Card, letter (typed), letter (handwritten), postcard?
I had a phone interview with a major university late last week, and need to get something out ASAP. In the past, I’ve sent typed letters. In the past, I haven’t been offered a job. So, which is it?
(I have no letterhead.)
Hand written thank you card. Offices don’t have time to read a whole letter, and something typewritten looks too impersonal. A simple “Dear X: Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me last week about the XX job. I enjoyed speaking with you and learning more about the position and I hope we can work together in the future. Sincerely, Munch”
As an interviewer I’m received brief thank you letters, and as an interviewee I’ve sent them. Something personal is usually better.
I agree with jeevwoman. If you use an actual card, make sure it’s a blank one - no pre-printed message inside (even if you plan to write something yourself). Make sure the card’s picture is something inoffensive and generic and not cutesy - no pictures of kittens or inspirational messages. Actually, the best thing to do is to buy some nice, plain, good-quality note paper, e.g., Crane’s, and write something by hand on that. No flowery hard-to-read Edwardian handwriting - either print (not like a 5-year-old) or write, but if you write make sure it’s legible.
Hand written thank you note on plain white stationary.