Do:
Find a balance of selling yourself
There is a delicate balance on this one as you need to remember this is also a thank you note. But you can use this as an opportunity to reiterate why you think your specific skills qualify you for the position and why you would like to work with the organization. It helps to cite specific examples that you previously mentioned and seamlessly link them to the responsibilities of the job you’re applying for. You can also link them directly to your LinkedIn profile, articles you’ve written or any other content that relates to the industry.
Do your research
Look back at your emails or research the company site to find the names and email addresses of everyone who interviewed you. Make sure you send them each a personalized email with the following information:
- Their correct name in the beginning of the email
- Succinct subject line with the position title, your name and thank you
- One item they mentioned that caught your attention during the interview
- Sincere thank you for taking the time to speak with you
- Why you think you’re qualified for the role
- How they can reach you for additional information
Send your thank you note immediately
I am still a fan of a good old fashioned thank you card but do also appreciate an email. If you intend to send a card, make sure you have them addressed with a stamp on it and fill it out immediately after the interview and mail it right away or first thing in the morning. You do not want to be sitting on the letter for days as you never know how long it will take to get there. If you’re sending an email, make sure you send it that evening or earlier.
Don’t
Harass the interviewer.
We all get it, you want to know if you got the job but be patient! Give the organization some time to review your information, interview other candidates and speak with other members of the organization. If you don’t hear from them in time frame they mentioned, you can send a follow up email but give them time to respond. I’ve been on committees where I’ve received phone calls, emails, and LinkedIn requests and it’s honestly just annoying!
Forget to proofread.
With it being such a quick turnaround it can be easy to forget to proofread but this is essential. I’ve received emails before with the wrong name, incorrect organization and just flat out huge spelling errors. Spell check is your best friend along with having someone else read the thank you note over just to ensure it makes sense.
Neglect to send a letter.
Whatever you need to do.. set a reminder on your phone, post it on the mirror or email reminder but don’t forget to send the actual letter. At this point, employers expect something from you and it’s a missed opportunity to sell yourself one more time. A follow up is expected and taken into consideration as part of the interview.
Stop searching for other jobs.
Yes, you might have interviewed for your dream role but who knows if you’re going to get the position. Don’t halt your job search all together and hope for the best with this role. Continue on as usual, send out resumes to positions you’re interested in and keep interviewing. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news on this one but I’ve seen many people stop their search all together to find out they didn’t get the job and miss out on some other great opportunities.
Thank you note Template
Now that we have all the do’s and don’t’s down it’s time to put it all together. Feel free to use this template for your next letter. Subject Line: Thank you Dear (use appropriate title and name for each interviewer), It was a pleasure speaking with you today regarding the (position) at (company name). I enjoyed hearing your perspective on (cite an example they mentioned that peaked our interest).
Meeting with you has also provided more insight as to how my strengths and experiences would be a good match for this position. As we discussed, (give a specific example from your experience that specifically relates to something you will be doing in this role and why it would be a good match).
I look forward to (cite specific plans of action you had in mind if you get the position using “pain point” examples from the interview). Thank you again for taking the opportunity to interview me and I look forward to hearing from you (time frame they mentioned). If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me (phone, email). Best, Name LinkedIN What is one thing you’ve added to your thank you letter that set you apart from the rest?
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I could not agree with this more! I think writing thank you notes, especially writing an actual note and not just an email, is sadly a lost art form that absolutely needs to be resurrected and taken seriously.
Me too! When I was hiring people, getting that hand written note always stood out and made a huge difference!
Great tips! I think it sometimes depends on the employer as to whether or not sending a card in the mail or sending a thank-you note via e-mail is more appropriate. If they’ve communicated with me via e-mail, then I know it will have more impact responding that way. Also definitely agree with sending it out right away. We recently interviewed and one strong candidate sent me a thank-you note almost a week and a half after we had already made our decision. Had she been more prompt, that might have been the determining factor.
I agree Cara and do think understanding how the organization communicates also plays a factor in how you send the thank you. That’s crazy the candidate waited so long to send one… totally hurts their chances of getting the job!
I always struggle with how much I should include in thank you notes. So thank you for that template, girl! Sharing this on Twitter!
Of course Anna and I’m so glad you liked it!
I used to be a recruiter and now work in a job where I play a big part in interviewing/hiring and cannot stress how important this all is! We’ve really liked candidates and consider not hiring them if their thank you note doesn’t come, is really late, or has typos. If you want the job, you have to nail this and not phone it in!
Exactly! The interview is not over until the well thought out thank you letter is sent. At this point, employers expect it!
This was super helpful! I always struggle with thank you letters because I am very shy and I do not want to sound repetitive. But this template is professional, as well as genuine and can certainly go a long way in the interview process.
Thank you so much Carli! I actually think this is a good place to be repetitive since it shows the employer again how AWESOME you are which can be a great thing!
So important. I think so so so many people forget to do this after interviews and it is so key!
Agreed and it’s really a missed opportunity and may actually lose you the job! Thanks so much for your input, Kallie!
Sending the thank you right away is HUGE! I love the app Bond – you can write it from your phone and choose the font and stationery and everything and then they print it and send it out printed beautifully to the person! Not quite handwritten, but cursive penmanship on a personalized stationery card is still pretty cool!
Coming Up Roses
I love this and what a great way to give a personalized touch in a unique way!
This is an excellent template. I have found sending a physical note can take ages to get to the actual recipients, so I use email. Just remember to obtain the email addresses ahead of time!
Thanks so much Rosie! Getting the email addresses ahead of time is so important and I don’t think it hurts to send an immediate email and then actual note just in case it takes a little longer.
These are great tips. Thank you notes are important.
Thanks so much Jessica@
Using something like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can help with proofreading too!
That is such great advice! Thanks Heidi!