How to Write a Thank You for a Congratulatory Note

Receiving a congratulatory note on the event of a graduation, engagement, new job or new baby is common. You can reply to that congratulatory note with a simple thank-you letter. When writing a thank-you response for a congratulatory note, consider how formal you wish the letter or note to be. This affects how you decide to deliver the note. Mailing a thank you is more formal, while leaving a note on someone’s desk is more casual but still appreciated.

Address the thank-you letter or note with an appropriate salutation or greeting. If the recipient is a family member, loved one or close friend, you might want to begin with “Dear,” whereas if a colleague or acquaintance will be reading the letter, you can simply begin with their first name. Don’t use a job title such as “Manager” or “Director." That is too impersonal.

State the reason for writing directly following the salutation, so that the reader knows the purpose of the letter immediately. Write that this note or letter is a thank you for the congratulatory note he gave you.

Explain why you appreciate the congratulatory note. Briefly say how it made you feel, in one or two sentences. You can use a phrase such as, “It made me feel appreciated,” or “I’m glad you’re proud of me,” or “Reading your congratulatory note made my day.” The thank-you note or letter does not have to be long; one or two brief paragraphs are sufficient --

End with writing “Thank you” one more time, or “Sincerely.”

Sign your name.

Seal the letter or note in an envelope, and address it to the recipient, if mailing. You also can email your thank you, or even just write it on a sticky-note and place it on a co-worker’s desk, someone’s refrigerator or somewhere else where the person is sure to find it.