Interviewing
Writing a Thank-You Letter after the Interview
Why write a thank-you letter?
- To let the employer know of your continued interest in the position.
- To help the employer remember you.
- To re-emphasize the qualities you have that are important for the position.
- To add anything you forgot to say in the interview.
- To provide any additional data requested by the interviewer that you may not have had available at the time of the interview.
- To increase your chances of getting the job.
What should go into the thank-you letter?
- Refer to the position you interviewed for and to the name of the organization.
- Thank the interviewer for the time and courtesy extended to you.
- Express your interest in the job.
- Remind the interviewer of the special qualifications you have for the position and state what you could do for the organization.
- Cite any aspect of the organization which is especially relevant or interesting to you.
- Confirm appropriate next steps in the hiring process.
- To show your appreciation for the interviewers time and information.
Tips
- Remember to get the business card or name, address, and title of your interviewer so that you know where to send your thank-you letter.
- Neatly hand write (if the letter is fairly short) or type (if the letter is more than a couple of paragraphs) your thank-you letter on good quality paper or stationery.
- Write your thank-you note soon after the interview!
Sample thank-you letter (Longer version, which should be typed.)
123 West Main Street
Richmond, VA 23220
November 1, 1997
Ms. Jane Brown, Vice President
Department of Human Resources
ABC Corporation
15 East Capitol Highway
Chicago, IL 55555
Dear Ms. Brown:
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me about the position of
Personnel Analyst for ABC Corporation. I found our meeting both enjoyable
and informative.
As you know, I am very interested in the position. I feel that my
background in business and psychology, coupled with my experience as an
intern in the Department of Human Resources at Philip Morris, indicates
that I am a particularly well qualified candidate for this position.
I communicate effectively with diverse types of people, am capable of
working independently, and possess the discipline necessary for following
through on projects. I am eager to demonstrate these abilities with ABC
Corporation.
As you requested, I'm having a transcript of my college records sent to
you from the Registrar's Office at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Please let me know if I can provide you with any additional information.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Joan Harris
(Please note: This is only a sample. Tailor your own thank-you letter according to your personal style.)
|
