Working in Career Services for over 12 years I have seen many resumes, cover letters, thank you letters. I received one in particular addressed to the wrong person, and the wrong company. If we’re going to do this right, let’s follow up with a personal Thank You for the interview! It can go a very long way.
I realize in this virtual job search market it can be difficult to send a personalized Thank You letter; however, when applicable it is important to follow some basic guidelines.
1. Get their contact information
The biggest mistake you can make right out of the gate is to not get your interviewer’s contact information – an error that can prevent you from sending any thank-you at all. Often, the interviewer will offer you a business card, but if they don’t, speak up and ask them how you may follow up with them after the interview.
2. Don’t be generic
Employers receive a lot of thank you notes from potential employees, so chances are they can tell when you send a very generic response. The gesture alone will get you nowhere. Sending an honest, thoughtful note will let an employer know that you actually got something out of the conversation and care about the position.
3. Say more than just “thank you”
The point of a thank you note is not just to thank someone for taking the time to meet with you. Instead, use the note as an opportunity to display your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Build upon the previous conversation by mentioning specifics from your interview, and display how you can be an asset to their team.
4. Don’t leave anyone out
It’s important to make sure that you send a note to every person you spoke with during an interview. Leaving someone out could give that person, and the company, a bad impression. Be sure not to duplicate the same note to each person. As previously mentioned, a generic note will not score you any points with a potential employer.
5. Be prompt
It’s important to send your thank you note in a timely fashion – within a few days of the interview – as employers often have to make quick decisions. If you wait too long to send one, you might be too late. If you’re sending a thank you note via email, wait at least a few hours after the interview before you send it. If you send an email immediately following your meeting, it might appear that you pre-drafted a generic note, rather than crafting an original message.
Sometime the little things make all the difference – be that person!
Happy job searching
AAU Career Assistance Department 