Interview Thank You Letter

After an interview, it is polite and professional to send a thank-you letter to your interviewer. Although it may be this individual's job to conduct interviews, he or she has nonetheless devoted an important amount of time to discuss your qualifications and achievements.

Thank-you letters can vary in length from a few sentences to a few paragraphs depending upon how you would like to utilize the letter. A thank-you note can accomplish the following:

• Thank the interviewer for his or her time, which is done easily by simply writing "Thank you" or "I would like to thank you" at the beginning of the letter.
• Emphasize your qualifications. You may include phrases like "With my strong communication skills, I believe that I would be an asset to your firm" or "With my determination for success and ability to work well with others, I would be a strong resource at your organization". You don't need to include details about your qualifications if you have already discussed them at the interview. Simply recap one or two of your most outstanding merits or strengths. However, you can also use the thank-you letter to mention skills or experience you offer that you did not get to discuss at the interview.
• Integrate an opportunity for continuing communication with the interviewer and/or the employer. Even if you don't think the interview went smoothly, write your thank-you letter with confidence. Indicate that you continue to be interested in the position. Statements such as "I am interested in starting a career at (name of employer)" or "I would be willing to discuss my interest again with you at your convenience" will keep channels open for other interviews or perhaps an offer.

If your interviewer told you that he or she would pass your resume to someone else, express your appreciation and state your enthusiasm to meet this person. Employers want to know that you are excited about the possibility of employment and that you are eager to continue the interview process. This correspondence paves the way for further contact from the interviewer or another person at the company.

In addition to keeping communication open, sending a thank-you letter will tell the interviewer that you already have the polished etiquette skills of a professional employee. In general, you should type your thank-you letters and envelopes in business form. In some cases, you may feel it is appropriate to hand write a thank-you note to the interviewer. If you choose this method, make sure that your handwriting is very legible and use plain stationery.

Thank-you letters should be sent promptly within a few days after the interview. Make sure that you have the correct spelling of the interviewer's name, title, and mailing address. As with your resume and cover letter, correct format and spelling are essential. Carefully proofread your thank-you letters.

If you interview with more than one person at an organization, it is appropriate to send a letter to each person you have met. At some on-site interviews, you may see many people during your visit. Even if you interview with 20 different people, it is a good idea to write to each one. Try to reflect on something you discussed with each individual. Try to make each letter a bit different when you are writing to several people at one employer.

Don't underestimate the power of etiquette and attention to detail. The interview does not end when you head for the door. The possibility of an offer continues with the thank-you letter.

Link to us | Contact us | Home Copyright 2008 The Eduers.com. All Rights Reserved