How to Send a Thank-You Letter After a Poor Interview
Writing a thank-you letter is a crucial step in the process of getting hired. You should write and send a thank-you letter soon after each interview. Whether written by hand, typed or emailed, a thank-you letter helps keep your name at the top of the employer's mind and serves to cement the relationship. It also serves as a means for you to summarize your key strengths, submit additional information requested by the employer and reiterate your interest in the position. If you have completed an interview that you feel did not show you in the best light, writing a thank-you letter give you the chance to provide more insight into your qualifications and to offer information you may have forgotten to mention during the interview.
Things You'll Need
- Word processing program
- Professional stationery
- Email access
- Pen and paper
Instructions
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Obtain the interviewer's business card before you leave the interview. This gives you all the contact information you will need to address your thank-you letter.
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Determine the means for sending your letter. If you have previously communicated with this employer via email, then this may be an appropriate method for sending the thank you. It also allows you to get the information to the interviewer as quickly as possible. If they do not have email or you wish to add a more personal touch, type or hand-write the letter and mail it directly to the interviewer.
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Write a list of ways in which you feel you did poorly at the interview. Many job seekers think they performed poorly on interviews because they were not able to answer specific questions on the spot. Address the questions that you feel you could have answered better or more clearly. If you forgot to mention any of your key strengths, write these down as well.
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Formally address the letter. Refer to the interviewer by last name with a proper salutation. If you are typing the letter, use a formal business letter format, including the address of the recipient, the date and your address/contact information. Also print the letter on formal resume stationery.
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Start the body of the letter by expressing your thanks for the interviewer's time. For example: "Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to meet with me on Monday to discuss the customer service representative position with your company." Also express your ongoing interest in the job.
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Tell the interviewer that upon reflecting on your interview, you would like to provide additional information. For example: "During the interview I did not have the opportunity to fully express my skills as they relate to the position." Provide a bullet-point list of the top three to five qualifications that you failed to discuss at the interview.
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Answer one or two questions that you believe you answered poorly at the interview. For example: "When you asked me about my past customer service experience, I neglected to tell you that I have worked in both phone and in-person customer service centers."
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State that you believe your references would be able to further attest to your ability to take on the challenges of the job.
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Close the letter with another thank you for the interviewer's time and state that you would be happy to answer any additional questions. Include a professional closing salutation such as "Sincerely." If you are sending a handwritten or typed/mailed letter, sign your name. For easy reference, provide your phone number below your name.
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Tips & Warnings
Proofread your letter carefully and ask someone you trust to proofread it as well. Spelling and grammar are important, as this is your last chance to impress the employer.
Keep your letter to no more than three short paragraphs.
Send the letter within 24 hours of the interview.
Do not restate your entire resume in the thank-you letter. The employer already has this information, and you do not want to take up too much of his time.
