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Why Should I Send One?
Most of the time, you’re not the only person gunning for that job. Sometimes there are dozens, maybe hundreds of applicants you have to compete with: and your interviewer can only keep track of so many people. Sometimes you can’t fully prove your worth in a single interview, and that’s where a follow-up letter comes in.
The key here is to understand that job interviews are 90% social interactions, and they operate on the same standards that we have about establishing working relationships with one another. Sending a thank-you or follow-up letter shows considerate work ethic and professionalism: two things that can get you hired.
Writing A Good Thank-You Letter
You don’t want to write just any boring letter: “thank you for interviewing me, blah, blah, blah” – an insincere message accomplishes nothing. Here are three things that a GOOD follow-up letter should always contain:
A Recap Of The Interview
Even if it’s just a sentence or two, list down the essential points in the interview. The summary is something your recruiter will appreciate if you move up the application process.
Any Additional Information
Sometimes interviews can take less time than you’d like, and some information can get lost in the rush. Your follow-up letter should add more relevant info that you weren’t able to bring up in the discussion.
An Opportunity For More Questions
This can go both ways: either ask something that you weren’t able to ask during the interview or invite them to ask you any more questions. Welcome future dialogue and let them know that they’re free to contact you at their convenience!
Think of the follow-up letter as an extension or conclusion of your interview: it should add on what you discussed, show your interest in the position, and be engaging at the same time. It could be your last chance to build on your first impression, so make it count!
Other Considerations In Sending Follow-Up Letters
Here are some other things about sending thank-you letters after interviews that you should know:
- The type of interview doesn’t matter. If you did a walk-in or phone interview, always send a follow-up letter.
- Wait. Don’t send one as soon as you get home! You want to remind your interviewer, not nag them. No three-day rule here: you can wait until the following workday to send your letter.
- Address it to the person who interviewed you for a personal touch. Most of the time, the person who interviewed you would have given you their email address. If you don’t have it, send it to the company’s HR department, and they’ll usually forward your letter to them.
- If multiple people interviewed you, send letters to all of them. NEVER copy and paste. Each interviewer would have talked to you about different things, so tailor your messages accordingly!
- Be professional. Even if your interviewer was casual in addressing you, remember they can use your email as documentation. Always keep things warm and friendly, but never flippant.
Signed And Sealed
If you need more ideas, there are a few websites online that offer different samples of thank you and follow-up letters. A letter like this won’t get you hired right off the bat, but it won’t hurt your chances, especially if it’s written well.
Remember: more manners, more money.
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