Thank You Letter Thank you letters are a tricky topic. There is a lot to take into consideration: To which organizations do I send a thank you? Should a thank you letter be typed or written? Should it be a business letter or a card? Does my thank you letter make an impact after the fact? Am I awarded “extra points” for sending one? The best response to all of these questions is, “It depends.” You will want to get to know the organization and position for which you are applying. If the position deals with, or is in an organization that is known for networking, community involvement and interaction, then it would be a safe bet to assume that it is okay to send a thank you letter. However, if the position is with an organization that is not community involved, and/or hires strictly on a matrix system, it may not matter. If there is any doubt, you should probably err on the side of caution and send one. So, I’ve decided to send a thank you. What format do I use? The same goes for deciding to send a typed letter or a hand written card/letter. You will want to gage the organization’s personality and culture. If you feel that sending a typed letter is in line with the organization, then you should choose that format. If the organization is more personable and community-based, then a hand written card would be a good choice. It all depends on your take of the organization. Remember: be cautious! Your thank you letter may or may not get you extra points with the organization. However, if anything at all, a thank you letter can make a lasting impression. It shows that you took the time to reflect on the interview, and thank the interviewer or committee for their time and consideration. It never hurts to go above and beyond! Here are some tips to consider when writing a thank you letter: • • Send it within 24 hours of the interview. When sending a thank you letter, be sure to consider the hiring committee or person who will make the final decision, anyone who referred you to the position, wrote letters of reference, or advised you in applying for the position. It may even help to send a thank you letter to those people who rejected you for a job. No matter the outcome, always leave someone with a favorable impression—it might open a door for you later. Personalize the letter. If you were interviewed by multiple people, it may be appropriate to send a thank you letter to the entire hiring committee. However, if one person is involved in the hiring process, you may want to send it to that person. Remember--should I type a letter or should I hand write a card – do your research on the company’s culture. Check, recheck and then let someone else proof your letter for spelling and grammar mistakes. Errors of this kind are careless and reflect poorly on your preparation. Keep copies of all your correspondence.
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