How to Write a Thank You Note
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Expert
Advice
 Only three or four
sentences long, a thank you note
is a golden opportunity to make
the sort of personal connection
that builds stronger professional
relationships.
Hand write a note
whenever possible. It says you
took the time to think about what
you were writing. The person
receiving your note will
appreciate your thoughtfulness and
will not be grading your
penmanship.
A simple fold-over
note card, a black or blue pen,
a stamp and little effort are all you
need. A good thank you
note that gets mailed is better
than the perfect one that never
gets written.
The six
elements of a basic thank you
note:
1.
Salutation
A surprising number of
writers forget this, but
people like to see their own
names.
If you are on a first-name
basis, use it, otherwise use
the more formal Mr. or Ms.
greeting.
|
Dear Jay, |
2. Express
your appreciation
Thank you is more formal;
thanks is more casual.
|
Thanks so
much for the the
tickets to Noises Off. |
3.
Describe the gift or
experience
Mention how an object
looks or how you will use
it. Mention your enjoyment
of an event. People want to
know they made you happy.
Even if there was a problem
with the gift, keep
negatives to yourself. If
the gift or event wasn’t to
your taste, focus on the
giver and the thought.
Everyone wants to be
appreciated. The time and
energy are more important
than the gift.
|
Al and I have
always loved going to the
theater, especially when
it's a comedy. The
performances were great, and
we laughed until our sides
ached. It was wonderful of
you to think of us. |
4. Mention
a connection
Discuss the past, allude to the
future or mention something
you have in common with the
giver. If you can’t think of
anything else express your
desire to see or talk to the
person soon.
|
We hope to
see you when you are in town
again. |
5. Thanks
again for
It’s not overkill to say it
again
|
Thanks again
for a wonderful evening. |
|
6. Close
Any of the following are
suitable for business:
-
Sincerely
-
Sincerely
yours
-
Cordially
-
Best
-
Regards
-
Warm
Regards
|
Sincerely, |
|