How to write a thank-you note
A thank-you note needs four short parts: thank them for the specific gift or favor, say how you will use it or what it meant, mention something about them or your next meeting, and thank them again as you sign off. Handwrite it on a card if you can and send it within a week or two; a thoughtful email works when a card is impractical.
About 10 minutes to learnEveryday skill
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How to do it
- Write within a week or two of the gift, the favor or the interview.
- Greet them by name.
- Name the specific thing: thank you for the cast iron pan.
- Say how you will use it or what it meant: I have already made pancakes in it twice.
- Add a line about them or the relationship: it was great to see you at the reunion.
- Close with thanks again and your name, and mail it or hand it over.
Common mistakes
- Writing a generic thank you for the gift without naming it.
- Waiting months until it feels too late.
- Mentioning the price or saying you will exchange it.
- Skipping it after a job interview, where it can tip a close decision.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: How to write a thank-you note
What to say
A thank-you note needs four short parts: thank them for the specific gift or favor, say how you will use it or what it meant, mention something about them or your next meeting, and thank them again as you sign off. Handwrite it on a card if you can and send it within a week or two; a thoughtful email works when a card is impractical.
What to show, in order
- Write within a week or two of the gift, the favor or the interview.
- Greet them by name.
- Name the specific thing: thank you for the cast iron pan.
- Say how you will use it or what it meant: I have already made pancakes in it twice.
- Add a line about them or the relationship: it was great to see you at the reunion.
- Close with thanks again and your name, and mail it or hand it over.
The check question
Ask: What makes a thank-you note feel real?
Related skills
- What to write in a sympathy card
- How to be a good houseguest
- How to prepare for a job interview
- Every skill in People and Etiquette
Last reviewed . First published .