Card vs. E-mail

Should it be a thank-you card? Handwritten cards are nice, memorable, unique, and have substantial impact, but remember that timeliness is of the essence and that it can take several days for a mailed item to arrive. Some people like to start with a typewritten card the first time, then move to handwritten after a relationship exists. In more formal industries, like banking, a handwritten card may almost never be appropriate. Monarch-sized cards are great for thank-yous.

What about e-mail? This is more common and less unique, but you can send it quickly. Some people like to follow up after just a few hours, others after a day. Don't wait more than about a day. Some say an e-mail comes only after the handwritten thank-you, others like the immediacy. If you're using e-mail, use a subject like "Thank you", "Good to meet you", etc. If you're very concerned about time issues, follow-up immediately with an e-mail and add on a note with somewhat different content and a business card a day or so later.

Handwritten vs. Typed

Always typed for an interview. Handwritten if you were entertained by the person you're thanking, that's a great idea.

The pure thank-you

The thank-you letter is the best way to sell yourself. But it's not a sales piece. Open with "thank you", your body should be about why you're thanking them, and close with "thank you". The only point of this letter is to say thank you. Don't pollute the message and don't make yourself look like an endless self-seller.

Make it meaningful

Also, try to call out something that was unique about the conversation, perhaps a topic that was particularly interesting to both of you.