You can never write too many thank you notes but they may be difficult to write without a bit of coaching. Consider this blog your coaching! If you question whether to write a thank note-whatever the occasion -write a note.
Social thank yous: Here are some wording tips to keep “on hand” for the next time you need to write a thank you note. Your note doesn’t have to be long and wordy, just sincere with proper grammar and spelling. Even if you’ve verbally thanked your host or gift-giver, follow-up promptly with a note. Better late than never, but on time is the best! Focus on the thoughtfulness and generosity of the gift-giver rather the gift itself. Mention what a great choice it was and how much you’ll enjoy using or having it. Mention what a great time you had if the note is for an event you were invited to. Use words and phrases that are appropriate for you. Be enthusiastic and appreciative but never express more than you feel. A simple “thank you” goes a long way.
Business thank yous: A must for job-seekers is a courteous thank you note to the person who interviewed you. Write the note immediately after the interview and before a decision will be made. Mention what you liked about the interview, the company, the position. Find some quality stationery to write your note on-it will create an impression of your good taste and attention to detail. My daughter’s co-workers still talk about the thank you note she wrote after her first interview on beautiful Oxford blue and white Crane’s engraved stationery!
Example 1: Tips for thank yous after an interview
Thank you after an interview
Use your thank-you letter to recall strong points from the interview, to answer any questions that may have arisen, and to provide information you have promised: “I was very impressed during my tour of your facilities, and my conversation with Dr. Mitchell was particularly helpful. I am enclosing a copy of my paper on car phone safety issues that we discussed.” End on and upbeat note by thanking the interviewer and expressing your hope for a positive outcome: “Thank you for your time and interest. I look forward to the possibility of joining your staff.” Or “Thank you again for meeting with me. I look forward to hearing your decision about the position.”
Phrases to use
Appreciate this opportunity
As a token of our gratitude
Enjoyed it/ourselves enormously
Made us feel so welcome
Generous gift
I plan to use it for
I want to thank you for
Look forward to seeing you again soon
Many thanks
Really appreciate your help
Thank you very/so much
Very thoughtful of you
Want you to know how much we appreciate
We were especially pleased because
Example 2: Thank you for a job recommendation
Thank you so much for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for me, especially since I know how busy you are this time of year. I’m enclosing a stamped envelope addressed to the personnel officer at Strickland Construction so that you can just drop your letter in the mail. I will, of course, let you know at once if I get the job. In the meantime, thanks again for your kindness. (How To Say It – page 352)
Example 3: Thank you for an award recommendation
It is my understanding that you wrote a letter supporting my nomination by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering as a Distinguished Professor. I am happy to inform you that I was indeed honored with this title on June 3, 2012. I am deeply appreciative of your kind support in this regard. Many thanks. (How To Say It – page 353)
Entertaining is a part of business and sometimes taken for granted, but a thank you note is still appropriate, appreciated and builds good relations. Thank you notes to co-workers for jobs well-done inspires loyalty, enthusiasm and increased productivity. Thanks yous to good customers or new customers may stand out from the crowd of other suppliers and say to that customer “you are important.”
Example 1: Corporate Event
On behalf of the directors, staff, and employees of Mallinger Electronics, I want to thank you for the splendid job you did arranging the Awards Banquet Night. Decorations, food, program, and hospitality were all first-rate. Please convey our admiration and thanks to your committee chairs. If you can possibly face the thought, we would like you to head up next year’s celebration. The evening was an outstanding success in every way, primarily due to your organizational abilities, creativity, and interpersonal skills. (How To Say It – page 353)
Example 2: Thank you to a Sales Clerk
I would like to thank one of your sales clerks for being helpful, tactful, and speedy – all at the same time! I foolishly tried to buy a wedding gift on my lunch hour, and I am a poor shopper at the best of times. Within minutes, this young man helped me select the absolutely perfect gift at the price I wanted to pay. It was all done so smoothly that I was out of the store before I knew it – and before I thought to ask his name. The initials on my sales slip are R.J. Can you identify him and pass on my thanks? (How To Say It – page 353)