Whether you know it or not, a job interview thank you letter is a tool to increase your chances of getting a job after an interview.
Knowing how to answer the tough interview questions is one big step, but a thank you letter after a job interview is not just common courtesy; it’s an essential element of the interviewing process.
Other candidates competing for the same job as you will be sending interviewers a thank you letter and if you don’t, interviewers may view you as uninterested or impolite.
Writing a thank-you note after an interview makes a difference. Why? It’s simply your opportunity to remind the interviewer of your interest in the job and the top qualifications that set you apart from other applicants.
Why You should Write a Thank You letter after interview
Among other reasons, a job interview thank you letter impresses employers with your follow-through, shows courtesy toward the interviewer, conveys your interest in the position, and even more:
- Provides you an opportunity to get back in front of the employer again, in case you have faded from the memory of an employer who met too many people too quickly
- Allows you to introduce information that you neglected to mention in the interview.
- Allows you to clarify anything that you don’t think you communicated well during the interview.
- Demonstrates your skill at written (or emailed) communications.
- Meets your competition so you don’t lose an opportunity simply because your competitor sent a thank you letter.
In the end, you have much more to gain than to lose by writing the thank you letter. And, if you don’t write, you may blow the opportunity nearly 25% of the time.
In the light of the importance of thank-you letters after a job interview, you can choose to go for:
- Handwritten thank-you notes
- Email thank-you notes
Your choice of method depends on the job you are seeking, what you feel most comfortable doing, and what you think the people there will prefer. But email thank-you notes are more preferable.
RELATED: How to answer interview questions about salary
How to Write An Interview Thank You letter
Since it has to be written ASAP, you shouldn’t wait more than 48 hours and you might even hand deliver it.
Features to note in your Thank you letter
- You should highlight what the employer liked about you
- Cover positive information you wish you had said in the interview
- Express your skills in the areas that the employers showed concern over
- Proofread carefully.
One important thing to note is: do not see this as an opportunity to claim experience or qualification you don’t have since you’re note sitting in front of the interviewer
A good sample interview letter
Isaac Brondon
14, O’villa street,
Bariga,
Lagos, Nigeria.
[Date].
Mr. Bamgbose Victor,
Manager,
ABC Company,
1 Corporate Way,
Sometown, Nigeria.
Dear [Mr./Ms. Bamgbose],
Thank you very much for your time today [or yesterday or the date] to interview me for the position of [job title]. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about this job, to meet you and [names of other interviewers], and to see your facility [or offices, location, whatever is appropriate].
[Reference anything you said that seemed important to the interviewer, like: As we discussed, I find the technology related to using cloud computing fascinating and an amazing opportunity for the future, but security is also a major concern. Keeping XYZ Company’s information safe would be a top priority for the person in this job, and I would love to dig deeply into the protective technologies, as well as the threats, to avoid future problems.]
As we discussed, I have [months or years] of experience with [technology, tools, or qualification you have that seemed most important in the interview]. With my background and experience, I believe that I could become a contributor to your team very quickly.
I am excited about this opportunity to join [organization name]. Please do not hesitate to email or call me if you have any questions or need any additional information.
I look forward to hearing from you [whenever they said they would be in touch or in 10 days if they didn’t give you a date].
Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
[Phone number]
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