Why Writing Interview Thank You Letters Matter

Everyone on the outset would agree that writing atheir looking like a professional by following this step.
simple interview thank you letter after an interview5. After you have compiled this information, you will
would be a good idea. Unfortunately, when it comesneed to write out the thank you letter.a. The purpose
time to actually write the letter, few people actuallyof the thank you letter will be to create a short note
follow through with their good intentions. This can occurthat thanks them for meeting you and creates a
because the job seeker believes he/she does notmemorable impression of you in their minds. The best
have time to write an interview thank you letter andway to do this is to provide them with some scaled
really doesn't think they are necessary to securing thedown reconstruction of the information you stockpiled
position or it could be based on the embarrassment ofin step 3.b. By creating an interview thank you letter
the job seeker for failing to get certain necessarybased on this information, you are showing them that
contact information. Regardless of the reason, it is ayou were truly listening during the interview and also, it
real mistake to not send an interview thank you lettergives you one final opportunity to showcase your
because they are very easy to make and can bestrongest qualifications or squelch any lingering
done quickly if you have a proper systemconcerns they may have regarding your job
implemented. A good system for writing interviewcandidacy.
thank you letters should include:6. Although the interview thank you letter can be sent
1. Prior to the interviews, purchase a bunch of genericthrough email, it is better to write these by hand and
thank you cards, envelopes and a book of stamps.mail them. This more personal touch tends to go over
2. Also, prior to the interviews, put a stamp on eachwith the interviewers better because it will make you
envelope and either write your return address or pastelook more like a friendly person than just another
a pre-printed label with your address on the envelopes.candidate.a. Interview thank you letters should be sent
3. During the interview, be on the lookout for a fewon the day of the interview. If you cannot meet this
pieces of critical information:a. Anything interesting thatdeadline; then, send them out on the very next day.
occurred during the interview. For instance, yourRemember it takes a few days for “snail mail”
interviewer may have told you she likes to baketo be delivered and may take even longer for the
cookies or was on the college softball team.b. What, ifletter to work its way up to the interviewers from the
any, advice did she give you during the interview?c.mail room.
Two or three main points of what specifically was7. One final point is to be sure you send an interview
talked about in the interview.d. What are the names ofthank you letter to your contact in HR. If they were
the people who interviewed you and what are theirespecially helpful to you in the process or were very
mailing and email addresses so you can send them aprofessional, be sure to let them know this. Not only is
thank you letter.this a nice thing to do, it may help you land the position
4. Immediately, after the interview, this informationbecause hiring managers will tend to ask their
should be written down so you can use it to helpadministrative assistant or HR contacts what they
compile your thank you letter.a. If you are wonderingthink about a particular person. If you have sent a kind
how to get names and addresses of the people whothank you letter, you have increased the odds in your
are interviewing you, the easiest way is to ask for theirfavor of getting a favorable review.
business cards. Even if they do not have a businessThis basic system should help get you started on how
card, which would be a sign of poor interview skills, youto write a good interview thank you letter. Be on the
can ask them to relay their information to you as youlook out for sample interview thank you letters in the
jot it down.b. If they ask you why you want thenear future. These samples should help give you a
information, tell them you want it because you will befew different formats to use when putting together
sending them an interview thank you letter. Whetherthese letters.
they have business cards or not, you will come out of