Seal The Deal With A Thank You Note

After the final handshake, there’s one more thing job seekers need to do following the interview:  Send a thank you note!

Thank you notes are part of the ritual when job searching, and it can make or break the job offer.  Without it, the potential employer may think you don't pay attention to details, you don't have any manners, or worse -- maybe you don't even want the job.

Many Office Manager’s believe that someone who doesn't write a thank you note shows a lack of interest in the job, a lack of thoroughness and is not a serious candidate.

Should thank you notes be written for multiple interviews in the same company?  What if it was a phone interview?  What if there was a panel of people-- write each person?  The answer to all of these questions is YES!

How to deliver a thank you note depends on the employer.  First of all, send your thank you note within 24 hours of your interview.  In today’s social media, emails are usually fine, but use your best judgment.  If you're interviewing with an old-school company, maybe email isn't their thing.  Sending a hand written thank you may seem to be a more personal way to acknowledge your interest in the job.  Email is convenient and more importantly, FAST.  You don't want your potential boss waiting for your snail mail while the other candidates have thanked him days ago.  A job search tip: Do both-- email them and then follow up with a "real" thank you note that you will mail.  It couldn't hurt.

A thank you note should be looked at as a follow-up note.  You're reminding the hiring manager that you're the best candidate. Your note should focus on what the manager wants; it should clearly tell them that you understand what the company needs and how you can help.  You should also take this opportunity to briefly summarize your past accomplishments.

Below is a guideline to writing thank you letters/notes after a job interview.

1^st paragraph:  Thank the employer for the interview.  Reference the position and date of the interview.

2^nd paragraph:  State reasons why you are the strongest candidate for the position.  Summarize a few of your skills.

3^rd and closing paragraph:  Reiterate your appreciation for being considered for the position and you are looking forward to hearing from the interviewer.

JoAnne Jamrog

Career Services Coordinator