Pop quiz! You’ve just aced an interview; do you now sit in self-entitlement until the employer contacts you to make a job offer? You don't need an all-nighter to know the answer to that is no. Although once you are done speaking with an interviewer the initial evaluation is over, the process of getting the job is not. What many students don’t realize is the power of sending a thank-you note after an interview. According to Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources at CareerBuilder.com, “nearly 15 percent of hiring managers say they would not hire someone who failed to send a thank-you letter after the interview.”
With a significant amount of employers placing such importance on job applicants writing thank you notes post-interview, those who are interviewed should place equal importance on crafting the perfect letter afterwards. Below is a simple template for a thank you letter after an interview. Although some places will promote a thank you note that ranges anywhere from three to four paragraphs long, let's be honest, the boss isn’t going to want to read a dissertation on why you are most qualified: short and sweet is the key to success here.
[Your Street Address]
[City, State] [Zip Code]
[Date]
[Interviewer’s Name]
[Company]
[Street Address]
[City, State] [Zip Code]
Dear [INSERT THEIR NAME]:
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me this past Friday. As we discussed, after graduating with honors through my journalism school, and my freelance work with [NEWSPAPER NAME] in the past, I would love for the opportunity to become a full-fledged writer for your publication. After speaking with you and learning more about [NEWSPAPER NAME], I am more excited than ever at the prospect of working with you in the future.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate in reaching out to me. Thank you for your time and I hope to hear back from you soon.
Regards,
[INSERT YOUR NAME]
Although many argue over whether the letter should be handwritten, typed or emailed, it usually will not matter; just make sure that when you send it out promptly (within two business days of interview). By doing this you will not only stand out (there is a surprisingly low number of job applicants who bother to do this) but it will show that you are both organized and professional.
If you need any additional help with formatting your letter, simply Google “thank you letter template” and you’ll be on your way.
(Photo at http://www.flickr.com/photos/14939729@N08/6316796368/)
