Finishing Touches - Thank You Letters and Notes

No interview is over until you've assessed the interview and written and mailed the thank you notes to all who interviewed you. You should also notify your references that they may soon be getting a telephone call from your prospective employer. Be sure to coach them on what you'd like them to emphasize.

These are the extra steps that go into making you the outstanding and memorable candidate in the mind of the employer. If done correctly, these steps can put you a cut above the competition. Always think in these terms--"What is generally done by the typical job seeker?" "What else can I do to convince them I'm the best person for the job?" This attitude will carry you through successful negotiation, gain on-the-job recognition and foster career mobility. Don't be afraid to show you're the best person for the job by taking the initiative to do the extraordinary. By adding the finishing touches, you'll be the most outstanding candidate and the best person to hire.

Saying "thank you" in your job search isn't only the right thing to do, but is also an effective job search strategy. Every "thank you" is an opportunity to sell your qualifications and leave a positive impression on the reader. In your job search you should express your gratitude. Don't wait for opportunities-- create them. Send a thank you letter or note to employers, employment contacts and references whenever they have extended themselves. This includes after a job or informational interview, when someone gives you a referral or information, or whenever someone takes time out of their schedule to help you. Every person who assists you in your job search effort deserves an expression or note of thanks. Ask your references to keep you informed of contacts. Keep references informed about those employers/positions you're really interested in.

"Thank you" may be said in person, by phone, in a formal letter or in an informal note. The best approach will depend upon the circumstances, personal style and preference. The best strategy is to select the approach that best serves the immediate need.

Thank you letters and notes should be standard tools in your job search. The thank you letter should follow a standard business letter format, while the note may be a simple, handwritten note or card. The situation and your personal style will determine which you send.

At the minimum, a written thank you letter or note should be sent after all interviews. This is your opportunity to make one more impression before the decision is made. Send a written thank you letter even if you're turned down for a job. Let employers know that you appreciate their consideration, and you'd be interested in future opportunities.

Thank you is a powerful statement. Unfortunately, it is seldom heard.

 

 

Points to Consider

  • Write a thank you letter or note no later than 24 hours after the interview, even if things didn't go well.
  • Be brief and to the point. Note the job you interviewed for, and also list the date of your interview.
  • Always address a thank you letter to a person by name and title.
  • If there are multiple people, such as a panel interview, send a separate thank you to each person, or send a single thank you to a key person for distribution. When sending more than one thank you letter, it's very effective to vary each letter.
  • When thanking a potential employer, restate your interest in the position and the employer.
  • The thank you letter is an opportunity to again sell your qualifications. Briefly include any pertinent information you failed to mention earlier. Be sure to reemphasize your most important qualifications and skills for the job. Note anything that was mentioned in the interview that you can enhance or you feel may not have been discussed fully.
  • Try not to start consecutive sentences with the same word.
  • Offer to come in for another interview or to provide more information if needed.
  • Always plan your follow-up. Make it a point to tell the person when and how you will be following through.
  • Learn to say thank you when you're with the individual. Don't let that be all you do; follow-up with a thank you letter, note or phone call. You may want to make the effort to meet with the person again for the primary purpose of saying thank you.
  • Of course, you should always say thank you whenever you're on the phone and someone helps you. There may be occasions when you'd call someone specifically to thank them.

 

 

Thank You Letter Sample

2233 First Street
Anytown, MD 55555
(555) 555-5555

 

September 20, 200_

 

Mr. James Business
Human Resource Manager
ABC Company
111 Employment Way
Anytown, MD 55555

Dear Mr. Business:

Thank you for the opportunity this morning to discuss the secretarial position. Our conversation gave me a better understanding of ABC Company and the requirements of the job. The additional information from Jane and Ms Doe was helpful in gaining a better perspective of the position.

My strong office and interpersonal skills will definitely make a contribution to your company. I am proficient in all the computer software packages you use, and I feel I possess the customer service experience you want.

I enjoyed meeting the office staff and touring the facility. This is clearly a quality organization with an emphasis on efficiency and a dedication to teamwork. I would consider it a privilege to join your team and will contact you next week to inquire about the hiring decision.

Again, thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

 

Your Name

 

 

Basic Parts of a Thank You Note

  • Statement of appreciation
  • Expressions of interest in the job
  • Brief restatement of qualifications/skills
  • An opportunity to add additional information you failed to mention
  • Final "thank you"
  • Date and time you will follow-up as previously agreed

 

 

 

February 29, 200_

Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for the interview for the accountant position today. I appreciate the information you shared with me and enjoyed meeting Ms Doe  from the Accounting Department.

My interest in working for ABC Industries is stronger than ever and, based on your description of the position, I know I can do a good job for you.

I will contact you by Tuesday of next week to learn of your decision.

Sincerely,

 

Thank you notes, whether handwritten or printed, must be clear, concise and legible.

 

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