Society & Culture & Entertainment
Society & Culture & Entertainment & Religion & Spirituality Information Information
How to Write Formal Thank You Letters
- 1). Format your thank-you letter as you would any other type of letter. Begin with a blank word processing document or blank sheet of stationery.
- 2). Write your mailing address flush with the right margin of the page, followed by the date.
- 3). Below your address, but flush with the left margin, write "Attention:" followed by the name of the company or organization.
Below that, write the interviewer's name.
Below that, write the receiving mailing address. - 4). One line below that, write "Dear" and then the recipient's name, complete with honorific such as "Mr." or "Ms." Follow this with a colon, not a comma.
- 5). Write one paragraph that contains the following information: a general statement thanking the recipient; a specific statement about what you're thanking him for; your enthusiasm about the gift, potential job, or service you received. Include the date of the interview, event or period of hospitality as well as the name of the position you were interviewing for, if applicable.
- 6). Include a second paragraph that contains more descriptive information.
Some or all of the following information should be added if you are writing a formal thank you letter in response to a job interview: a review of your qualifications and any relevant skills; why you believe you would be an asset to the company; the reason(s) you are enthusiastic about the position.
Include a reference to a specific moment from the interview itself. - 7). Explain what your plans are for the gift you received in your second paragraph if receipt of a gift is the reason why you are writing a thank you letter.
Explain how you'd wanted something like the gift for a long time, recalling a short anecdote in which the gift would have come in handy or have otherwise been useful. - 8). Fill your second paragraph with related anecdotes if you are thanking someone for a service they provided or hospitality they extended. Include direct or indirect assurances that the recipient's kindness was appreciated and other endearing informational units. Do not be too wordy, but think of the formal thank you letter as a chance to further express your gratitude or "sell" yourself to the recipient.
- 9). Write a last paragraph that contains a reiteration of thanks. If the letter is in response to a job interview, include a statement that you are looking forward to hearing from the interviewer and a date on which you will be following up with a phone call.
If you are thanking a friend or family member, include well-wishes in this paragraph. - 10
Finish writing the letter by inserting a formal closer. Good choices include "Sincerely," "Cordially," and "Very truly yours". Sign your name below whichever closer you have used.
If you are typing the letter, type the closer, leave five blank lines and then type your name. - 11
Print your thank you letter out on high-quality stationery if you typed it.
Sign your name under the closer.
