Job Search Thank You Card Samples

Taking the time to send a thank you card after a job interview or to someone who has helped your job search or written you a recommendation not only shows your appreciation but helps build your relationship with the person you are thanking.

Emailing a thank you note is speedy, but a handwritten card can offer a meaningful and personal touch. 

Tips for Writing Handwritten Thank You Notes

Before popping your card in a mailbox, review what to include in your thank your card. As with any note, a personalized message is more powerful and more likely to enhance your job prospects. 

Here are more tips for writing thank you notes that'll be sent through snail mail. 

  • Use your best handwriting. If your usual script is difficult to decipher scrawl, try writing in a more legible print instead. If recipients can't read your words, you're not gaining much (or anything) by mailing the note.
  • Think before you write. Avoid crossed out words and clunky phrases by planning what you'll write before you set pen to paper. You can even write an actual draft first. 
  • But send it fast. A card sent through the mail will never arrive as speedily as an email. Write your message right after the event, whether it's an interview or favor. Not only will everything be fresh in your mind, but the sooner you get the card in the mail, the sooner the recipient will receive it. 
  • Address the letter recipient appropriately. If you are writing a card after a job interview, opt for the more formal form of address. That means using the recipient's last name — instead of "Hi Bob" you'll start off the letter with "Dear Mr. Martinez." If you are sending a thank you note to a former co-worker or friend who's helped you during your job search, a less formal address is perfectly appropriate. 

It's also important to select the right card for the occasion. You may want a different card design if you're applying for a job at a law firm than if you're looking to find work in graphic design. Similarly, you may want to choose a more informal card if you're writing a note to a friend or former co-worker than if you're mailing it to an interviewer. 

Take a look at the card options available. 

Traditional Thank You Card

Formal thank you card
sd619 / E+ / Getty Images

When you choose thank you cards, you can't go wrong if you select a traditional thank you card. Traditional thank you cards work well for saying thank you and showing your appreciation. A formal thank you card is appropriate for all occasions and all employment-related circumstances.

Photo Thank You Card Sample

Photo thank you card
Alison Doyle

Sending a thank you card with your photo after a job interview is a great way to remind the interviewer who you are. It also shows that you've put some effort into having cards created. In addition, a personalized thank you card reiterates your interest and your appreciation for being considered for the position. 

Personal Thank You Card

Alison Doyle

Sending a personalized thank you card with your name on it is another good way to remind the interviewer who you are. They are easy to get made and make a good impression. The reader will see, at a glance, who is writing to them and you'll make a positive impression before they even open the card. 

Informal Thank You Card Sample

Thank You card
Vito Aluia / Getty Images

It's fine to send an informal thank you card when you're thanking someone you know well. You can be a little less formal and more personal when you write your card. An informal thank you card works well, for example, for saying thank you to a friend or colleague who has referred you for a job or given you a reference. 

Holiday Thank You Card

Holiday card

Lisa Woodburn

The holidays are a great time of year to show your appreciation to everyone who has helped with your career.

If you're looking for work or have job searched during the year, take a few minutes to thank the people who helped you. People like being appreciated and they'll be even more willing to help next time around if you have taken the time to thank them.

Not sure what to write? Here are guidelines for what to include in your thank you cards, along with examples:

  • Thank You Letters
  • Appreciation Letters
  • Job Interview Thank You Notes
  • Referral Thank You Notes
  • Reference Thank You Notes