How to Rock a Thank You Card

Many people underestimate the power of the hand-written thank-you note. This post is going to make me sound technology adverse but I miss the days of handwritten notes. With the ever-growing popularity of technology, the art of writing a thank you card has become a lost art form. It may seem daunting and maybe a bit archaic to pick up a pen and a stationery card but I promise you a hand-written thank you note is a gesture that makes you stand out. That little card actually sends a message about the kind of person you are. To help you avoid the temptation to send an email I’ve listed a few do’s and don’ts for getting back on track.

Do’s

Buy stationery. Embossed cards with complementary envelopes look much better than folded notebook paper stuffed in a plain envelope. You don't have to spend a fortune on embossed or monogrammed stationery from a specialty store. You can find awesome printable designs on Etsy or simple matching sheets from an office supply store.

Personalize it. Not just in the personalized stationery, but in what you actually say. If you’re going to see the person in the future, refer to the event and say you’re looking forward to it.

Take your time. An illegible note won’t do much good and neither will one with scratch marks all over it. Use a nice, fine point pen, so the ink won’t bleed or smudge.

Send thanks for trivial things. Why not? Whether it’s for a coffee date meeting or a thank you for an introduction a hand-written note is the best way to show your appreciation. It may also ensure that you’ll get the invite to their next event or extra help in the future.

Don’ts

Don’t be stiff. Show your personality. It’s okay to use humor, sarcasm, or idioms to express yourself, as long as you’re not insulting. If you’re questioning whether you should write a certain joke or phrase, ask yourself if you would say it in-person. Try to maintain the same tone with the person on paper as you would in-person.

Don’t ramble. Be concise. It is a thank-you note after all, so stick to the thanks. If you feel like writing more, write them a separate note to fill them in on your life and see how they’re doing.

-Erin