Why Thank You Letters Work

Thank you letters or sending a card after an interview is a very professional way to remind the interviewers of your interest in the position and to highlight your professionalism. Even if you are no longer interested in the position it is a good idea to send a thank you letter or card as you never know if another position may come open in the company or organization that you may be more interested in.

What should a thank you letter include?

A thank you letter after an interview should include:

• A statement of appreciation for the interview and the time spent in the interview process.
• A short statement of your qualifications as they apply to the job.
• A positive affirmation of your abilities.
• Any additional information that may be helpful to the interviewer.

If you are not interested in the job it would be appropriate to make the thank you letter very short and simply thank the interviewer for the time and for sharing information about the company. Avoid stating that you are no longer interested in the position as this may come across as negative and may affect your ability to get an interview for any subsequent jobs.

When should the letter or card be sent?

Thank you letters or cards should be sent as soon as possible after the interview. They should be mailed to every individual involved in the interview process and should not be sent to the group as a whole. The letters or cards should be professional and avoid any patterned or graphics on the card or letter.

What would a thank you letter sound like?

An example of a thank you letter might sound like:

Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for the opportunity to meet and discuss the position of Sales Manager. I appreciated the time that you spent outlining the goals of the XYZ Corporation and I feel strongly that I can contribute to achieving those goals.

I would like to mention that I have certification in Quality Based Management and know that this method would work very well with the model you are currently using. I would be able to meet with you at your convenience should you require any additional information.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with XYZ Corporation and feel that my skills would be a good fit with your organization. I look forward to seeing you again.

Sincerely,

A. Smith

Remember to personalize the letter to the information obtained during the interview for maximum effect. A thank you letter or card will definitely set you apart from most candidates and will highlight both your interest in the company and your professionalism.

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