Why Writing Thank You Letters is Important
If you ask a Gen-Zer if they’ve heard of Emily Post, you’ll probably receive a blank-eyed stare. This current generation of new adults was the first to grow up with access to email from birth, and many have never known a world without texting.
What are the odds that they know how to write proper thank you letters?
While the paradigm is shifting, manners and etiquette will never go out of style. There are many situations in which knowing how to send thank you letters can make a big difference.
Continue reading to learn more about the importance of thank you notes and a few letter writing tips.
The Importance of Sending Thank You Notes
In our digital world, shooting off a quick text message or email is easy, and it’s even easier to delete one. The average person will receive an average of 100 emails per day. The majority of emails are work-related, feeling more like obligations than communication.
A handwritten thank you note (or even a thoughtful email) is an instant way to stand out. Your gratitude will become tangible as your recipient can hold it in their hands.
Furthermore, members of older generations may have grown up hearing about the necessity of sending thank you notes. If they grew up with Emily Post, this would have been non-negotiable. When interacting with these individuals, a failure to follow up in writing can come across as disrespectful, costing you relationships or opportunities.
In situations in which you need to stand out, nothing beats a formal thank you card. If time is of the essence, send an email and follow up by mail. This will keep you at the top of your recipient’s mind.
When to Send a Thank You Letter
In many situations, others expect you to send a thank you letter or note as an acknowledgment. Emily Post has described a few scenarios in which a letter is an appropriate action:
- After receiving a gift
- After attending a carefully-planned event
- In response to a handwritten note
In today’s job market, sending a thank you note after an interview is also an essential part of the process. You should send several thank you notes if you go through multiple rounds. If a panel interviews you, get all their names so you can address them individually.
It’s also appropriate to send a note after someone has done you a favor or performed a professional task satisfactorily. Ensure you use the correct friendly letter format. For more information, click for letter format mail.
Stand Out With Thank You Letters
Today, handwritten letters are a novelty rather than a regular part of everyday life. You can’t replicate that amount of thought, care, and effort with an email or a text message. Learning to write and mail thank you letters is a surefire way to stand out and send a clear message.
Are you looking for something substantial to write in your next letter? Browse the blog for more how-tos and fun facts that can help you punch up your correspondence.
