Don’t Forget a Thank-You

Sometimes, what makes you stand out can be the small, personal touch that many people overlook. Just as it is important to thank your guests for coming to an event, so too is it appropriate to write a thank-you note to your prospective employer after an interview. Who knows, if you were one of the top three applicants, this could be the one thing that makes you stand out from other prospective candidates.

The purpose of a simple thank-you note is to thank the hiring manager for taking the time to meet with you and to make them recollect your interview. It can also be a great way for you to express interest one more time.   Here are some tips on how to write a business thank-you letter:

• Keep it short and sweet – people are usually busy and don’t have the time or patience to read a lengthy letter
• Be sure there are no grammatical or spelling errors
• Send your letter within one or two days of the interview
• Express your interest again in the company
• A handwritten letter is always a nice touch, and it should be on a professional-looking note card

However, there are exceptions to a handwritten letter. Do you lack address information, have messy handwriting or are simply more tech savvy? Don’t worry, because thank-you emails can be just as effective as a letter these days. Just be sure you follow the same guidelines above. Also, if you interviewed with more than one person, be sure to send the other interviewers a thank-you email, and personalize the wording so the emails are not identical. According to the Career Center at the University of Missouri, it is estimated that only 10% of candidates send a thank-you letter.

In today’s society, many of us are so busy that we tend to overlook the small stuff. When pursuing a new career, don’t forget that the small stuff matters. A simple thank-you can go a long way, and who knows, it could be the reason you get your next job.