In today’s society, everyone is in a hurry, so much so that sometimes, people forget to say thank you. With the lightning speed at which technology changes, if people remember to say thank you, it is often in a hurried e-mail, a text or a twitter.
Why are Thank You Notes Important?
But the thank you note is not dead. Popular culture experts say that the thank you note remains an important part of living in a civilized society. Learning to write an effective thank you note is simple, yet important.
Reviving the seemingly forgotten art of letter writing, however, goes a long way in making lasting impressions on friends and employers. In an interview on July 8, 2010, etiquette expert and White Gloves and Party Manners instructor Susan Harrison Harvey states “A simple thank you note, well written and received in the mail, makes a person stand out as someone who is refined and mannerly. Whether written by a child as thank you for a birthday gift, or by an interviewee hoping to get a job, a thank you note separates you from the rest.”
How to Write a Thank You Note for a Gift
“In the case of a thank you for a gift, a note should always be written”, says Harvey. “As soon as children can write their name, they should be taught to at least sign a thank you note.”
“They don’t have to be elaborate, in fact, simpler is better”, she says. For example, "Dear Grandma, Thank you for the teddy bear. It made my birthday special. Love, Mary” is all that is necessary to let Grandma know that the gift was received, and it was appreciated.
How to Write a Thank You Note for a Job Interview
Again, keep it simple.
Dear Mr. Smith,
Thank you for taking time from your busy day to discuss the available position in your Finance Department. I feel that I could make a contribution to your company, and would welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you further.
Very truly yours,
Joseph Jones
"A thank you note for a job interview separate an applicant from the crowd of non-thank you writers," says Harvey. "It also gives one another opportunity to contact the interviewer, increasing one's chances of landing the job."
Writing thank you notes, sent through the mail, is a simple way to stand out from the crowd. Keep it simple, say thank you, say what the thank you is for, and close warmly. That’s all there is to a wonderful thank you note.
Nancy Barrood - Nancy Barrood is a mom, attorney and freelance writer, residing in New Jersey. For the past twenty years, her writing has been read in ...
