One of the most basic norms may be to express appreciation or gratitude. The thank you letter may be a more formal way of expressing appreciation.
The Functions of a Thank You Letter
There may be a number of important functions of the thank you letter. Below are some possible functions of a thank you letter. Gaining an understanding of the possible functions of a thank you letter may be helpful in learning how to write a thank you letter or note.
1. The thank you letter may help to build rapport with others. Gratitude may be one of most basic and important ways to build rapport with people. Thus, the thank you letter may help to build rapport with someone.
2. The thank you letter may demonstrate that you are empathetic. Expressing appreciation may convey that you understand another person's feelings, attitudes, beliefs, and values. By saying "thank you" you may be saying that someone's feelings and views are important.
3. The thank you letter may demonstrate that you are respectful. Sending a thank you letter may convey that you respect the person's views and judgments.
4. By thanking a person, you may be reinforcing positive behavior. For example, by thanking a professor for writing very helpful comments on a thesis, the professor may increase the positive behavior.
Types of Thank You Letters
There are many possible types of thank you letters. It is important not to overlook certain types of letters of appreciation.
Thank You Letter After Interview
The letter of appreciation after an interview is very important. This is true even if you do not think that you will get the job. The above possible functions of a thank you letter are some reasons why the thank you letter after an interview may be important. Moreover, even if you do not get the job, you may apply for another job at the company in the future.
Thank You Letter to Professor
Even though the professor's work is part of his or her job, it still may be a good idea to thank the professor for being a thesis mentor, thesis reader, or major research project. The above possible functions of a thank you letter are some reasons why it may be a good idea to write a letter of appreciation for a professor.
Thank You Letter to Coworker
It is important to consider the many possible ways that coworkers are helplful, supportive, and considerate. A letter of appreciation may be a more formal way of expressing thanks. It may be a very good way of building rapport with coworkers.