Thank You Note after Job Interview
Below we will discuss seven quick tips for writing thank-you note
after the job interview. Use these tips to create the thank you note.
1. Decide whether email or regular mail makes more sense
Consider the timing involved and the formality of the person and
organization you're sending it to. If you need to get a letter out
quickly because it has to arrive before an interview that's coming up
soon, or if it's a thank-you note after an interview and you know the
employer will be making a decision soon, email is your best choice.
Use regular mail if there's no rush and if you sense that the other
person would appreciate the formality of a business letter printed on
nice paper and received in the mail.
2. Use quality paper and envelopes
Use good quality notepaper with matching envelopes. Most stationery
stores have thank-you note cards and envelopes in a variety of styles.
Select a note that is simple and professional - avoid cute graphics
and sayings. A blank card or simple "Thank You" on the front will do.
For a professional look, match your resume and thank-you note papers
by getting them at the same time.
3. Handwritten or computer-printed is acceptable
Traditionally, thank-you notes were handwritten, but most are
computer-generated and printed these days. If your handwriting is
good, writing them is perfectly acceptable and can be a nice touch. If
not, they can be word-processed.
4. Use a formal salutation
Don't use a first name unless you've already met the person you're
writing to and he or she has asked you to use first names or you're
writing to someone in a young, hip environment. Instead, use "Dear Mr.
Smith" or "Ms. Smith", rather than the less formal "Dear Andy."
Include the date.
5. Keep the note informal and friendly
Keep your note short and friendly. Remember, the note is a
thank-you for what someone else did, not a hard-sell pitch for what
you want. Make sure, though, that in a thank-you note after an
interview you give a subtle, gentle reminder of your skills or other
qualifications that are relevant to the job. This hint lets the
thank-you note serve as not only an expression of appreciation but
also as a chance to the get the last word on why you should be hired.
The more savvy members of your competition will be doing this, so you
had better do it, too.
Also, make sure your thank-you note does not sound like a form
letter. Put some time and effort into it to tailor it to the recipient
and the situation. As appropriate, be specific about when you will
next contact the person. If you plan to meet soon, still send a note
saying that you look forward to the meeting and say thank=you for the
appointment. And make sure that you include something to remind the
employer of who you are and how to reach you, because your name alone
may not be enough to be remembered.
6. Sign it
Sign your first and last names. Avoid initials and make your
signature legible.
7. Send it right away
Write and send your note no later than 24 hours after you make your
contact. Ideally, you should write it immediately after the contact
while the details are fresh in your mind.
The following is an example of thank-you note.
May 12th, 2008
Dear Mr. White,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position
available in your company. I want you to know that this is the sort of
job I have been looking for, and I am enthusiastic about the
possibility of working for you.
Now that we have spoken, I know that I have both the experience
and skills to fit nicely into your organization and to be productive
quickly. The process improvements I implemented at Company ABC
increased their productivity 35%, and I'm confident that I could do
the same for you.
Thanks again for the interview; I enjoyed the visit.
John Smith
More Sample Thank-you Notes |
