What to Say on a Thank You Note for an Interview

Thank you notes can give you the edge over the competition in a job hunt.

Never think of a thank you note following an interview as only a polite gesture. Such an expression of gratitude for the opportunity can clinch a job offer. But stringing the right words together to appropriately convey eagerness for the job and confidence in your ability to perform can be a difficult task. Simply think of a thank you note as a three-part recipe: say thanks, toot your own horn and invite a response.

First Paragraph

Express appreciation to the person who interviewed you. Remind the hiring manager of when you came in and the position you are seeking. Say that you still want the job. For example, "Thank you so much for meeting with me on Monday regarding the executive assistant vacancy. I enjoyed meeting with you and the team. After learning about the opportunity and observing your company's operations, I am excited about the possibility of joining the team."

Second Paragraph

Tell your interviewer why you are right for the position. Play up your strengths, your skills and past performance in jobs similar to the one you want. If something went wrong on the interview, use this section to assure the interviewer you have what it takes to succeed in the position and fit in within the organization. Try something like, "With my 10 years of experience working in similar capacities at two Fortune 500 companies, I am certain that I am uniquely qualified for the position." Provide examples, but keep it brief. To do damage control, say, "During our discussion you expressed some concern about the fact that I haven't worked in a health communications position. However, I wanted to stress that I have consulted with two national medical associations on major projects and my byline appears in six peer-review journals." You can also use this section to add something you forgot to mention during the interview.

Third Paragraph

Invite some interaction. Tell your interviewer you welcome an offer to come aboard, a second interview or a skills test, whichever is the most appropriate next step in the company's hiring process. For instance, say, "Thank you again for your time. I look forward to the possibility of joining the team. If you have any additional questions or if there is something I can do to help you make a decision, please don't hesitate to contact me."

Format

Should you send a thank you letter by email or by regular mail? Human resources professionals disagree. Some hiring managers express a preference for electronic communication, and others are impressed by the time you take to carefully craft a handwritten note. There's nothing wrong with using both methods. Send a quick email right after the interview and then follow up with another reminder of why you are the best candidate on a nice card stock.

References

• Quint Careers:Free Sample Job Interview and Career Thank-You Letters for Job-Seekers
• Society for Human Resources Management: Five Tips for Writing A Tailored Thank-You
• Robert Half International: Take Note! Don't Forget to Say "Thanks"
• Trinity College: Writing A Thank You and Other Business Letters
• Career Builder: No Thank You Could Mean No Job
• Monster: Write Winning Thank-You Letters

Resources

• HR World: The Interviewing Cheat Sheet: 100 Resources for Interviewers and Candidates
• Professional Resumes & Associates: Create A Job Fair Interview Thank You Letter
• Brazen Careerist: Ask Penelope Trunk!
• Monster: Sample Interview Thank-You Letter
• Work Bloom: Thank You Notes and Follow-Up Letters
• Occupational Outlook Quarterly: Employment Interviewing: Seizing the Opportunity and the Job
• Workforce Solutions: Cover Letters, Thank You Letters & References