How To Write A Thank You Letter
Start writing a post
Student Life

How To Write A Thank You Letter

Just be aware of the paper cuts.

807
How To Write A Thank You Letter
The Minions

Please and thank you, they're the magic words!

I've been told I'm old school when it comes to writing thank you letters for basically anyone who I feel like needs to be thanked. But if there is something that I know very well is that Thank You letters will never go out of style. There is something personal about receiving a thank you letter from someone who you have helped, it makes you feel all warm inside and makes you reflect on the kind of person you are. Now, imagine writing one. It sounds a bit daunting doesn't it? It could also be a little bit embarrassing if you think that the person will not like it, but chances are they will. With that said, here are the steps of how to write a good thank you letter to a professor, employer, or even your mom.

1. The aesthetics of the Thank You letter card

It does not really matter if there is glitter all over the top of the card, or if there are ribbons coming off of the envelope, it just has to be neat. Besides it is what is on the inside of the card that matters, what words you write to show your gratitude.

2. Choose the right pen

Be careful about which pen you choose. Some take longer to dry or some are too dull. Before you write test out the pens on another piece of paper. You do not know how many times I thought a pen would be fine for the letter and I ended up smudging halfway through the letter and had to start over.

3. Write the date

I think there is something classy when someone writes me a thank you letter and on the top right hand or left hand corner there is a date. I like it because if I go back and find the letter then I can remember the moment that received it.

4. Outline the letter beforehand

I usually do not do this because I like to live on the edge. But if you are not like me and you like to have things outlined and prepped before putting pen to paper then I recommend outlining since mistakes are bound to happen we are all humans! And if you only bought one Thank You letter card it will be annoying if you have to go buy another one or throw out the one you made a mistake on. Also: Do. Not. Be. Creepy. Not a good time to write odd things in a thank you letter to a superior. It will backfire!

5. Handwriting, Handwriting, Handwriting

I do not have the best handwriting in the world. In fact, I have been told that sometimes people cannot read my handwriting. Therefore when I write Thank You cards I make sure to take my time to write my best. Imagine receiving a letter and you cannot make out more than 50% of the writing. It kinda takes away from the purpose of it.

6. Write with your heart

No one expect you to be the world's greatest writer when you write a Thank You letter. All you need to do is be yourself and tell that person why you are thankful for them. For example if a professor has really instilled a love for mathematics after a class then tell them just that, or if you are finishing with college and you're on a sports team and you would like to thank your coach for all the dedication then write just that. Even though you may have outlined and planned everything out at the end of the day your heart will tell you what to actually write.

7. Do Not Lick The Envelope

I suggest that you tuck in the flap part into the envelope only because it looks a bit better and that person can store the letter you wrote in the envelope without any rips. Besides who wants to taste glue?

8. Be Brave and hand it in!

So you finished writing your letter...now give it to the person. In my opinion this is the hardest part because if you're anything like me you don't want to seem corny but that person has really helped you. Take a deep breath, and walk up to them and say thank you and hand it to them. They will gladly appreciate it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58643
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37810
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959373
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194475
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments