By Michelle Barbeau
Published February 24, 2010 | 215 Views
So you’ve created a standout resume, written a great cover letter, survived the interview, and impressed them. So far, so good. Now what?
The last step, and one of the most critical, is to thank the employer for the interview. (Unless, of course, the job wasn’t as perfect as you thought.) This courteous step can come in the form of a letter or card or as an e-mail. Consider the organization, how formal the work setting is, and the personality of the person who interviewed you.
I always opt for the thank you e-mail, because it can be just as effective, and it’ll save you stamp money! Plus, some employers may prefer to keep the hard mail off of their desk.
However, many employers really appreciate a candidate who will mail a thank you letter, which is certainly more traditional, or go out of their way to personally deliver a handwritten note. Make your decision on a case-by-case basis. For example, in sales, the traditional approach might yield the best results.
Well, now you’re probably wondering, what should it say?
- First, make sure to include the position and name of the company in the intro paragraph. Show that you took the time to personalize it.
Dear Mrs. Jenkins, I am writing to thank you for taking the time to interview me. I am excited about the opportunity to work for Google as a Marketing Assistant.
(Notice the opening line ends in a comma rather than a colon. This punctuation is preferred once a relationship is established. If the interviewer was on the laid-back side, you may even consider referring to them on a first-name basis in your note.)
- Emphasize that you would be a great fit for the company. It sounds a little one-sided to say that the job is perfect for you. Emphasize what you can do for the company, too. On the flip side, it is important to explicitly state you want the job, because no manager enjoys talking a candidate up to their superiors and then getting turned down when the job offer is made. This makes them look bad.
Not only does the position fit my needs perfectly, but I believe I would be an excellent asset to your team.
(Notice I said “team” instead of “company.”)
- Lastly—a short close. Reiterate that they can call your references. This way, they can rest assured that you have nothing to hide.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. And don’t hesitate to call my references.
I look forward to hearing from you regarding your hiring decision.
Sincerely,
Joe Jackson
Keep it short and sweet. Oh, and send it two days after your interview. Unless you know they are looking to hire ASAP. If so, send it the next day. The goal is to keep reminding the employer that you exist (and you really want the job). Remember, they may have a lot of hiring options. But minding your Ps and Qs by sending a proper thank you note will definitely set you apart!
What are your views on thank you note etiquette?
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