Tips for Writing Post Interview Thank You Letters

After your interview, it is always a good idea to follow up with a thank you letter. While thank you letters are not mandatory, they actually are useful tools for job seekers. A well written thank you later can either repair damage done or compliment strides made in an interview, give you another chance to make a positive lasting impression, and be the affirmative act needed for an employer to hire you. Here are some tips with writing an effective post interview thank you letter.

Elements of a Thank You Letter

Your thank you letter, like your resume cover letter, should be written in business style and contain clear contact information. After the interview you may have received a business card, use that info. If not and you are in doubt about spelling or addresses, contact the secretary or Human Resources Department for accurate information. Open your letter with a respectful salutation and begin.

The opening paragraph of a thank you letter is a reminder and a thank you. You thank the employer or employers for taking the time to meet with and speak with you. Reiterate that it was a wonderful opportunity. Be genuine and careful in your word choice.

In your next paragraph, you can remind them of your qualificationsThis is the chance to also include information you forgot to mention during the interview. . If the company expressed the qualifications for their ideal candidate, express how you fit the mold for their ideal candidate. If you forgot about some special certification or award that relates to the job or shows that you are a loyal worker, mention it.

During every interview, there are odd moments or questions that my present issues. Take a paragraph to address those unresolved issues or questions not fully answered. Don't over apologize for any aspect of your interview. Simply offer a clearer explanation of an incredibly difficult answer or question. And, offer an example that positively supports up your explanation.

In your final paragraph, again express your thanks and enthusiasm for the company and the employer's time and consideration. Busy employers, like anyone else, appreciate your acknowledgement.

The Purpose of the Thank You Letter

A thank you letter goes beyond showing courtesy and sound business etiquette. It is your way of being proactive and showing confidence in yourself and your credentials. The letter is also another opportunity to show a prospective employer that you are a good communicator and writer.

Other considerations

.A winning thank you letter is personalized and genuine. Expressing gratitude to someone for giving you an opportunity does not require fluff. Always check spelling, grammar and editing before sending in a thank you note.

Since we live in a technological age, emailing a thank you letter is now acceptable, but if you are a traditionalist, mail your thank you letter. Your letter, if typed, should be on the same color and quality paper as your resume. If it's handwritten in a card, make sure the writing is legible and the card tasteful!

Resources

If you have trouble finding the right words, there are a number resources that you can use. The web has a number of helpful articles and websites. An interviewee can use letter writing software or consult employment and career related books.

Given today's economy, job searches can be stressful and highly competitive. Less than 10% of interviewees send thank you letters following an interview. Thank you letters are another way for you, as a job seeker, to stand out from the stack of resumes and certificates setting on an employer's desk. Take the time to write an interview thank you letter and make that lasting impression.