AFTER THE INTERVIEW
the Thank You note

Sending out a thank you letter is not only proper interviewing etiquette, but it also makes you stand out from the other candidates competing for the position.  Here are some helpful hints in writing a successful thank you letter.

  • Your thank-you letter should be typed in a business letter format. Address the letter to the person with whom you interviewed. Include the interviewer's name, title, organization, and complete mailing address. If you intereviewed with more then one person a letter should be sent to each individual.

  • Brevity is nearly as important as timeliness. Don't "wow" the recipient with your verbal skills, and don't try to repeat your meeting or interview. Keep your word count under 150 and make the paragraphs short, sentence structure simple, and format easy to read.

  • Mention the day of your interview and the position for which you interviewed.

  • Express continued interest in the position and the company.

  • If the helper agreed to take an additional step on your behalf, confirm it in your letter. Avoid the presumptive close: if offers of an introduction or additional assistance were not made, do not fabricate them. Be careful not to ask for additional help unless you are certain that door was opened to you.

  • Express appreciation for the opportunities to interview, tour the facilities, meet other employees, etc.  Time out of a busy day is worthy of thanks, even if the help offered does not contribute to your immediate job search.

  • Re-emphasize your most important skills and qualifications and how you expect to contribute to the organization. Include any information you forgot to mention in the interview, if necessary (be brief though).

  • Encourage the helper to call or email you if additional suggestions come to mind. Make it as easy and painless as possible to contact you by giving your email, pager, home phone, or fax numbers.

  • The only thing worse than not sending a thank you note is to send one with the helper's name, title, or organization misspelled or other spelling errors. Spelling, proper grammar, and correct use of language may seem like minor points, but they are not. (Click here to connect to useful resources.)

  • "Thanks, thanks, a thousand thanks" is too dramatic, but a thank you reprise in closing is acceptable. "Thanks again for all that you have contributed to strengthening my career search ... my sense of important next steps ... my referral network ... and/or introducing me to Mr. Smith."

  • Close your letter with a comment about future contact with the employer.

  • Reread your note, make certain it sounds like you.

  • Send your letter within 48 hours of the initial contact. Any later, and you will have missed the opportunity to maximize the impact of your letter. A prompt letter conveys that you have a good sense of business protocol, timeliness, and an active, professional search process.

 

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National Executive Personnel
and Marketing Group, L.C.
12734 Kenwood Lane, Suite 73
Fort Myers, FL 33907-5638
(239) 931-0200 Voice
(239) 931-0204 Fax
Email: search@NationalExecutivePersonnel.com

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