How to Write an Interview Thank-You Note

A formal thank-you note keeps you in the running for the job.

Send a thank-you note to your interviewer after any job interview. A physical thank-you note, printed on fine paper with a matching envelope, still makes an impression in our digital world. It shows the employer that you pay attention to detail and are willing to take on extra effort. It sets you apart from other job seekers. If you've planned ahead, writing a thank-you letter takes just a few minutes to accomplish.

Things You'll Need

• Note paper
• Matching envelope
• Stamp

Instructions

1. Address the note to the person who interviewed you. During the interview, ask your interviewer for a business card. If you're unable to obtain a business card, call the company and politely ask the receptionist for the correct spelling of your interviewer's name.

2. Write a salutation that follows the form that the interviewer preferred when speaking with you. If the interviewer spoke to you on a first-name basis, use his first name in the note's greeting. If the interviewer was more formal in conversation, use his last name and address the note to "Dear Mr. ..."

3. Start the first paragraph by thanking the person for the interview. State which position you were interviewing for. The interviewer may have been interviewing job seekers for multiple positions that day.

4. Start a new paragraph and write two or three sentences about what the interview taught you about the company and the position. This demonstrates your listening skills and shows that you are interested in the job beyond its paycheck.

5. Conclude with a final paragraph that thanks the interviewer again. Write that you look forward to hearing from the company.

6. Proofread carefully and print out the note on good-quality paper. Print the address on the envelope with the same font.

7. Stamp and mail the note as soon as possible. Timing is crucial in writing interview thank-you notes, so do not delay. The goal is to keep your resume fresh in the interviewer's mind, so you want him to receive your note within two days of your meeting.

Tips & Warnings

• If you interviewed with more than one person, send a thank-you note to each one. Revise the text so that each message is slightly different. The multiple interviewers may compare them.

References

• "How to Write Better Resumes and Cover Letters"; Pat Criscito; 2008