80% of HR managers find thank-you notes helpful, but only 24% of applicants send one.
Usually, standing out during the application and interview process is all that job seekers need to be concerned about — after that final interview, you may breathe a sigh of relief. You may believe you have done everything possible to obtain the position.
What happens after the final interview, however? (or first interview). What do we recommend? Always send a thank-you note/email!
A thank you letter won’t make up for the fact that the interviewer wasn’t convinced you were the best candidate for the job, but it will leave a good impression. Hiring managers want courteous, integral, and culturally appropriate employees.
It can be difficult to know what to include in a thank you letter.
Here are our top 5 tips to follow:
1. Thank them for their time.
Hiring managers are busy; they have taken time out of their day to meet with you and get to know you; express your gratitude in your letter. It doesn’t have to be too long or detailed, so keep it under 200 words.
2. Make it personal
Make a personal and meaningful reference to something from your interview. It also demonstrates that you are not sending the same thank you letter to each and every one of your interviewers. Demonstrate that you have paid attention to what they have said and why you believe the company is a good fit for you.
3. Mention the job position
If you asked questions about the position during your interview, you should now have a better understanding of what the job entails. Mention what you’ve discovered and write about how you believe you’ll be a good fit for the position.
4. Proofread
Check your letter for spelling and grammar errors by reading it several times.
5. Send your thank you letter the day following your interview.
Because the company is likely to interview multiple candidates for any given position, make sure you send your thank you letter as soon as possible. Send your thank-you letter no later than one day after meeting with the interviewer.
