Thank You Notes and Letters

A letter sent following an interview or informational interview is not only good manners, it is essential. It assists the employer in remembering you and your unique qualifications. A recruiter may interview many candidates throughout the day. Letters serve as a reminder, and can also be considered as marketing tools. A thank-you letter also leaves the employer with a favorable impression. If the employer is having difficulty deciding between you and another candidate, a well-written thank-you letter could play an important role in the decision to hire you.

Send a thank-you letter within 48 hours of your interview and keep it to two to three short paragraphs. A short statement about your qualifications and continued interest in the position may be added. Be sure to get the correct spelling of the person(s) who conducted the interview and try to send a thank-you letter to each person who interviewed you. It’s ok to send a handwritten thank-you note as long as it’s on professional card stock and if the interview was not in a strictly formal setting. Use a type written letter if you have handwriting that is difficult to read or if the interview was very formal.

Click here to view an example of a thank-you letter (pdf format).