Interview Follow up- Writing a Proper Thank You Note
I’m sure you’ve heard from multiple people the importance of sending a thank you note after an interview. However many candidates choose not to send one, which in many cases may cause them not to lose out on the job opportunity.
Take a look below for some helpful hints on how to write a proper thank you note to help you stand out and get that offer!
Do’s:
- Send your email within 24 hours of the interview, thanking the hiring managers and confirming your interest.
- Include all your interviewers in one email string or send separate emails to each person you spoke with you. If you chose to send separate emails, keep in mind that your messages should vary so that the recipients don’t compare notes later and feel like they got a chain email. (Note for Interview Prep: It’s a good idea to gather business cards or make a note of the interviewers’ names during the meeting, to ensure that you know whom to address.)
- Include the name of the position in the subject line, and the words “thank you.” This will ensure that the hiring manager sees your response and knows that your email is important.
- Remind the interviewer of your qualifications, making sure to mention any keywords in the original job listing (or that came up during the interview itself). Offer links to your online portfolios and other professional sites and networks.
Don’ts:
- Stalk your interviewers. One thank you email and a follow-up a week or so later is more than enough. Beyond that, you’re not recommending yourself, you’re stressing them out. Remember that your goal is not only to show the hiring managers that you’re qualified, but to convince them that they want to work with you. Repeatedly hounding them with follow-up emails won’t build your case.
- Send anything that makes you look bad. This includes personal social media profiles that contain unprofessional pictures or behavior. Error on the side of caution when determining this. You might see anything wrong with a photo of you enjoying a margarita on a tropical vacation, but your hiring manager might feel differently.
- Be too casual: no memes, internet acronyms, etc.
- Send misspelled, grammatically incorrect emails, or anything that hasn’t been proofread by a trusted friend. Even professional editors make mistakes when they try to edit on their own work. Get another set of eye to look over your work before you hit “send.”
Comment below and let me know of any other Do’s and Don’ts that were successful for you in your thank you notes!
By: Sean Michaelis
