How to Write a Follow-Up Thank You Letter After an Interview
Landing the perfect job requires more than a stellar resume. When you're up against a plethora of qualified applicants, getting yourself noticed and remembered can mean the difference between a sweet job offer and none at all. One way to grab a potential employer's attention is by sending a thank-you letter after an interview. According to Katharine Hansen Quintessential Careers, only five percent of applicants use this simple, yet effective, form of communication. While a thank-you letter does not guarantee an offer, it separates you from the pack and demonstrates your interest in the position.
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Instructions
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Choose which type of thank-you letter to send based on the culture of the company. A typed, thank you letter is the most formal method of communication, while a hand-written letter is more personal. Sending thank-you letters via email is a suitable approach when the majority of your contact with a potential employer has been through email or if you know that the person who interviewed you tends to travel and doesn't have access to snail mail on a regular basis.
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Use a quality stationery-stock paper and envelopes, such as linen, for writing thank-you letters.
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Compose the letter in standard business letter format, including a letterhead or your address, date, the recipient's address, including the name of the person with whom you interviewed, an appropriate salutation and closing.
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Use the first paragraph to thank the potential employer for their time and for the interview. State the date and purpose of the interview within this paragraph.
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Discuss relevant aspects of the interview, noting what you liked or what interested you about the facility and the company.
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List two or three reasons why you feel that you are qualified for the position, noting any past education, experience or achievements that may not have been mentioned during the interview.
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Enclose, on separate pages, any information that may have been requested during the interview, such as a reference list or education transcripts. Make note of the enclosure within the body of the letter.
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Finish the letter with a second thank-you, expressing your desire to work for this company and include your contact information, such as phone number or email address, for quick reference.
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Add a closing, such as "Thank You" or "Sincerely" and sign the letter in ink. Standard business letters leave at least four lines between the closing and your typewritten name to allow for handwritten signatures.
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Send your letter within 24 to 48 hours of the interview. If you know that the decision will be made quickly, send a copy via email, if possible, and follow with the hard copy in regular mail.
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Tips & Warnings
Proofread, and proofread again. Sending a poorly written letter greatly diminishes your chances of receiving an offer.
If you interviewed with multiple parties, send multiple thank-you letters.
Never plagiarize a sample thank-you letter. Use sample letters as guidelines for composing your own words.
References
Resources
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