Learn How to Write a Job Interview Thank You Letter

Many career specialists suggest sending a thank you letter to a prospective employer following a job interview. Not only is it a form of social etiquette, it also serves the purpose of making your specific interview (and more importantly, you), stand out in the interviewer's memory.

A job interview thank you letter is a great way to follow up on a job interview without making you look pushy or desperate to the employer. Here are a few tips for putting together a clear and cohesive job interview thank you letter.

Many experts recommend hand writing your thank you letter. This gives a personalized touch and shows the employer that you have put time and effort into the letter. Unless, of course, your hand writing is illegible, in which case typing the letter is fine.

Keep in mind that this is a business letter, save your purple ink and flowered stationary for writing to your grandmother. Use blue or black ink and stationary (not printer paper) that is white, off-white, or beige.

Format the letter the same as you would format a cover letter. Include your name and contact information at the top right hand of the page, space, date, space, employers name and address, double space, introduction.

Use a formal introduction such as: Dear Mr. [last name] or Dear Ms. [last name]. Do not use the interviewer's first name even if you enjoyed a great rapport with the person during your interview. This shows respect on your part.

Keep all of your paragraphs down to three or four short or short to medium sentences. A letter with long paragraphs and run-on sentences will turn off the interviewer; nobody wants to read a book.

Use the first paragraph to thank the interviewer for taking the time to see you. You can even start the letter with the phrase, "I'd like to thank you ..." Also use this paragraph to say how much you enjoyed the interview.

Use the second paragraph of the thank you letter to go over some of the highlights of the interview. This allows you to refresh the interviewer's memory and gives you an opportunity to show how these items make you an excellent candidate for the position.

Use the third paragraph to reiterate some of your qualifications in regard to the position.

Use the closing to again thank the interviewer for his time and open the possibility for a second meeting. Write something along the lines of: "I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon" or "You can contact me at [phone number]" or "Feel free to contact me anytime at [phone number]."

Sign the letter formerly, using "Sincerely" or "Thank You." If typing the letter, double space after the closing and then type your name. Go back and sign your name over the typed line.

Now, what do you do if you begin to have second thoughts after a job interview? Should you still send a thank you letter? The answer is yes. Use the letter to not only express your gratitude for the interview, but as a way to bring the reason for hesitation in accepting the job out into the open. It is best to clear up any apprehensions or misunderstandings before you begin a new job.

Remember when writing a letter to a prospective employer to always run the letter through a spell check program, read the letter to check for grammar errors, and have someone else read the letter to catch any mistakes that you may have overlooked. The ability to write a strong error-free letter or resume is one that employers look for in new employees. Many employers simply toss error filled resumes and correspondence in the trash and dismiss the person as being unsuitable for the job.