Interview Thank You Letter

An Important Last Step to Getting the Job

Sending an interview thank you letter should be standard operating procedure for anyone engaged in a job search. This follow up - which takes only a few minutes - always makes an impression on a hiring manager. Let's review some basics:

• Timing - a thank you letter must be sent promptly. The good impression you're trying to make can do just the opposite if it takes you a week to get the note out. Timing sends a message. Prompt follow up tells an employer you're interested in what they have to offer. It also suggests that you're organized, responsible, professional...need I go on??
• Format - In today's environment, it's perfectly acceptable to send a thank you letter via email. That being said, a handwritten, personal note will make a stronger impact. You can also follow up the old fashioned way, with a typed letter sent via the U.S. mail. All of these formats are acceptable. The important point is that you're doing the appropriate follow up to the interview.
• Who to Thank - This one's easy. Everyone needs to be included. You should send an interview follow up letter to everyone you met for any length of time. Look at your itinerary for the day. Everyone listed - plus anyone who was added to your schedule - should be included on your list.
• Content - if you get an interview thank you letter out quickly, these notes can be fairly brief. The important components include: a basic thank you; 2-3 sentences that relate back to your specific conversation; 1-2 sentences about how your skills match what's needed; and finally, an optimistic close.

To help you get started, we've included two sample interview thank you letters for your review. Take note of the construction - we include a thank you, a little stroking, a link back to our interview conversation and then a close. Sending a thank you letter after the interview will put you ahead of most of your competition. Be sure you follow through and do it!

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