Job Interview Thank You Letter Writing Tips
It's always important to say thank you after a job interview and after a second interview, as well. It's also important to thank everyone you interviewed with and everyone who assisted with your job search. Here are some tips on who you should thank and the best way to thank them.
Act Fast - Plan to send out your thank you letters as soon as possible (preferably within twenty-fours hours) after your interview. If time is of the essence say thank you by email.
Group Letters - Are individual notes appropriate or should you write a group letter? Choose your approach based on what you think will be most in keeping with the personality of the organization. Also, consider whether the interviews had very much in common with one another. If there was a great deal of similarity, perhaps a "group" letter will suffice. If so, address all the people on a master letter and add a personal note to each. Otherwise, send a personalized letter to each interviewer.
More Employment Thank You Letters - In addition to thanking your interviewers, thank everyone else who assists with your job search, including references, people who refer you to a job opening and any other employment contacts whose help you have appreciated and who you want to develop a good relationship with.
Make an Impression - According to the York Technical Institute less than 4% of applicants send thank you notes, so, use your letter as a way to stand out from the crowd and make a good impression.
What You Didn't Say - If there was something that you wish you had mentioned during the interview, here's your chance to say it by including it in your thank you letter.
Thank You Letter Basics - Thank you letters can be handwritten, typed or sent via email. Each thank you letter should include a thank you for the interview, your interest in the jobs, your qualifications and skills, and a final thank you.
Short and Simple - Keep your thank you letters short and simple, but, do use the letter to reiterate your interest in the job, your enthusiasm for the company and to sell yourself as the ideal candidate.
Proof Your Letter - Spell check and proof your thank you letter. Then ask someone else to proof it for you. That way you will be sure it's perfect.
Sample Thank You Letters - Here are thank you letter samples applicable to a variety of employment-related situations. Take some time and edit the letter you choose so it reflects your personality and your interest in the new job.
The Bottom Line - It is always appropriate to say thank you! If you are not sure whether you should thank someone, think positively and spend a few minutes saying thank you.
EXAMPLE
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to me about the Senior Programmer Analyst position with XXX Company. I appreciate your time and consideration in interviewing me for this position.
After speaking with you and the group, I believe that I would be a perfect candidate for this position, offering the quick learning and adaptability that is needed for a diversified position.
In addition to my enthusiasm for performing well, I would bring the technical and analytical skills necessary to get the job done.
I am very interested in working for you and look forward to hearing from you once the final decisions are made regarding this position. Please feel free to contact me at anytime if further information is needed. My cell phone number is (555) 111-1111.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Typed Name
Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/thankyouletters/a/thankyou.htm