Write an Interview Thank You Note
Sending a note of thanks to a potential employer is a professional courtesy that can make you stand out from your competitors following a job interview. Read this article for tips on how to write an interview thank-you note.
Contents
Steps
Decide What to Write
- Thank the interviewer for his or her time spent interviewing you for the job. Use the specific job title as the person may have conducted multiple interviews throughout the day.
- Demonstrate that you listened. Mention something that the interviewer told you about the company that you did not know. For instance: "When you told me about 'X,' I thought about 'Y.'"
- Remind the interviewer about specific skills or qualities that you can offer to the company. If the interviewer mentioned a need for specific skills that you have, then remind the interviewer of those skills.
Present Your Note
- Compose, type or hand-write and mail your thank-you note as soon as possible on the day of the interview.
- Use high-quality note paper or note cards along with a matching envelope. Stay with note paper/cards of a neutral shade.
- You may use a card having the words "Thank You" imprinted on the front; however, the font and type should be simple and elegant.
- A note card that bears a small, graphic design is acceptable such as a narrow colored border stripe.
- Use a good blue or black pen. Avoid scratchy pens and colorful inks.
- Date the note in full: August 30, 2012 and not 8/30/12
- Greet the interviewer by name. "Dear Mr. or Mrs. (Surname)" or "Dear (First name)" if the company culture is more informal.
- Write the message that you planned. Be genuine and direct.
- Close with your contact information as well as the date that you can start.
- Sign the note, "Sincerely," followed by your signature in blue or black ink. If you typed the note, type your name beneath your signature.
- Ask someone you trust to proofread your note. The person should check for any grammar, spelling or punctuation errors.
- Address the envelope with the full name and title of the interviewer on the first line: Mr. Howard J. Smith, Vice President of Marketing. The second line of the address is the company name: XYZ Enterprises., the third and fourth lines are for the full mailing address and zip code.
- Verify the spelling of the interviewer's name and the company name.
- Check the company website or contact the receptionist in the Human Resources department for assistance with spelling questions.
- Include your name and address in the return address area of the envelope; not on the back.
- Add correct postage and mail your note.
Sample Interview Thank You Notes
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Tips
- Use the words "you" and "yours" more than the words "I," "me" and "mine." The word "you" is one of the 12 most persuasive words in the English language. Ex. Instead of: "I want to thank you for meeting with me." It is more powerful to write, "Thank you for the meeting."
- If you hand-write your message and make a mistake, start over on a fresh note card. Do not cross out words or use correction liquid.
Warnings
- Avoid using note cards or note paper that bear a decorative picture as well as papers bearing a scent or a fragrance.
Things You'll Need
- High-quality stationery
- Good pen
- Postage
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