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You've had the big interview.
What's the first thing you should be doing? Celebrating? Definitely, but you better do one
other thing first: write a “thank you” letter.
A thank you letter not only
shows professional courtesy (and appreciation), but is also a great way of keeping your
name at the forefront of the hiring manager's consideration. It can be the one thing that
sets you apart form a competing candidate with similar skill sets (remember when I said
that about the cover letter? Well, it’s true here, too).
You might think most job
candidates follow-up an interview with a thank you letter, but statistics show that only a
small percentage of job candidates actually do so. Use this information to your advantage.
The first step to writing an
effective thank you letter is in reading the notes you took during the interview. If you
didn’t actually take notes during the interview (and why not?!), then write down
everything you can remember about the interview, including:
-
Your interviewer's name (and
correct spelling). If there was more than one interviewer, each should receive his or her
own personalized thank you letter.
-
Key
points discussed during the interview. These should include the objective of the position
being targeted, the goals and missions of company or department, and any special concerns
or considerations discussed.
Any
positive contributions you feel your particular skills and experience will bring to this
particular company's goals and missions (including any that were actually discussed during
the interview).
A thank you card, handwritten
(if your writing is neat and legible), is preferable to an actual letter, as it will
provide a more personal and professional impression - over what could otherwise appear
to be a standard form letter.
Send your thank you letter or
note as soon after the interview as possible. The same day is not too soon.
Keep the letter concise.
Don’t use this as a way to correct a poor interview situation by trying to
create a different impression – it won’t work. Instead, keep in mind that you
want to show: 1) appreciation, 2) that you were paying attention to the needs and concerns of the position, and 3) that you are qualified to fill this role.
(Your contact information, if
using stationery rather than a card)
Date
Dear (Mr./Ms. Last Name –
correct spelling!!!!):
Thank you for allowing me the
opportunity to interview with you today regarding the position of ________________ . It
was a great pleasure meeting you and learning about ABC's ______________________
(missions, goals, objectives).
I believe my
skills and experience will go a long way in helping ABC to achieve its goals
(in
_________________), and I look forward to the opportunity of ___________________.
I was most impressed by
______________________.
If I may provide you with any
further information in your consideration of me as a
candidate for the position of
_________________________, please know that I will gladly make this information
available to you.
Thank you again for your time
and kind consideration.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely:
Your Name
Phone Number (if using a note card)
(See a simple "Thank you" letter put together - PDF file)
**Was there someone who helped
you get this interview? They get a thank you letter, as well. Lunch also would not be out of
order here.**
Should I Hire a Professional Resume
Writer? / 1st-Writer.com Services
See more articles on
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Good luck in your job search!
Sue Campbell,
1st-Writer.com - over 15 years
experience helping clients achieve their career and business goals. Feel free to
e-mail me
with any questions you may have. I'll be glad to help!
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