How to Write an Interview Thank You Note

It's considered bad form to not send a thank you note to the person who interviewed you. The higher the position of the job, the more a note is required. It's best to get this note in the mail within two days of your interview, if possible. It's often easier to write the thank you note as soon as you get home. This reminds the interviewer of who you are and what job you applied for.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nice stationary or card
• Buisness card from where you interviewed

1. Take a busines card from the office of where you are interviewing. It is okay to ask the person interviewing you for a business card. Often, they will just give you a card without you needing to ask.

2. Be sure you know the exact title of the job you're trying to get. You need to use this in the note.

3. Get decent stationary or a blank greeting card and matching envelope. Printing out a color card is also okay, but not considered as polite as stationary or a card.

4. Write down the name of the person who interviewed you, followed by a colon. If the name was John Smith, then you write, "Dear John Smith:"

5. Write something like "Thank you for interviewing me for the position of (job title). My experience and professionalism can be a great benefit for (name of company). I look forward to hearing from you." You can use your own words or follow the examples in the sample letters listed in Resources section.

6. Use a business-friendly closing such as "Sincerely" or "Gratefully." Now is not the time to be cute.

7. When you sign, make sure your contact information is under your signature. If your signature is illegible, print your name under the signature. Make it as easy as possible for them to remember your name.

8. Put in the mailbox and cross your fingers.

Tips & Warnings

• For jobs with a really high turnover such as fast food service, Christmas help or a retail store clerk, you don't have to send a thank you note.
• Many people send an email thank you note instead. However, it lacks the emotional punch of a real note or card.
• Unless the interviewer tells you that you can call him or her by the first name, stick to full names or a formal greeting.
• Don't write more than a few sentences. Although you want to remind the company of who you are, you don't want to put them to sleep.
• Don't include your resume with the thank you note. They already have it. Sending it again will make you look desperate and unprofessional.

Resources

• Writing Thank You Letters
• Sample Job Interview Thank You Letters

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