THANK YOU LETTERS
Thank you letters are an extremely important part of the job search process. You should always take the extra time to write a personalized note to express your appreciation after an interview. More than just a courteous gesture, a thank you letter is a marketing tool that allows a potential employer to revisit the interview and be reminded of your relevant experience and skills.
Thank You Note Logistics:
If you choose to type it in a business letter format, be sure that it is on high quality paper, that it is well written, and that it is error free. If you choose the handwritten, more personal approach, be sure that your handwriting is legible. Use high quality, professional stationery. It is a good idea to type it up and run it through spell check before writing into the thank you card. PROOFREAD! Don’t forget to sign your thank you notes.
Thank You Note Writing 101
Adhering to the following guidelines will enable you to compose a well thought out and memorable thank you letter: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Send a thank you letter within 24 hours of your interview. Make sure you have the correct spelling of the relevant information. (Ensure this by asking the interviewer for a card at the conclusion of the interview.) Use the same font and paper as your resume or a handwritten note on professional stationery. If you were interviewed by several people, send each a personalized thank you letter. Thank him/her for the interview and his/her time. Refer to at least one thing the employer said about the organization or the position that was of particular interest to you. Reiterate your qualifications for the position.
1
8. 9.
Express sincere interest and enthusiasm for the company and position. Each thank you letter must be unique and tailored to each interview. By customizing it to fit the interview, you are demonstrating your enthusiasm for the organization and the position. Thank you letters usually follow a three paragraph format. 1st Paragraph: Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to interview with them. Include the position title and the date you interviewed. Restate your interest in the position as well as your specific qualifications for the position. Make sure you include references to your conversation with the interviewer. This paragraph should be used for closing comments and information concerning follow up.
10.
2nd Paragraph:
3rd Paragraph: REMEMBER:
Timing is an essential part of your thank you letter, make sure you send it out within 24 hours of your interview. Hint: Have a template ready prior to the interview to expedite the process. Sample Typewritten Thank You Letter
Harry Potter 4 Privet Drive Boston, MA 62442 March 4, 2005
Minerva McGonagall, Esq. Jones, McGonagall & Thompson 200 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02166 Dear Attorney McGonagall: Thank you for taking the time to interview me on March 2, 2005, regarding an associate position with Jones, McGonagall & Thompson. I was extremely impressed by your description of the firm’s family law practice and enjoyed our conversation concerning spouse abuse in conjunction with child custody. I believe my experience with the Divorce Resource and Mediation Center has given me the skills to be a successful litigator in family law. I wish to express my continuing interest in an associate position with your firm and look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Sincerely,
Harry Potter (type write name underneath as well) 2
Sample Handwritten Thank You Note
March 4, 2005
Dear Attorney McGonagall: Thank you for taking the time to interview me on March 2, 2005, regarding an associate position with Jones, McGonagall & Thompson. I was extremely impressed by your description of the firm’s family law practice and enjoyed our conversation concerning spouse abuse in conjunction with child custody. I believe my experience with the Divorce Resource and Mediation Center has given me the skills to be a successful litigator in family law. I wish to express my continuing interest in an associate position with your firm and look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Harry Potter
Sincerely,
3