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Thank You Letters

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Writing Thank You Letters

WRITING THANK YOU LETTERS

ALWAYS write a thank you letter to the person with whom you communicated or provided you assistance during your job search whether it was an informational interview, a networking meeting, or an actual job interview. Realize this person has now become a part of your career network and you never know when your paths may cross again. You will automatically stand out in the applicant pool given the majority of job applicants do not send thank-you notes after their interview. It is ok to send thank you notes via email.

REASONS FOR WRITING A THANK YOU LETTER

  • Shows common courtesy and respect by demonstrating you appreciate the time the employer spent with you
  • Provides the opportunity to reiterate points you made during your meeting
  • Demonstrates your written communication skills
  • Helps the employer remember you
  • Demonstrates your continued interest in organization/position

Career experts suggest writing and sending the letter within 24 hours of your interview for the following reasons:


  • You still have the momentum of your interview and everything you said during the meeting is still fresh in your mind.

  • If you send the letter right away, it may arrive while the hiring process is in progress which can give you an advantage.

WHAT TO INCLUDE

First sentence(s)


  • Thank the interviewer for the opportunity of meeting with you.

  • State the position for which you interviewed and other relevant information about the interview.

Body


  • Re-emphasize key points and your strengths.

  • Emphasize how you fit the position and organization.

  • Correct misperceptions, if you believe the employer may have gotten any.

  • Address issues you forgot during the interview.

  • Your continued interest and enthusiasm.

Closing


  • Close with a suggestion for further action or the statement that you will be available for additional interviews at the interviewer's convenience.

Sample Thank You Letter

printer friendly version

1440 Monroe Street
Madison, WI 53711

January 1, 2006

Christine Johnson
Field Supervisor
WI Holstein Association
902 Eighth Avenue
Baraboo, WI 53913

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I want to thank you again for giving me the opportunity to interview for the Communication Internship. I really appreciate the time you spent with me and enjoyed meeting with you and your staff.

I am excited by the prospect of working for the Wisconsin Holstein Association. The positive work environment and the intern duties make this position especially appealing to me, and I think my interpersonal skills would be a good fit with your environment. I hope you feel that my background, experiences, and education have provided me with the skills you are seeking in an intern.

If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Bucky B. Badger

This template if for informational purposes only. Please do not copy text.