Tips for Writing Thank You Letters & Examples
Writing thank you letters have seemed to be a lost art of business etiquette as many individuals overlook this matter of courtesy. So, when should you send a thank you note? There are several situations in which a thank you letter is appropriate: 1. After an employment interview. 2. When an individual assists you in your job search with a lead, with a network contact, or by speaking on your behalf to a prospective employer. 3. After an informational interview, company visit, or other career exploration activity such as a job fair. Sending a thank you letter can set you apart from all the other applicants competing for a job. To be effective, the thank you note should be sent prior to the employer making a hiring decision. So it is best to send a thank you note immediately after an interview or at least within 24 hours of the interview. Sending a thank you note will give you the opportunity to mention any important information you may have forgot to discuss during the interview and/or allow the interviewer to remember who you are. It also allows you to explain, restate, or clear up any potential misunderstandings. In addition, a well written thank you note shows that you are a professional and gives you the ability to re-emphasize your qualifications, skills, accomplishments and organizational fit. A thank you letter should be no more than one page in length and follow the below outline/format. FIRST PARAGRAPH The first paragraph should be used to thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Remind him/her of the position for which you interviewed for. Be sure to reiterate your interest in the job/company. SECOND PARAGRAPH The second paragraph should include the reasoning as to why you are an excellent choice for the position. List specific skills or qualifications that relate to the job and your fit for the position. It is also good to mention something you learned during the interview or comment on the most important qualifications or skills discussed. THIRD PARGRAPH/FINAL PARAGRAPH A third paragraph can be used to mention anything you may have forgotten to discuss during the interview. If you did not forget anything, this then would be become your closing paragraph. In the closing paragraph, again reiterate your appreciation for being considered for the opportunity and for his/her time. Be sure to inform the interviewer that you are looking forward to hearing from him/her soon or if appropriate, close with a suggestion for a future follow up.
EXAMPLES
Thank You Letter for after a Job Interview
1234 Cherry St. Vermillion, SD 57069 605-624-1234 Mr. Job Interviewer ABC Company 555 Industrial Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55416 Dear Mr. Job Interviewer, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for interviewing me for the current Marketing Manager opening. I certainly appreciated meeting with you and I was able to gain valuable insight about your organization (or ABC Company). After meeting with you, I am further convinced that my experience, skills, and education coincide with what you are looking for to fill this role. In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring strong supervisory skills, effective client management, and an ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment. I also appreciated the opportunity to tour the company and found the forecasted growth of ABC to be very exciting. I am excited about the prospect of working with such a prestigious organization as ABC Company. Once gain, thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you should need any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you soon about this opportunity.
Regards, Your Signature Your Typed Name
Thank You Letter for a Career/Job Fair
1234 Cherry St. Vermillion, SD 57069 605-624-1234
Mr. Ned Working XYZ Organization 5665 Career Way Omaha, NE 68124 Dear Mr. Ned Working: Thank you for taking the time to meet and talk with me at the BIG Job Fair in Sioux Falls today. I definitely appreciated learning more about XYZ Organization and the opportunities that your organization can offer. Your thorough explanation of the Management Rotation Program that XYZ offers confirmed my belief that this program is a great fit with my prior experience, skills, and education. Now I am even more certain that I would be an asset to your team and to XYZ Organization. Both my solid education from the University of South Dakota’s accredited business program and my experience as the Assistant Manager at U.Brew display my excellent work ethic, time management skills, and determination. Three qualities you mentioned were necessary to be successful in XYZ’s Management Rotation Program. I have enclosed a copy of my resume along with a cover letter to highlight my skills and accomplishments. I look forward to speaking with you further about the Management Rotation Program and an opportunity to tour XYZ Organization. I will contact you within the next week to arrange an appointment. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Regards, Your Signature
Your Typed Name
Enclosure