Interviewing and looking for a new job is a nerve-wracking and stressful time for just about everyone. You’re trying to find the right situation, all the while hoping that they like you and remember you once you leave. One of the best and easiest ways to be remembered after a job interview is to send your prospective employer a thank you note. Thank you notes can make all the difference in the world between being remembered and being remarkable. To help you find the perfect way to thank your prospective employer, here’s a guide on how to compose the best thank you note.
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Email vs. Traditional Mail
Before you begin your thank you note, you will want to determine if you want to send a thank you note via email, or if you wish to send thank you note via traditional mail. There are cons and benefits to both options. With email, you have the advantage of speed. You can send a thank you note the minute after your interview ends.
Sending a thank you note in the mail shows an extra level of care and attention as you had to write and print a note, put in a physical envelope, and pay for the postage. Determining which option is best is up to your opinion of the company and your prospective employer(s). Some employers prefer speed and modernization, while others appreciate the effort of an old school letter. Use your best judgement in choosing which option is best.
When you write your thank you note, you will want to address the reader i.e. your interviewer. If you were interviewed by more than one person, send a thank you note to each individual interviewer rather than one note to all of the interviewers.
Emailed Notes
For an emailed thank you note, at the top of the note, write your name, the name of your interviewer, and the date you are sending the note, and write “Thank You” in the subject line. Here is an example:
From: Jane Smith
To: Elizabeth Adams
Date: July 2, 2018
Subject: Thank You
Mailed Notes
For a mailed thank you note, approach it as a traditional letter. Make sure to address your interviewer at the top of the note i.e. Dear [Interviewer’s Name]. Always make sure to address them formally with a Dr./Mr./Ms., as in the following example:
Dear Ms. Smith,
At the end of your thank you note, make sure to sign the note and write your name below. You do not need to date a mailed note as the date will be evident on the postmarked envelope.
Key Points
In the content of your thank you note, you will want to express several key points.
You will want to thank your interviewer for the opportunity to interview with them. It is also beneficial to express your gratitude for the time they took to speak with you. This may seem redundant but there is actually an important distinction. Thanking the interviewer for the opportunity is the base level of appreciation required for every thank you note.
You are thanking the company for the opportunity. However, when you express your gratitude for the time the interviewer spent with you, you are thanking the individual interviewer. The company is giving you the opportunity but the individual is giving you their time. You are appreciating the individual rather than the company. It is a subtle, yet important distinction.
Secondly, you will want to reiterate your qualifications and why you are the best person for this job. Sometimes, interviewers see a lot of people for an open position. No matter how memorable your interview or how well you got on with your interviewer(s), you always want to remind them of your best qualities.
Mentioning your skills and qualifications will jog their memory of your interview and will remind them why they loved you and the positive feelings they had for you during your interview. It will also help you stand out from all the other interviewees. No one else possesses your unique brand of skills and expertise, don’t hesitate to remind them of that.
Finally, wrap up your note by reiterating your positive feelings about the team and company. A thank you note is your way to express how much you want the job. Anyone can claim to be enthusiastic about a position while in the room, but actions speak louder than words. A thank you note is your way of illustrating your passion for the position.
Employers want to hire people who want to be there. Everyone wants to work with people who are keen and enthusiastic. Let both the action of sending the thank you note as well as the content of the note to speak to your prospective employer about your interest.
Thank You Note Example
Below is an example of a thank you note. You should personalize it to fit your specific qualifications.
Dear Ms. Smith,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position of [name of position] on [date of interview]. I was thrilled to see that [name of company] far exceeds its excellent reputation.
I want to express my gratitude for the time you spent with me during my informative and engaging interview. With over [X years] of experience in [your industry], I believe I would be an asset to your [team/company/department]. I feel my past experience as [list past experiences] and my skills in [list your most important skills] fit what it is you’re looking for.
It would be a privilege to work at [name of company] with your talented and distinguished staff. Please do not hesitate to reach me at (XXX) XXX-XXXX and at youremail@youremailaddresss.com.
Best Wishes,
[Your Signature]
Your Name