Writing Effective Thank-You Letters
Sending thank-you letters after interviewing for a position is an integral part of a successful job application process. Not only do you exercise a good amount of proper social etiquette, but by sending a thank-you letter to an interviewer, you also reinforce in him or her a memory of your meeting. Especially if the interviewer is meeting a significant amount of people for the open position, a reminder note of who you are and what you discussed during your interview could be the item that clinches the interview for you.Send a personalized, not boiler-plate, thank-you letter to make sure that the interviewer (and anyone else you met during the interview) remembers who you are and what you discussed during your meeting. Here are some tips to craft a professional and personalized thank-you letter that will help you set yourself apart from the competition.
Proofread for Content and Clarity
In addition to proofreading your thank-you letter for correct grammar and spelling, double-check that you've spelled your interviewer's name correctly, as well as the name of the prospective employer.
Emphasize Your Selling Points
Your thank-you letter is an ideal forum for emphasizing your strongest selling points. Even if you did not mention these points during the interview, take this opportunity to explain why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Keep in mind, though, that the thank-you letter should not be longer than your cover letter, so keep your points brief.
Jog Your Interviewer's Memory
As I mentioned above, it is not unusual for interviewers to meet with up to a dozen candidates (and sometimes, even more) for a given position. Because of this situation, you need to separate yourself from the pack and pick at least one point of conversation you shared with the interviewer. Reminding the interviewer of what you discussed will help him or her remember your meeting.
Build a Bridge
A hirer need someone who is the answer to a company's needs. In your thank-you note, describe how you are that answer. Whether it's through your skills, extensive background in the same industry, or knowledge of the unique corporate culture, you should explain how you are an ideal fit with the prospective employer.
By crafting a professional, personalized thank-you letter for each person you meet during your interview, you take a significant step in standing above your competition. You can email or "snail mail" a thank-you letter -- just make sure you consider the pointers I mentioned above.
