Sample Letter of Appreciation With Writing Tips

It's always a good idea to write a letter of appreciation to express thanks and gratitude to someone who has provided help or assistance to you, whether this was during a job search or simply in the daily course of your performance in the workplace.

It’s also a good idea to write personal letters or email messages showing your appreciation and thanks for those who have helped you in your personal life.

Here are tips on how to write a letter of appreciation, examples to review, and a template to download to get your own letter or email started.

Why Send a Letter of Appreciation 

Throughout your career and job searches, you'll likely get a lot of help. Mentors and bosses will provide advice and strategy, while co-workers may help with projects and training. Others may freely step up to cover your work responsibilities in the event that you become ill or have to take an unanticipated leave of absence.

Many people will likely make introductions or connect you with jobs or contacts. In fact, there are endless opportunities to express your appreciation to all the people who've aided you.

Sending a letter of appreciation is a great way to reach out and make others aware of your gratitude for their help. It's a courteous gesture—and also helps increase the likelihood that people will lend you a hand again in the future. 

What to Include in Your Letter

A letter of appreciation does not have to be long. Sincerity is more meaningful than length. Begin the letter with a greeting, and then let the recipient know why you're writing.

For example, you might say: "Thank you for bringing me up to speed on the new accounting program," or "I just wanted to let you know how much I've appreciated your advice over the past two weeks as I deliberated over those two job offers." 

Not sure what to write? Here are thank you quotes for a variety of circumstances that you can tailor for your own correspondence, and include in your letter or email.

Next, share more details about how much the recipient's help has meant to you. Thank them again before your closing sign-off. 

Sample Appreciation Letter

This is an appreciation letter example. Download the appreciation letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sending an Email Message

If you’re sending an email message, the subject line of the message can simply say thank you, like this:

Subject: Thank You

The email message should include everything in the example above from the salutation downwards.

More Appreciation Letter Examples

Here are more examples of appreciation letters and notes that you can use as a starting point for your own correspondence:

• Appreciation Letter Samples
• Appreciation Letters for Your Manager
• Appreciation Letters for Your Team
• Thank-You Letters for Help at Work

More Tips for Writing Appreciation Letters and Emails

Thank you and appreciation letters are so important in all aspects of your career. Review how to write a thank-you letter, including who you should thank, what to write, and when to write an employment-related thank-you letter.

Keep in mind that it’s important to thank everyone who helps with your career or job search. Look at these sample appreciation letters for ideas for letters and email messages to send to contacts who have provided assistance. These "thank you for the job interview" letter samples are good to know about as well.