When you give a gift, do you expect acknowledgement of the gift? Do you expect a thank you note?
An interview is a gift from the employer and it is in your best interest to acknowledge the “gift” by following up with a thank you note as soon as possible. “Please and thank you” are still in style and Emily Post would be pleased.
A thank you note could be the third or fourth time your name has crossed the desk or inbox of the interviewer increasing your chances of capturing the attention of the employer resulting in a job offer. The objective of the letter is to reiterate your qualifications from your resume and the interview to gain employment.
My recommendation would be to follow up with an email thank you letter rather than a handwritten note. Mail today is slow…your letter could end up on the wrong desk…and it might suggest you are antiquated in your approach. Email is perfectly acceptable today.
Tailor Made Post-Interview Letter
Tailor the letter based on the skills and knowledge in language that the employer understands. Write the letter so the interviewer knows that you listened, understood their needs and challenges, and offer results oriented solutions. Be consistent in your style using the same sentence structure and format. Be sure to mention a personal experience from the interview so the letter doesn’t appear to be generic.
- The first paragraph… thank them again for taking time to meet with you. Make a reference to something personal from the interview as a reminder of who you are.
- The second paragraph is your opportunity to address any issues or questions that may have been raised regarding your qualifications during the interview. List your specific skills and how they got results in previous positions. Reiterate your strengths and emphasize value.
- The third paragraph is your wrap-up and conclusion. . Reinforce your interest in the job and how your skills will help the organization get the results they want. The final sentence must be a call to action: “I will phone you next week to follow-up.” “I look forward to hearing from you soon.” “I will email you next week.” You have their attention…leave nothing to chance. Make the promise and keep it!
Your Post interview letter is another reflection of you. Make sure you are saying what you want the employer to hear and you are representing yourself consistent with your Tailor Made Resume.
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