Has a colleague or professional acquaintance done something super kind or generous for you? What's the best way to thank them? This blog will show you exactly how to offer a professional thank you to those who have helped you out-in the most dignified and professional way.
81% of employees say they’re motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation and 50% of employees believe being thanked by managers not only improved their relationship but also built trust.
We also cover why expressing gratitude is not just nice but necessary in professional settings, building connections and fostering positive atmospheres. In addition, we impart wisdom on tailoring your appreciation to ensure each token of thanks resonates deeply and authentically.
When And How To Send A Professional Thank You
Sending a professional thank-you note to someone who helped you out is a key aspect of business etiquette. It's great for networking, following up after interviews, or expressing gratitude for assistance or opportunities. When and how you do it can vary depending on the context, but here's some general guidelines:
When to Send a Professional Thank You Note:
After a Job Interview: Send your thank-you note within 24 hours after the interview. This shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reaffirms your interest in the position.
After Receiving Help or Advice: If someone has gone out of their way to assist you, send a thank-you note as soon as possible to acknowledge their effort and show your appreciation.
After a Professional Event or Meeting: If you've made new connections or received advice at a networking event, a thank-you note can help solidify the relationship. Send these within 48 hours.
When You Receive a Gift or Recognition: Always acknowledge gifts, awards, or acknowledgments with a thank-you note to express your appreciation.
How to Send a Professional Thank You Note:
Choosing the Medium:
1. Email: Most business communication is done electronically, making email a timely and appropriate option for sending a thank-you note. It's especially suitable for follow-ups after job interviews or business meetings.
2. Handwritten Note: For a more personal touch, especially when thanking someone for a gift, mentorship, or significant guidance, a handwritten note can stand out. This method takes longer to deliver, so factor that into your timing.
3. LinkedIn Message: If you're thanking someone you connected with at a professional event or for a brief piece of advice, and you don’t have their email, a LinkedIn message can be appropriate.
Writing Your Thank You Note:
1. Start With a Warm Greeting: Start with a professional salutation using the recipient's title and last name, unless you know them well enough to address them by their first name.
2. Show Your Gratitude: Clearly state why you are thanking the recipient. Be specific about how their time, advice, or assistance was beneficial to you.
3. Personalize: Briefly mention a detail from your interaction to personalize the message and make it more memorable.
4. Look Ahead: Express your anticipation of future interactions or how you plan to apply what you've learned or discuss next steps.
5. Close Professionally: End with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "With appreciation," followed by your name.
Opening an email with “hi” or “hey” might be alright for colleagues you’re friendly with, but for new contacts, Schweitzer advised beginning your email with a proper, respectful salutation, such as “good morning,” “good afternoon,” “good evening” or “hello.”
-Sharon Schweitzer, Etiquette Expert
Bonus Tips:
Keep it concise: A thank-you note should be brief and to the point.
Proofread: Ensure your message is free of typos or grammatical errors to maintain professionalism.
Be timely but not rushed: While it's important to send your thank-you note promptly, take the time to craft a thoughtful and well-written message.
It’s good practice to write a thank-you note within one week and, if possible, within three days. But being late is always better than never sending one at all.
-Elaine Swann, Etiquette Expert
The Right "Thank You" Phrases
What's the right phrase to use when sending a professional thank you? Remember, you're not thanking your buddy for picking you up at the airport--you have to keep it professional. Below are 15 professional thank-you phrases, each with a different tone, ranging from formal to more casual, yet professional:
Formal and Respectful
1. "I sincerely appreciate your assistance and look forward to applying it to my ongoing work. Thank you for your generous support."
2. "Your guidance has been invaluable to me, and I am deeply grateful for the time and effort you have invested. Thank you once again."
3. "Please accept my deepest thanks for your outstanding contribution to [Project Name]. Your expertise was crucial for our success."
Warm and Appreciative
4. "I'm truly thankful for your support and kindness during this project. Your guidance made a significant difference."
5. "Thank you for the insightful conversation we had. I greatly appreciate the wisdom and advice you shared."
6. "I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with someone as dedicated and talented as you. Thank you for everything!"
Enthusiastic and Positive
7. "Thank you for the incredible mentorship and inspiration! I’m excited to put everything I’ve learned from you into action."
8. "Your support has been a game-changer for me. Thank you for believing in my potential!"
9. "I can’t thank you enough for the amazing opportunity. I’m looking forward to making the most out of it!"
Professional and Concise
10. "Thank you for your swift response and the valuable information you provided. It’s greatly appreciated."
11. "Your feedback on my presentation was incredibly helpful. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts."
12. "Thank you for your contribution to our meeting. Your insights were highly beneficial."
Casual, yet Professional
13. "Thanks a ton for the help! Really couldn’t have done it without your input."
14. "Big thanks for all the advice and support! Looking forward to our next collaboration."
15. "Just wanted to express my thanks for your guidance. You’ve been awesome to work with!"
Each of these phrases can be tweaked and written to fit your brand or style or to fit a specific situation or interaction, ensuring that your message of gratitude feels genuine and appropriate for the relationship and context.
Note: If you want to build a list of go to "thank you" phrases or write your own from scratch, you should use the free Magical Chrome extension. With Magical you can write and store your frequently used messages, emails, and letters and call them up with one click. Check it out:
15 Professional Thank You Templates
For giving to clients:
1. After Completing a Project
Dear [Client's Name],
I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to work with you on [Project Name]. It has been a truly rewarding experience, and your cooperation and insight throughout the process have been invaluable. We are proud of what we've accomplished together and look forward to the possibility of collaborating on future projects. Thank you for trusting us with your business needs.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to work with you on [Project Name]. It has been a truly rewarding experience, and your cooperation and insight throughout the process have been invaluable. We are proud of what we've accomplished together and look forward to the possibility of collaborating on future projects. Thank you for trusting us with your business needs.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
2. Following a Purchase or Commitment
Dear [Client's Name],
Thank you for choosing [Your Company Name] for your [specific service/product]. We are thrilled to have you as a client and are committed to providing you with the best possible service. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to serving you again in the future.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
Thank you for choosing [Your Company Name] for your [specific service/product]. We are thrilled to have you as a client and are committed to providing you with the best possible service. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to serving you again in the future.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
3. After a Client Referral
Dear [Client's Name],
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for referring [Referral Name] to us. Your confidence in our services means the world to us, and it's clients like you who help our business grow. We're committed to providing our clients with exceptional service, and your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for referring [Referral Name] to us. Your confidence in our services means the world to us, and it's clients like you who help our business grow. We're committed to providing our clients with exceptional service, and your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
4. For Ongoing Support
Dear [Client's Name],
As we move into another year, I wanted to pause and express my gratitude for your continued support of [Your Company Name]. Your loyalty as a client is what motivates us to strive for excellence in everything we do. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. We look forward to serving you in the years to come.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
As we move into another year, I wanted to pause and express my gratitude for your continued support of [Your Company Name]. Your loyalty as a client is what motivates us to strive for excellence in everything we do. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. We look forward to serving you in the years to come.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
5. Holiday Season Thank-You
Dear [Client's Name],
As the holiday season approaches, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for your business over the past year. It's clients like you who make our work truly enjoyable. We wish you a festive holiday season and a new year filled with peace and prosperity. Thank you for being such an important part of our community.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
As the holiday season approaches, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for your business over the past year. It's clients like you who make our work truly enjoyable. We wish you a festive holiday season and a new year filled with peace and prosperity. Thank you for being such an important part of our community.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
For Giving To Bosses or Mentors:
1. After Receiving Career Advice
Dear [Mentor/Supervisor's Name],
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the invaluable advice and insights you shared with me regarding my career path. Your guidance has provided me with a clearer perspective and has greatly influenced my decisions moving forward. Thank you for taking the time to mentor me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the invaluable advice and insights you shared with me regarding my career path. Your guidance has provided me with a clearer perspective and has greatly influenced my decisions moving forward. Thank you for taking the time to mentor me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
2. Following a Successful Project or Achievement
Dear [Mentor/Supervisor's Name],
I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks for your support and guidance in the successful completion of [Project Name/Achievement]. Your leadership and mentorship have been key factors in my personal and professional growth. I look forward to learning more under your guidance.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks for your support and guidance in the successful completion of [Project Name/Achievement]. Your leadership and mentorship have been key factors in my personal and professional growth. I look forward to learning more under your guidance.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
3. For Ongoing Support and Encouragement
Dear [Mentor/Supervisor's Name],
Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. Your belief in my abilities and continuous guidance have been instrumental in helping me navigate through challenges and seize opportunities. I am truly grateful to have you as my mentor/supervisor.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. Your belief in my abilities and continuous guidance have been instrumental in helping me navigate through challenges and seize opportunities. I am truly grateful to have you as my mentor/supervisor.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. After Completing an Internship or Training Program
Dear [Mentor/Supervisor's Name],
As my internship/training program comes to an end, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow under your mentorship. The skills and knowledge I have gained are invaluable, and your guidance throughout this journey has been most appreciated. Thank you for being an incredible mentor and role model.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
As my internship/training program comes to an end, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow under your mentorship. The skills and knowledge I have gained are invaluable, and your guidance throughout this journey has been most appreciated. Thank you for being an incredible mentor and role model.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
5. End-of-Year or Career Milestone Appreciation
Dear [Mentor/Supervisor's Name],
As the year comes to a close, I reflect on the significant milestones and growth I've experienced, much of which wouldn't have been possible without your guidance and mentorship. Your support has shaped my professional journey in countless ways. Thank you for another year of invaluable lessons and encouragement.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
As the year comes to a close, I reflect on the significant milestones and growth I've experienced, much of which wouldn't have been possible without your guidance and mentorship. Your support has shaped my professional journey in countless ways. Thank you for another year of invaluable lessons and encouragement.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
For Thanking Partners & Stakeholders:
1. After a Successful Project Completion
Dear [Partner/Stakeholder's Name],
As we mark the successful completion of [Project Name], I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your invaluable contribution. Your expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit have been pivotal in achieving our shared goals. It has been a pleasure working alongside you and your team, and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate again in the future. Thank you for your trust and partnership.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
As we mark the successful completion of [Project Name], I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your invaluable contribution. Your expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit have been pivotal in achieving our shared goals. It has been a pleasure working alongside you and your team, and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate again in the future. Thank you for your trust and partnership.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
2. Following a Business Meeting
Dear [Partner/Stakeholder's Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me/us on [Date]. I greatly appreciate your insights and perspectives on [Meeting Topic]. The discussion was incredibly productive and has left us with valuable takeaways to propel our project forward. I'm confident that together, we will achieve excellent results. Looking forward to our next steps together.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me/us on [Date]. I greatly appreciate your insights and perspectives on [Meeting Topic]. The discussion was incredibly productive and has left us with valuable takeaways to propel our project forward. I'm confident that together, we will achieve excellent results. Looking forward to our next steps together.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
3. In Appreciation of Support and Guidance
Dear [Partner/Stakeholder's Name],
I want to express my deepest appreciation for your ongoing support and guidance. Your expertise and wisdom have been instrumental in navigating the challenges we faced, and your encouragement has been a source of motivation for our team. Your role in our journey cannot be overstated, and I am grateful for your commitment to our success. Thank you for being such a valuable partner.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
I want to express my deepest appreciation for your ongoing support and guidance. Your expertise and wisdom have been instrumental in navigating the challenges we faced, and your encouragement has been a source of motivation for our team. Your role in our journey cannot be overstated, and I am grateful for your commitment to our success. Thank you for being such a valuable partner.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Celebrating a Milestone or Achievement
Dear [Partner/Stakeholder's Name],
As we celebrate the remarkable milestone of [Specific Milestone or Achievement], I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you and your team for your significant contribution to this success. Your dedication and hard work have been key factors in our achievement. This moment is a testament to what we can accomplish together, and I am eager to see where our continued collaboration will lead us.
Warmest thanks,
[Your Name]
As we celebrate the remarkable milestone of [Specific Milestone or Achievement], I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you and your team for your significant contribution to this success. Your dedication and hard work have been key factors in our achievement. This moment is a testament to what we can accomplish together, and I am eager to see where our continued collaboration will lead us.
Warmest thanks,
[Your Name]
5. End of Year Thank You Message
Dear [Partner/Stakeholder's Name],
As the year comes to a close, I wish to express my gratitude for the incredible partnership we've shared. Your support, collaboration, and insights have been invaluable to our accomplishments this year. I am truly appreciative of your commitment and looking forward to what we can achieve together in the upcoming year. Thank you for contributing to our success.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
As the year comes to a close, I wish to express my gratitude for the incredible partnership we've shared. Your support, collaboration, and insights have been invaluable to our accomplishments this year. I am truly appreciative of your commitment and looking forward to what we can achieve together in the upcoming year. Thank you for contributing to our success.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Why Is It So Important To Show Thankfulness In The Workplace?
When everyone is busy, trying to meet deadlines, and sitting in meetings, it's easy for gratitude to fall by the wayside. Yet, expressing thankfulness in the workplace can be such a powerful tool for fostering positive relationships, enhancing team collaboration, and boosting overall productivity. Here’s why showing appreciation should not just be an afterthought but a fundamental part of your professional ethos.
Thankfulness is Validating
At its core, saying "thank you" does more than acknowledge someone’s effort; it validates their contributions and affirms their value within the team. This simple act can significantly impact morale, leading to higher levels of engagement and satisfaction at work. Studies have shown that employees who feel appreciated are not only happier but also more productive—they're willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them.
Thankfulness Builds Morale
Encouraging managers and leaders to regularly express thanks can set a precedent that cascades through all levels of an organization. A culture steeped in gratitude encourages open dialogue about successes—and failures—creating an environment where learning from each other becomes natural. Thankfulness also:
- Promote Team Cohesion: When individuals feel valued by their peers and superiors alike, it strengthens bonds within teams making them more resilient against challenges they face together.
- Elevate Performance Levels: Recognition has been directly linked with increased productivity. An atmosphere where efforts are consistently acknowledged motivates everyone to maintain high performance standards.
Incorporating expressions of thanks into daily interactions doesn’t require grand gestures or substantial investments—it starts with noticing the small things that often go unmentioned yet contribute significantly towards achieving collective goals.
Creative Ways To Say a Professional Thank You
Here are some creative ways to say "thank you" to colleagues, partners, or stakeholders, beyond the standard email or note:
1. Personalized Video Message
Record a short, personalized video message expressing your thanks. This adds a personal touch and shows that you took the time and effort to make your message special.
2. Custom Gift or Care Package
Send a custom gift or care package that reflects their interests or needs. For instance, a gourmet coffee set for a coffee lover or a wellness package for someone who values self-care.
3. Professional Development Opportunity
Offer a gift that contributes to their professional growth, such as a course, webinar, or conference registration that aligns with their career goals or interests.
4. Handwritten Letter
With all the emails and digital messages flying around, a handwritten letter stands out. It's a tangible reminder of appreciation that the recipient can keep. (More on that below)
5. Public Acknowledgment
Publicly acknowledge their contributions in a team meeting, professional network, or social media platform (with their permission). This not only thanks them but also highlights their expertise to others.
6. Donation to a Cause They Care About
Make a donation in their name to a charity or cause they are passionate about. This shows thoughtfulness and a shared commitment to their values.
7. Exclusive Event
Host a special event, such as a private workshop, guest speaker session, or networking event, in honor of those you wish to thank. It's a great way to offer value while showing your appreciation.
8. Give a Subscription to Their Favorite Service
Gift a subscription service relevant to their interests or needs, like a specialty magazine, industry journal, or a subscription box related to hobbies or wellness.
9. Feature in a Company Newsletter or Blog
Write a feature about them in your company newsletter or blog, highlighting their contributions and achievements. This not only thanks them but also enhances their professional reputation.
What About Handwritten Thank-You Notes?
Going for a handwritten note over a digital one frequently depends on the depth of your connection and the specific circumstances surrounding your thankfulness. For close business contacts or after significant personal gestures, such as during a job search or following an interview, sending handwritten notes conveys heartfelt appreciation in ways emails cannot.
Handwritten notes carry an element of personal touch and sincerity that electronic messages lack. By dedicating your time and putting in that additional effort to pen down a note, you silently communicate the immense value you place on the kindness or assistance offered by someone.
In situations where building lasting relationships matters—like thanking someone for unwavering support during challenging times—a handwritten note can be particularly impactful.
Employing this strategy not only cements robust work-related connections but also etches unforgettable moments in the minds of those who receive it. These tangible, thoughtful tokens stand out significantly amidst our daily influx of digital communications, making them more likely to be remembered.
Let Magical Write Your Next Professional Thank You
Thankfulness is morale building, personally affirming, and just a generally kind thing to do. Sending a nicely written and thoughtful professional thank you not only shows your thankfulness to others but builds strong professional relationships.
To make giving a professional thank you even easier, use Magical. Used by over 40,000+ teams across 20,000+ companies, Magical is being used to save 7 hours a week on average on their repetitive tasks. Try it yourself!
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