There are some things I wish I had been taught in school: Good things; important things. One is the correct way to write a thank you note. While there are specific ‘rules’ for specific occasions, the fundamentals remain the same. I think everyone enjoys feeling appreciated, and showing gratitude is as easy. Today, I want to share with you what I wish I’d learned all those years ago: How to write a thank you note.
A General Thank You Note:
A general thank you note is one you send in response to receiving a gift, or when you’ve been hosted at someone’s home, or when someone does an act of kindness. These can be sent after weddings or showers, after help with moving, or when someone simply goes above and beyond. There is a pattern you can follow that will assure you have written a heart-felt and heart-warming thank you note that will leave the recipient feeling appreciated and loved. How to write a general thank you note:
Dear [insert recipient’s name]
Paragraph one: “Thank you for the [name the gift and be specific.]”
Paragraph two: State how you plan to use the gift, and be specific. If it is an adornment, state how you plan to display it. If it is money, or a gift card, how you plan to spend it. If it is an act of kindness, how it helped you and what it meant to you.
Paragraph three: State why you are thankful for the person or people who gave you the gift.
Paragraph four: Close the note with a final thank you. “Thank you, again, for the [insert gift], and for your beautiful friendship.
Truly, Sincerely, Love always,
[Signature]
A Professional Thank You Note:
A professional thank you note is one you write after an interview, after someone has give you a referral, or when someone gives you valuable career advice. While this practice has transitioned over the past years from handwritten notes to electronic deliveries, the basic pattern remains the same. Personally, I believe a hand-written note is best. Digital deliveries can get lost in email and become noise to an already overwhelmed system. You must choose for yourself the best method for how to write a professional thank you note.
Dear [Mr. or Ms. ________]. If you are on a first-name basis with the recipient, use their first name.
Paragraph one: “Thank you for your time. [insert the opportunity to interview, the referral, or the advice regarding…]”
Paragraph two: Personalize the note by referencing the specific topic of conversation, a quote that really meant something to you, or reiterate something that was discussed.
Paragraph three: Express anticipation for future interaction.
Paragraph four: Close with a final thank you. Remember that the recipient’s time is valuable and express gratitude for their time.
Sincerely, Best Regards, or With Appreciation,
[Signature]
A Note of Appreciation:
There are times when we also want to send a generic thank you. Our hearts are simply full of gratitude for someone’s friendship, their listening ear, their company, or their condolences. Here is how you write that kind of thank you note.
Dear [insert name]
Paragraph one: Thank you for [insert the specific thing you are grateful for: Time spent, condolences, a coffee date, friendship.]
Paragraph two: Be specific about why this topic is so important to you. [What would I do without a friend like you? Thank you being here for me during this difficult time. Thank you for your listening ear as I process this circumstance…]
Paragraph three: Thank them for their time. [insert specifics like, ‘thank you for the time you spent with me,’ or ‘thank you for the time it took you to….’]
Paragraph four: Close with heartfelt sentiments of what this person means to your life, how their kindness impacted you, or how their presence was valuable to you.]
Truly, Sincerely, Thankful,
[Signature]
Showing appreciation and gratitude are as easy as writing a simple thank you note. You don’t have to be eloquent, or verbose to be thankful. Be yourself, let your heart shine through, and allow your words to bless the person receiving your note.
Leave a comment and let me know if you write thank you notes, or if you enjoy receive a good thank you note.
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