Post-Interview Thank You Letter

Writing a thank you letter gives you a second chance to make a first impression. No clear statistics exist, but anecdotal evidence seems to indicate that less than 10% of candidates follow up with thank you letters. Imagine how positively those few candidates are viewed! The follow-up thank you letter not only shows appropriate appreciation but also proper etiquette. A well-written thank you letter allows you to

• Remind the interviewer about who you are, your background, and your qualifications.
• Impress the interviewer with your ability to be courteous and to follow through.
• Reiterate points that were covered in the interview. This shows that you were listening carefully.
• Mention points that you failed to cover in the interview due to time, anxiety, etc.
• Respond with additional detail for any question if you felt that your answer during the interview was not comprehensive enough.
• Recover from an inadequate response.
• Show your enthusiasm and continued interest as a viable candidate for the position discussed.
• Convey your sincere appreciation for the interviewer's time and consideration.
• Restate what is expected to be the next step in the interviewing process.

Thank you letters should be sent promptly (within 24 hours) after each of your interviews. All hardcopy letters should be typed in business letter format.

In the letter

• Begin by thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration of you as a candidate for opportunities with them.
• Explain how you believe your skills, abilities, talents, and interests can meet the needs of the interviewer's organization.
• Have an appropriate closing designed to facilitate a favorable reply. Indicate your understanding of the stated timeline for the decision-making process. Restate your interest in their continued consideration of you as a candidate.

No matter how many interviews you've completed, NEVER leave out the thank you letter! Employers have been known to hire candidates because bothered to write a thank you letter.

See a sample post-interview thank you letter. Additional Sample.