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"Almost never" is the answer given by many etiquette experts. The only exception seems to be emailing a thank-you note for a job interview. It seems that even in this day of online communications, a proper thank-you note should be handwritten. We found this rule of etiquette by searching on variations of "email thank-you note" and looking through the Etiquette category in the Yahoo! Directory. The most formal of thank-you notes is probably the wedding-gift thank you. These notes are traditionally
handwritten on formal stationary cards. This personalized "thank you" is absolutely required of brides and grooms because it shows appreciation and sincerity. Emails (and phone calls, for that matter) will seem far too hasty, and they show none of the thought and care that goes into a handwritten note. Holiday, birthday, and other gifts should also be acknowledged with a handwritten thank-you note. The Emily Post Institute suggests that email thanks are appropriate for a minor favor or a small gift, at most. Letitia Baldridge says that
email is sufficient for very small presents given in a business situation, but gifts of any substance deserve a properly written thank-you note or letter. Ms. Demeanor admits that an email thank you is better than nothing, but emailed thanks will never make a gift-giver feel as valued as a handwritten note. The one exception to this rule is during a job search. If a company emailed you about an interview, email is the most appropriate way to thank the interviewer. Because hiring decisions are sometimes made very quickly, an email thank-you
note can be an excellent way to keep your name in front of the interviewer. However, if email has not already been your main form of contact with the company, it's best to send a typed thank-you letter. Traditional, formal companies will appreciate the gesture. Many sources recommend mailing a paper thank you in addition to emailing a thank you, just to cover all your bases.
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