Thank You NotesReasons to write a thank you note… To show gratitude

for a gift – Christmas, birthday, graduation, wedding

for hosting a special event or dinner for a business service that was especially

good for a job interview farewell letter

It is good manners!

Top 10 DON’Ts Don't include fewer than three sentences in any

note. Don't use pre-printed or fill-in-the-blank thank you

cards. It is better to send a handwritten note. Don't talk about yourself. This is about the gift,

not your life. When people tell you that you do not need to send

them a thank you note, don’t listen, do it anyway! When writing a farewell note to your company, don't

write anything negative, even as a joke. Don't wait a year to mail thank you notes for

wedding gifts.

Top 10 DON’Ts When thanking someone for money, don't name the

amount. Say "Thank you for the generous gift." (Exception: Situations such as charitable donations where the exact amount is needed for business purposes.)

Don't print out thank you notes on your computer. Handwrite them whenever possible. (Exception: Email is becoming more acceptable for job interviews because of speed, and email is also ok for a more casual thank-you.)

Don't NOT send a note because you assume it has been too long. It's never to late to say thank you.

Don't be generic with your job interview thank you notes. Use this chance to make an impression wisely by adding a bit of (professional) personality.

7 Steps: How to Write a Thank You Note

Dear [Name of person]. If "Dear" sounds too formal to you and you know the person well, you can get away with "Hi", as in "Hi Michelle!"

Thank you for the [description of gift] [name of gift]. Example: Thank you for the fuzzy brown scarf.

At least one sentence about the item; something you did with it, a reason you like it, when you plan to use it. Ideally, make the sentence 2 parts, like the example below. This makes the note feel more sincere. Example: It matches many of my clothes and I know I'll use it on my trip to Iceland.

7 Steps: How to Write a Thank You Note

Tell the giver you appreciate the thought or time they put into it and the occasion for which the gift was given. Example: It was so thoughtful of you to think of me on my birthday.

Mention something about the giver such as family members or something happening in their lives. Example: Best wishes to Tom and the kids. OR Have a great time in Maine next month. I look forward to hearing about it!

Sign off. "Love" is fine for family members and close friends. For others, some choices are "Yours Truly", "Regards", or "Warm Regards".

Sign your name. Don't make this an autograph scrawl; neaten it up so you they know it's you.

Thank You Note - cashDear Grandma,

I just wanted to write and say thank you for the generous gift you gave me for Christmas. I am saving the money in my bank account so that I can go to camp this summer. I really enjoy going to Camp Tekoa in the mountains each June. Thank you for making camp possible for me.

Did Mom tell you that we are coming to visit in July? I am really looking forward to seeing you after so long. I hope you are ready for a swim in the ocean!! I certainly am.

Lots of love,

Barry

Thank You Note - cashDear Aunt Jane and Uncle Rob,

Thank you for the gift you sent me for Christmas. Mom and I went shopping yesterday, and I bought a new pair of jeans with the money you sent. The jeans have a great design on the back pockets, and I am looking forward to wearing them to school.

I hope you had a good Christmas. We are looking forward to seeing you next month when we come to visit.

Love,

Kimberly

Thank You Note - eventDear Sheila,

I just wanted to thank you for hosting my birthday party last night. It was so thoughtful of you to invite all of my friends so we could enjoy a great evening together. We had so much fun, and I didn't suspect a thing beforehand! It was a great night, and I really appreciate all you did to make it possible.

You are such a good friend. Thanks again for everything.

Sincerely,

Kirk

Thank You Note - giftDear Susan,

Thank you so much for the beautiful blue and white sapphire bracelet you gave me for my birthday. It matches my necklace perfectly. I can’t wait to wear it to the homecoming dance next month. It will look great with my dress! We are going to have a great time hanging out at the dance.

It was so thoughtful of you to remember my birthday. Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Shelly

Thank You Note - InterviewDear Barry,

Thank you for taking the time to see me this afternoon to discuss the marketing position. I enjoyed meeting you and Julie and learning more about the company. After our discussion I am confident that my background and skills fit the job.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to meet with you, and I look forward to hearing from you. Please contact me should you need any further information.

Sincerely,

Chris Hampton

Sender’s Full NameStreet Address StampCity, State and Zip Code

Recipient's Full NameStreet AddressCity, State and Zip Code

 

Rev. and Mrs. Russell Thompson5 Broad StreetToms River, NJ 08753

Ms. Terri Smith and Ms. Cayla Fulton56 Oak AvenueKnightdale, NC 27616

 

Miss Sally Jones34 Sycamore LaneToms River, NJ 08753

Mr. and Mrs. James Ivey35 105th StreetLakeland, FL 33801

 

Mr. Larry Dabeck109 Maple StreetToms River, NJ 08753

Ms. Janice Horton and family75 Forsythia LaneWendell, NC 27591

 

Dr. Joe Corrigan576 East Bay AvenueToms River, NJ 08753

Mrs. Carolyn Oswald2004 West Highway 97Wendell, NC 27591