your personal brand. That’s especially important to do if you are writing the thank you note in an effort to gain clients. Customized stationery is a good solution whenever you want to stand out from the crowd. Many people get several pieces of mail per day and much of it may go unread or just put aside for the moment. Customized stationery can give your note a visual “pop,” so the recipient wants to read it right away.
Focus On A Few Main Points
Be careful not to get too long-winded with your thank you note. Before you start writing on the thank you note, jot down your thoughts on scratch paper or consider making an outline. Generally, you need to be concise about how the person helped you or what they did that you appreciate. Choose your words carefully to make a maximum impact without going off track. Also, make sure that your final sentence or paragraph does a good job of reiterating the general reason why you felt compelled to write the thank you note.
Show Your Personality And Flair
It’s usually okay to write in a way that puts your personality on display. Although you’ll obviously want to be a little more restrained than usual if writing a thank you note following a job interview, don’t be afraid to write so that it’s clear you have put a lot of thought into what’s said, and you’re not just going through the motions. You may wish to pick a special phrase to sign off on your thank you letter or describe a situation in which the recipient’s actions brightened your day. The more personality you can inject into your piece, the more likely it’ll be that your words will resonate with the recipient. For guidance, try to think about what you’d say to the recipient if you were face-to-face instead of penning a letter.
Don’t Wait Too Long
Aim to send your thank you note within two days of whatever event is causing you to feel appreciative. Being prompt shows that you are very diligent and really care about letting the recipient know they did something positive for you. The longer you wait to send your thank you note, the more the recipient might feel that the words on the paper are forced or that gratitude is not a priority for you.
It should be clear now that there are some principles to follow when saying thanks through a note, but none of them are very complex. At its heart, a good thank you note should have several characteristics that show the writer took time and put forth effort when creating it. When you can achieve that, you’ve made great progress in writing a thank you note that won’t just be read, but might be treasured for years afterward.
