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
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