The art of a handwritten thank you note has died with the age of computers. Thank you notes of today have evolved from the classic card to a quick email. That is, if people even remember to send a thank you at all. Many do not realize the power of a handwritten thank you note. A note of appreciation not only shows that you are well-mannered, but also shows that you are trying to make a connection in a meaningful way. An email is generic, impersonal, and can often get lost in the daily shuffle. However, a handwritten thank you note is unique. There are thousands of cards to select, different styles of handwriting, and various stamps to place on the envelope. All of these factors contribute to these one-of-a-kind notes.
People commonly use the excuse that they do not have the time it takes to write and mail a thank you card. There really should be no excuses, as penning a card and placing it in the mail takes approximately five minutes. Don't have the supplies? It simply takes a quick trip to the nearest grocery store or convenience store. The warmth and personality associated with these thank yous is worth the five minutes that is required to sign, seal, and deliver a note.
A handwritten thank you card could make the difference between getting accepted to your dream graduate school or being hired for that job that you desperately want. No other mechanism can show your appreciation and thoughtfulness better than a handwritten note. I guarantee that admissions counselors and interviewers would be pleasantly surprised if they received a note in the mail, leaving a wonderful impression of you. Thank you notes, though such a small act, have immense power. Thank you notes may not be common practice today, but certainly should be viewed as a powerful tool that you can use in any of your future endeavors.
