When a thank you letter can be written:

• After you have dinner in someone’s home, it’s proper to thank your host with a call the next day, followed by a quick thank-you note. 
• After you receive a gift from someone, it is proper etiquette to write a thank you note, no matter how big or small the gift. 
• After a service to your family, for instance: bringing food or flowers after a death in the family, helping move furniture to a new house, or mowing your grandmother’s yard.  Think of a nice gesture a neighbor or family friend has done for you.
• If someone has helped you in any way, for example: if they paid for your lunch, helped you study for a big test, or just being there when you needed someone to talk to.
• And always send thank-you notes to potential employers after an interview, thanking them for their time and interest. This habit is fading away nowadays, and a note will make you stand out from other candidates. If the employer will be making the decision very soon, an e-mailed thank-you is appropriate. After the Interview Thank You Letter – Writing a thank you letter after a job interview is a must! In fact, some employers think less of those interviewees who fail to follow-up promptly. Plan to send out your thank you letters or thank you notes as soon as possible (preferably within 24 hours) after your interviews. If time is of the essence, it's appropriate to send an email thank you letter or to make a thank you phone call. *It is also important to take the time to personally thank everyone who assists with your job search. Here is a personal thank you letter you can send (via email or mail) to the people who have helped you. Don’t forget, before you send out that letter or e-mail, do a Spell-check! Make sure you spell everyone’s name correctly,especially the company name!!! Example after the Interview: Dear First Name, (or Mr./Ms. Last Name if you don't know them well)Thank you for all the assistance you have provided me during my job search.I appreciate the information and advice you have given, as well as the connections you have shared with me. Your expertise and help have been invaluable during this process.Again, thank you so much. I sincerely appreciate your generosity.Best Regards,Signature (hard copy letter) Example of Personal Thank You Notes:Here’s the basic template for a good thank-you note along with a few sample phrases to get you started. Greeting. Don’t forget to make sure you’re using the correct form and spelling of the person’s name, as well as anyone else’s mentioned in the note.
  • Dear Aunt Sharon and Uncle Bob, 

• Express your thanks. Begin with the two most important words: Thank you.
  • Thank you so much for...
  • It made my day when I opened...
  • I'm so grateful you were there when... 
• Add specific details. Tell them how you plan to use or display their gift. It shows them that you really appreciate the thought that went into it. Even if it’s cold hard cash, describe how you’ll spend the stuff.
  • Here's a picture of me with my new briefcase. I look so professional!
  • I can’t wait to use the birthday money you sent to decorate my dorm room.
  • The going-away party meant so much to me. Having all my friends and family in one place was something I'll never forget. 
• Look ahead. Mention the next time you might see them, or just let them know you’re thinking of them.
  • We look forward to seeing you next month at Lucy’s party. 
• Restate your thanks. Add details to thank them in a different way.
  • Again, thank you for your generosity. I'm so excited about college. I'll let you know all about it when I get settled.
  • We felt so blessed that you made the trip to be with us on our wedding day. We can't wait to see you again soon! 
• End with your regards. “Sincerely” is a safe standby, but for closer relationships, you might choose a warmer option.
  • With love,
  • Many thanks,
  • Yours truly,
  • Try to send your thank-you notes out quickly. For events such as parties and showers, a good rule of thumb is to send your cards out within a month after the event. If it's later than that, start your note with a brief apology. “I’ve been meaning to tell you...” What kind of Thank You letters have you written since school started? If you have not written any, let’s commit to writing one or two this week.  I am certain you can come up with a thank you letter to someone (an employer, a parent, a trainer/administrator, or a fellow associate).