Writing thank you notes and letters can mean the difference between getting the position you desire and missing out on a great opportunity. Final selection of a winner from a group of equally qualified candidates is frequently determined on feel, fit, and how well they will get along in the organization. Well-mannered people who communicate by their actions their understanding of business etiquette have a definite advantage over those who don't bother to take the extra time to demonstrate their good manners in the job search.
Thanking people is very important! Everyone likes to be appreciated. Always, Always, Always send thank you notes or letters within 24 hours after an interview. Also, send thank you notes to those who have given you leads or have helped you in any way with your job search. Your thoughtfulness will be remembered now and in the future, and may be the final thing that allows an employer to decide on you instead of another candidate.
When you complete the interview, thank the interviewer for giving you the:
Time of the interviewer
Information you received in the interview
Hospitality of the receptionist, interviewer, and others
Consideration of the organization to be hired as an employee
Opportunity to advance in your career A hand-written note is more personal and shows a little extra effort. You may also type a thank you letter on 8 1/2 X 12 letterhead.
GUIDELINES
Request a business card before you leave the interview. When you follow-up, you will have the correct name, title, address, direct phone number, and e-mail address of the interviewer.
Address the note / letter to Dear Mr., Ms., or Mrs. rather than using his or her first name, even if the interviewer is a personal friend.
Keep your note short.
Write something specific that was discussed in the interview which makes you unique and qualified for the position.
The thank you note is an opportunity to align yourself with the expectations of the company for the position. Focus on 2-3 things the interviewer singled out as important in a candidate. They will be impressed that you understand what they are looking for in a new employee.
Correct any mistakes you made during the interview. If you are concerned about a flubbed fact or a missed opportunity, you can correct them in your follow-up thank you note.
Ask for the job. Express an interest in and enthusiasm for the job. Don't assume that the person in charge of hiring already knows this. In a competitive job market, this is your opportunity to ensure that your feelings about the job are clearly understood.
Spell everything correctly. One incorrect spelling can spoil your chances. Read it out loud. Have a family member or friend proofread it for you. Never rely only on a spellchecker - they make mistakes.
Put your return address on the envelope. On a small envelope the return address should be on the back. On a #10 business envelope it should be in the upper left corner.
Put adequate postage on the envelope.
Use an attractive commemorative stamp. Studies show that eye-catching stamps result in greater sales in direct mail advertising. Do not use a postage meter. Do not use religious or politically controversial stamps.
Use a good quality pen with dark blue or black ink.
Don't oversell yourself by using clichés like --- I'm the best person for this job.
Sign the name you were called at the interview when writing a note by hand.
Type your formal name, then sign your conversational name when typing a letter.
Mail the thank you note within 24hours.
Your thank you note will keep your name in front of the employer or recruiter. It is an effective self-marketing tool.
Because so few candidates take advantage of sending thank you notes, you will automatically stand out.
After you start your job, you may discover that your thank you note significantly contributed to your selection by the employer.
