There is a popular saying that ‘every letter you write is a mirror that reflects your taste, appearance, and character.’ Like fashion, letter writing too can be called an art. This is true even for thank you notes. Sending a thank you note is a thoughtful and genuine way of showing a person how much their kind gesture meant to you.
A thank you note that is a personal way of showing your gratitude to someone, either for a gift received, a gesture or some form of help they may have extended towards you. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to writing a thank you note.
The Right Time to Send a Thank You Note
Ideally, your thank you note should be sent out as soon as possible. A week is the maximum you should wait before you send out your thank you notes. For weddings, it is acceptable to send out your thank you notes within two months of the date of your wedding. One of the best ways to keep track of all the people you need to send thank you notes to, especially if the number is a large one, is an online address book.
Here are some instances that call for a thank you note:
- If someone gives you a present, even if you have opened it in front of the gift giver and verbally expressed your thanks.
- An occasion such as a wedding, bridal shower or baby shower.
- If someone has invited you to their home for a holiday meal such as Christmas or Thanksgiving.
- If someone has hosted you in their home.
- After you have attended a dinner party.
- If someone has offered a helping hand to you in time of need.
- As a follow up after a job interview.
How Your Thank You Note Needs to be Addressed
If you are sending a thank you note to friends or family, you can address the receiver by their first name like ‘Dear Bob’. The envelope however, needs to mention their full formal name such as ‘Mr. Robert Jones’. When you are signing off, all you should write is your first name. For everyone else, you should use courtesy titles in your thank you notes and add your full name as a sign off. Be sure not to use too many unnecessary abbreviations on the envelope.
You can easily remember this tip by using an online address book to keep all of your addresses in one place. Learn more.
What Your Thank You Note Should Say
When you are writing out your thank you note, try not to be generic and impersonal. Specifically mention what you are thankful about - is it a kind gesture, a thoughtful present, someone’s attendance on a special day? Include as many details as you possible can so as to make your thank you note seem personal and from the heart. A thank you note is most effective when it exudes warmth and is genuinely heartfelt. If you thank you note needs to be sent to a potential employer, it needs to be crisp and concise and devoid of emotion.
|