So, you’ve just come out of a job interview and you feel good about the way it went. You managed to answer all the questions confidently and with ease, and you’re pretty sure that you made a great impression. But before you kick back and start imagining what it would be like to have the job, there’s one more thing you need to do: write an interview thank-you letter.
You might be thinking, “Do I really need to send a thank-you letter? Can’t I just wait for them to call me if they’re interested?” Unfortunately, if that’s your game plan, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to stand out from the competition. Here’s why:
It shows you’re serious about the job
Employers want to see that you’re invested in the opportunity they’re offering. By taking the time to send a thank-you letter, you’re demonstrating your commitment to the position and letting the employer know that you’re serious about being a part of their team.
It reminds them of your strengths
In your thank-you letter, you have the opportunity to remind the employer of some of your key qualifications and strengths that make you a strong candidate for the job. By doing so, you’re keeping yourself fresh in their minds and increasing the likelihood that you’ll be considered for the position.
It’s a chance to address any concerns
If there were any aspects of the interview that you felt didn’t go as well as you’d hoped, your thank-you letter is a great opportunity to address them. For example, if you stumbled on a particular question, you could use your letter to clarify your answer or provide more information.
It sets you apart from the competition
Let’s face it – job interviews can be a bit like speed dating. You’ve got a limited amount of time to make a great impression, and there are likely plenty of other candidates vying for the same position. By sending a thank-you letter, you’re setting yourself apart from all the other applicants and showing that you’re someone who goes the extra mile.
Tips for Writing an Effective Interview Thank-You Letter
Now that you know why it’s important to send an interview thank-you letter, here are some tips for making sure your letter is effective:
Send it within two days
Timing is important when it comes to thank-you letters. You want to make sure that you send yours while you’re still fresh in the employer’s mind, but you don’t want to wait so long that they’ve already moved on to the next set of interviews. Ideally, you should send your thank-you letter within two days of your interview.
Be specific
When you’re writing your thank-you letter, try to be as specific as possible. Mention something that you discussed in the interview or a project that you’re particularly excited about. The more specific you can be, the more memorable you’ll be to the employer.
Reiterate your interest
Make sure that you let the employer know that you’re still interested in the position. You don’t have to gush or come across as desperate, but you do want to make it clear that you’d be happy to hear from them.
Proofread carefully
Just like with any other piece of professional correspondence, it’s important to proofread your thank-you letter carefully. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure that the tone is professional and polished.
Sample Interview Thank-You Letter
If you’re not sure where to start with your thank-you letter, here’s a sample template that you can use as a starting point:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss the [Position] opening at [Company Name]. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the position and the company, and I’m excited about the possibility of joining your team.
I was particularly impressed by [something specific that you discussed in the interview], and I believe that my experience in [relevant skill or industry] could be an asset to the team. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s growth and success.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or if there is anything else I can provide to support my candidacy. Thank you again for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Final Thoughts
Sending an interview thank-you letter might seem like a small gesture, but it can have a big impact on your job search. By demonstrating your interest in the position, reminding the employer of your strengths, and setting yourself apart from the competition, you’re increasing the likelihood that you’ll be offered the job. So, don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a great impression – take the time to write a thoughtful and professional thank-you letter after your next job interview.