How to Screw Up a Thank-You Letter

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A thank you note is so basic. Practically any note at all will set one out above the crowd.
DO IT IMMEDIATELY!
Carry stamped, blank notes in your brief case and write them out out while you're still in the parking lot.
As a school teacher this is the most commonly "bit of advice" I've ever given out

William Watilo of CA 8:31AM May 07, 2009

I agree with Alison...people just don't think to send thank you notes anymore for any occasion! It is definitley a lost art...saying thank you goes a long way.

Tiffany McCormick of GA 10:36AM October 30, 2008

Another nice thing about a type-written on is that, really, it CAN be a form letter, saved on the computer. Plus it can be set up with a nice header. A few tweaks to personalize it, hit print, and done. (Even the nicest hand-written note is no good at all if you never get around to mailing it.)
And since so few folks send thank you letters out any more, what a great way to stand out from the crowd of applicants with hardly any additional effort.

Almostgotit.com of TN 8:23PM July 18, 2008

Did you know that in France companies routinely employ handwriting analysis "experts" to evaluate potential employees? They truly believe that handwriting reflects personality.
So there's a case where you absolutely should handwrite your business correspondence. Although to me it seems pretty nerve-wracking, as my penmanship is awful and would surely work against me.
But here in the U.S.A., it's definitely more standard to type business correspondence. Consider that not doing so might make it look as if you aren't familiar with computers, very often a minus.
Possible exceptions? Perhaps when you're applying for a job as a party planner. Or as a personal assistant where part of your duties will involve handling private correspondence.

Working Girl of WA 8:21PM July 18, 2008

When I was a recruiter I received a few thank you notes. I am firm believer that, if you have nice handwriting a handwritten thank you note makes a great impression. If your handwriting looks more like a seismograph, however, I agree with Karen that it's best to stick with a typewritten note.

Erika with Qvisory of WA 12:11PM July 17, 2008

I'm interviewing candidates for a top management position, and have not received a SINGLE thank you note! (One sent a quick e-mail thank you with his list of references.)
Seriously, SEND A NOTE!

Meg of IL 11:51AM July 17, 2008

I can understand that a business thank-you should be typewritten, it's more professional. You don't personally know the interviewer, so it's kind of weird to get a handwritten thank-you for a job interview. I agree with Working Girl, no form thank-you letters, like duh!

Michelle Mills of CA 10:13AM July 17, 2008

Lindsey, I like handwritten notes too and really appreciate receiving them, for the reason you mentioned. Then again, I'm also fine with receiving one by email. I can't believe how many candidates don't send a thank-you note at all; it's bizarre.

Alison Green of DC 7:27PM July 16, 2008

I'm really surprised to read that a handwritten note is not acceptable. I have always thought that it is more personal and thoughtful that you took the time to handwrite a note with pin and stationary than merely printing something out, even if it is on mice paper.

Lindsey L of GA 6:49PM July 16, 2008