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Writing A Powerful Thank You Note
INSIGHT by Candace
Davies
Perfect, your cover letter and resume secured an interview — the interview
went brilliantly. You're confident they are interested in you. Now, you
just have to wait for the offer, right? …WRONG.
Don't stop the campaign yet… it is a known fact that many hiring decisions
rest on which candidate sends a thank you letter. Put the situation in
perspective…. Imagine a hiring manager, undecided between two "equally"
qualified candidates. Then, one candidate sends a well-written thank you
note, and the other doesn't. Who do you think will receive the job offer?
Aside from the fact that a thank you letter is a marketing tool, it
is common courtesy for job seekers to send a letter to all interviewers.
Hiring managers know that those who send a letter are informed and following
standard protocol.
Timeliness is also important. It is best to write your letter and send
it within 48 hours of your interview.
So how do you create an effective, unique thank you letter that will show
you remain interested in the position? In an effective thank you letter,
there are three or four paragraphs. The best advice is to make sure the
letter is unique, not generic.
Make sure you address the letter to the person(s) who interviewed you.
Include the interviewer's name, title, organization, and complete mailing
address. Ensure correct spelling of all names — if you are unsure of spelling,
you may be able to obtain this information from the company secretary.
Opening Paragraph — Express your appreciation for the interviewer's
time and the opportunity to meet.
Second Paragraph — Reinforce your understanding of the job's requirements
and emphasize your qualifications. Include any information you forgot
to mention in the interview, if necessary (but be brief). Maybe include
additional information about any research you did after the interview.
Express appreciation for any opportunities presented during the interview,
such as touring the facilities, meeting other employees, or reviewing
specific company situations. Re-emphasize your most important skills and
qualifications and how you expect to contribute to the organization.
Third paragraph — Only use an additional paragraph if you need
to correct any significant misunderstanding that may have occurred during
the interview. Alternatively, use this paragraph to counter any objection
the interviewer raised about an aspect of your background. Be extremely
careful wording this information.
Final paragraph — Express continued interest in the position and
the company.
Back to the Start - Job
Interview
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Source:
About the Author:
Candace Davies is a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified
Employment Interview Professional, and experienced Career Coach. She
has successfully helped clients worldwide secure excellent job offers
and land ideal positions. She has spent over 12 years in staff recruitment
and management, which has given her the foundation to provide top-notch
career and interview coaching. Candace is the founder and president
of Cando Career Coaching and Resume Writing. http://www.candocareer.com/
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makes no representation as to the accuracy of information transmitted
herein.08/19/03
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