Formal Thank You Letter –The Perfect Way to Show Appreciation

A formal thank you letter is a great way to let people know how much you appreciate their help. In business, it’s essential to write thank-you letters that are polite and sincere.

Formal Thank You Letter — Email vs. Paper vs. Notecard

It’s best to consider several factors when sending your thank-you letter.

Thank-You Letters sent via email

In business, it's important to write thank-you letters that are polite and sincere.
formal thank you letter

Email is pretty much the only way business people talk to each other these days. You could send a thank-you email to follow up on the interview you had with a hiring manager.

Thank-You Letters by Notes and Paper

Physical thank-you notes may be informal handwritten notes or professionally printed letters. How you compose the letter should demonstrate your knowledge of the firm and the recipient.

If you have the time to send a written thank-you note, it demonstrates that you’ve gone the extra mile to express your gratitude.

Traditional businesses typically prefer a typed letter or a handwritten message. Consider a handwritten card if you genuinely wish to personalize your gratitude message. For example, if you are thanking a colleague with whom you have worked for years.

What to Include in a Thank-You Letter

No matter the format of your thank-you note, you should always include the following components.

Address the individual by their proper names.

At the beginning of the letter, use a formal salutation, such as “Dear Mr. Last name” or “Dear First name.” If you know the individual well, use the individual’s first name. Unless otherwise specified, refer to the person with appropriate titles such as Mr., Mrs., or Ms.

Say “Thank You”

Get to the point swiftly in your note. Say “thank you” in the first or second sentence, so the recipient knows why you are writing. Include the term “Thank You” in the subject line if you send an email.

Be Specific.

Be sure to mention what you’re thanking the person for. Provide some specifics so that the recipient understands precisely what you value. For instance, if you send a thank-you note to someone who provided you with work guidance, describe what you found most beneficial. A few specifics demonstrate to the recipient what you truly value and why.

Sincerely thank them again.

Before concluding, express your gratitude a second time.

Finally, sign off.

Use a proper closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely.” Then sign your name at the bottom 

Tips for Writing a Thank-You Letter

Please send it immediately.

Immediately compose and transmit your note. Especially after a job interview, do not procrastinate in writing your gratitude. Sending a thank-you note after an interview can increase your employment chances.

Be truthful and optimistic.

Extend your gratitude, but refrain from going overboard. When a thank-you note is insincere, the recipient can tell. For instance, if you are thanking an ex-employer, you should express your gratitude and highlight the aspects of your employment that you enjoyed. However, do not lie and pretend you enjoyed everything if you did not. Accentuate the positive, but do not lie.

Customize each letter.

Personalize every letter of appreciation you send. For instance, include a reference to your conversation with each individual who interviewed you. Do not simply copy and paste the identical message for each recipient; this will appear disingenuous.

Cut to the chase.

Thank you letters ought to be brief. Keep your note to two or three short paragraphs at most.

Proofread and revise your work.

A thank-you message written in the workplace should be formal. This indicates that the writing should be flawless. Before sending your mail, thoroughly proofread it.

Thank You Phrases and Words

What is the best way to say “thank you”? When you write a thank-you note, choose a phrase that fits the situation.

Tell the person how much you appreciate their help at work, on a project, or with a problem. In a thank-you note for a job interview, you should thank the interviewer for meeting with you. Tell people who help you with your career or about a job opening that you appreciate their help.

Take the time to make sure your thank-you notes are suitable for the situation.

When you send a personal thank-you letter or message, it’s often enough to say “thank you” and “appreciate it.” This means that your note doesn’t have to be very long.

Personal Thank You Phrases

You know that wonderful, warm, fuzzy feeling you get when someone goes out 

of their way to support, or help you? It’s called gratitude, and it feels even better when expressed.

Use these phrases to show someone how much you appreciate what they have done for you: 

  • I appreciate your help.
  • You knocked me off my feet
  • I’m glad you took the time to talk to me.
  • I’m very grateful for the trust you put in me.
  • Your thoughtfulness is a gift I will always treasure.
  • Thank you for all your help.
  • Sometimes the simplest things mean the most.
  • We appreciate everything you do.
  • You’re the best.

Business Thank-You Expressions

Sending a business thank-you note is polite, but it also helps you get to know your business contacts better.

  • Thank you very much for giving me this chance.
  • I appreciate your help and can’t wait for you to keep working on our account
  • Thank you for telling [person’s name] about me and my services.
  • Thanks a lot for all the help you have given to my business. We appreciate it.
  • Thank you for telling us about [name of company].

Work and Professional Thank-You

It’s always a good idea to say “thank you” to anyone who has helped you with your job search, career, or professional advice.

  • I appreciate your time.
  • I’m glad you told me about this and gave me advice.
  • Thank you for saying yes to my request to connect.
  • I’m grateful for the help.
  • Thank you very much for your support.

To Wrap Up

Want to write effective, concise, and professional thank you formal letters? Start with the subject line, introduction, and closing.

Thank you formal letter is all about acknowledging someone for the positive work they have done. Always think about who you are thanking, what the thank-you is for, and your purpose for sending the thank-you letter.

Thank you formal letters require time and effort. Be concise and precise as you type or write.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

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