Despite the popular belief that the job application process ends right after the interview, in fact, it lasts longer. Hiring managers and interviewers are the people who do their job and expect it to be recognized. One of the best ways to establish rapport and build a lasting relationship with them is to thank them for the work they’ve done.
That is why a thank you letter writing is becoming an essential part of business communication today.
However, there are other reasons why candidates tend to use thank you letters. Even if crafting a winning resume supported by a strong cover letter has already proven its effectiveness in a job search, it’s thank you and follow-up letters, however, that make applicants look more professional and target-oriented.
Why Do You Need to Thank Your Interviewer?
When your interview is over, don’t think that you have nothing to do with your interviewer anymore. It’s normal for humans to express gratitude. We do it all the time when we communicate face-to-face. So, why not put it in writing?
A short note on how motivating your interview experience was won’t land you a job right away. However, as a top resume writer from SkillHub says, it certainly doesn’t hurt to write it.
Just imagine: your interviewer might have met with several candidates throughout the day. Some interview highlights will definitely slip their memory. A nicely written thank you letter resolves this problem for you as well.
What Can You Cover in Your Thank You Letter?
A professional thank you letter always lists your strengths. However, this time you don’t write a letter to support your resume. Instead, now you have your interview to analyze.
For example, you noticed that certain accomplishments of yours impressed the interviewer more than others. Thus, use your thank you letter to remind them of these achievements.
Or, if you suddenly remembered what you’d forgotten to say, a thank you letter is the best place to mention those things. In addition, you can explain the situation if the interview went the opposite direction to what you’d expected.
How Should You Write a Great Thank You Letter?
Most thank you letters are sent via email today. Therefore, the best strategy is to choose to stay as precise and concise as possible. However, there are a few things that you should definitely include in your text.
Greeting and Opening Line
You should address the person you are writing to correctly. You’ve been in the interview and, hence, should know the name, position and the right pronouns. Don’t use Dear Sir/Madam anymore.
As for the greeting, thank the interviewer for their time and remind them of the position in question. The second sentence should express how you feel about the interview and the company.
Many people realize that the job is not for them when they speak with the representative. Use your opening line to either confirm your interest or politely explain the reasons behind your decision not to proceed with the interviews.
A great sample of the abovementioned parts will read as follows:
Dear Mr. Johnson,
Thank you for taking the time to interview me yesterday for the Director of Marketing position at Johnson & Johnson. I enjoyed discussing how my qualities and competencies could contribute to the achievement of your marketing objectives. I believe my professional skill set, especially my experience in product promotion, makes me a perfect candidate for the job.
Body
The body of a thank you letter is the part where you list your strengths or explain interview weaknesses. Mention something that makes you stand out from the rest of the candidates. Or include facts that explain why you answered one of the questions incorrectly.
You can write about your achievements, special skills and projects here. Also, do not forget to say that the company’s values and principles meet those of yours.
For example:
I was particularly impressed to learn how my record of success in creating content and developing marketing campaigns meets the needs of your company. I can really envision myself contributing to raising brand awareness and reaching out to hard-to-reach audiences for you. Also, I am deeply committed to the idea of leading a sustainable business and helping people in support of your company’s mission.
Conclusion and Closing
Your thank you letter should sound conclusive. Do not leave it as it is with no proper ending. Try to sum it up by thanking your interviewer again and expressing your desire to stay in touch.
As you address your interviewer by the name in the letter, the closing should vary from Yours Faithfully to Best Wishes or Best Regards. Refrain from using Yours Sincerely, though.
Here is an example:
I want to thank you for your time and consideration once again. If you are interested in my candidature or need any information from me, please contact me without any hesitation.
Yours Faithfully,
Name
When Should You Write Your Letter?
A great thank you letter reaches its addressee within 24 hours after the interview. If you fail to write it within this time, do not even try. It will not be considered as a plus for you even if the letter is great.
The timeframe was established based on interviewers’ experiences. They often claim that having so many job interviews in a day, they often forget candidates. Thank you letters help them keep up with the count. However, if these letters are sent two-three days later, they fail to connect them with the right person they have in their memory.
Final Words
Writing a great thank you letter should become a common practice for you. Do not think of it as something too difficult to maintain. Your task is to simply follow up with people and make sure the job application process is uninterrupted.
Thank you letters do not require keywords or action verbs. All you need is to follow the established structure and ensure your letter sounds sincere and professional. If you manage to reach the goal and remind the interviewer of yourself, you may secure a position you’ve been dreaming of all along.
