You know it’s a good idea to write a thank-you note after an interview, but a lot of people fail to take this basic step. When done well, thank-you notes can help you stand out from a crowd of applicants. Several clients ask me for assistance when writing a thank you note or letter to a prospective employer.
Here is what I tell them:
- If your letter is too generic, too short, or contains typos and mistakes, it can cause the reader to doubt your interest in the job.
- It’s lovely to say thank you, but your letter needs to be a little more in-depth to make an impression.
- You think you’re qualified for the job, what proof can you offer? Be specific! Try to reference a comment the interviewer made.
Sample thank you letter sent via mail
Dear Mr./Ms. (Last Name),
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you personally for all the time you spent with me when I visited your office. I have thought quite a bit about the possibility of joining your team and believe that, in addition to the contributions I could offer, I would learn a lot from you and benefit greatly from your talent, wisdom, and experience.
I am very interested in working for (ABC company) and look forward to hearing about this position soon. If there is any other information I can provide to help expedite the decision making, please let me know.
Again, I appreciate the time you took to talk with me.
Sincerely,
(Name)
Sample thank you letter sent via email
Subject Line: Thank You for Interview
Dear Mr./Ms. (Last Name),
It was very enjoyable to speak with you today about the Assistant Account Executive position at (company name). The job seems to be an excellent match for my skills and interests. The creative approach to account management that you described confirmed my desire to work with you.
In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring to the position strong writing skills, assertiveness, and the ability to encourage others to work cooperatively with the department.
I appreciate the time you took to interview me. I am very interested in working for you and look forward to hearing from you regarding this position.
Sincerely,
(Name)
If you want the job, it’s worth creating an effective note or letter to inspire the reader to want to learn more about you. A thank you letter may be your chance to stand out; make sure it’s a positive message and it will create an impression on the employer.
by Carole Marinier, Resident Blogger for Agilec
For more information, you can always contact the Agilec location nearest you.
What do you think? Has a thank you note put you ahead of the crowd?
