To this day, etiquette matters. This statement is especially true after a job interview.
A simple thank you letter is one of the overlooked marketing tools in landing that job you desire. Remember, you are a commodity. You are selling yourself, your skills, and your experience. Never walk away from an interview and fail to send a thank you letter within the first 24-hours. It screams, “I just wanted the job!”
Everyone likes to receive validation that their time, effort and attention were appreciated. A hiring manager, who may see 12 interviewees in one day, appreciates knowing that you valued his time and attention for the brief moment you were with him.
Also, the thank you letter is considered the “closure” to landing the job. If you don’t care, then don’t send one. However, I advise my clients that regardless of how well you thought the interview went, or whether you are interested in the position, write the thank you letter. The business community is smaller than you think. Someone might remember your professionalism and use your talents again the future.
Thank You Letter Objectives
- The “thank you” can either be hand-written on a note card or typed. If you type it in letter form, make sure you use the same letterhead as your resume and cover. Be consistent. If you choose to write a brief note, select stationery that has a clean design and not something “cutesy.” Stationery suppliers now offer note cards that you can use to print on your computer, allowing you to simply type your name on the front flap.
- If you choose the letter-style thank you, keep it direct and to the point. Don’t ramble. Simply, thank the hiring manger for their time and attention, express your continued interest in the position, and remind them of how some of the points he highlighted in the interview match perfectly with your qualifications. Then close in telling him you look forward to hearing from him soon.
- Don’t use a template to write you thank you letter. Personalize it and target the specific job you are seeking. If you can’t write something, hire a resume writer who is skilled in writing all documents of the employment package.
- Always send the thank you letter by postal mail, not email. Many hiring manager receive so much email, your thank you could get overlooked.
- This document is just as important as your resume and cover letter. Spellcheck, use proper grammar and present a professional image. There are no exceptions.
There are no guarantees in business. The thank you letter doesn’t guarantee you the job. However, it does give the interviewer another opportunity to consider you one more time before awarding the position.
Good luck!
