Interview Follow-up

Interview and Negotiate

Interview Tips
   • Types of Interviews
       º Informational Interviews

Schedule Interviews

Key Questions
   • Legal Interview Questions

Interview Follow-up

Salary Negotiation
   • Sample Salary Questions
     and Answers

Employee Benefits
    • Why They're Important
    • Types of Benefits
    • Useful Facts
    • Are You Ready to
      Negotiate?

Your job interview is not finished when you leave the interview. You have one more opportunity to make an impression on your potential employer by following up with a thank-you letter or note.

Below you will find:

Tips for writing thank-you letters
A sample thank-you letter
Sample thank-you notes

Tips for writing thank-you letters

A thank-you letter and note should always reflect your personal style and the circumstances. In general, when you write the letter:

State your appreciation.
Express your interest in employment.
Summarize your qualifications.
Provide any pertinent information that you might not have provided in the interview.
Add a final "thank you" and indicate if you plan to contact that person again and when.

Here are some more tips to keep in mind:

Always address the letter to a specific person (instead of "Accounting Manager" for example).

If you were interviewed by more than one person, either send a separate letter or note to each person or send a single letter to a key person for distribution. When sending more than one letter, tailor the message to each recipient.

Send the letter or note as soon after the contact as possible, preferably the same day.

Typically, you would type a letter and handwrite a note. Make sure that your handwriting is clear and legible.

Even if you were turned down for the job, use the thank-you letter to express your appreciation for being considered and your interest in future opportunities.

Sample thank-you letters and notes

Sample thank-you letter

September 20, xxxx

Mr. Business
Human Resource Manager
ABC Company
111 Employment Way
Anytown, MN 55555

To Mr. Business:

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the secretarial position this morning. Our conversation gave me a better understanding of ABC Company and the requirements of the job. The additional information from Max and Kathryn was helpful in gaining a better perspective of the position.

My strong office and interpersonal skills will definitely make a contribution to your company. I am proficient in all of the computer software packages that you use and possess the customer service experience that you want.

I enjoyed meeting the office staff and touring the facility. This is clearly a quality organization with an emphasis on efficiency and a dedication to teamwork. I would consider it a privilege to join your team and look forward to hearing from you.

Again, thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Amy Applicant
2233 First Street
Anytown, MN 55555
(555)555-5555

Sample thank-you notes —sample #1

February 1, xxxx

Dear Ms. Smith,

Thank you for taking the time to discuss the accounting position with me. It was a pleasure meeting you and Mr. Jones.

Lord's Industries sounds like the perfect place for me to use my skills, especially since you use the WXY system, the same system I have been supporting the past three years. My proven track record and accomplishments with cost-effective systems can be an asset to your company.

Again, thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you and to the possibility of joining your staff.

Sincerely,
Amy Applicant

Sample thank-you notes—sample #2

February 29, xxxx

Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for interviewing with me for the Accountant position today. I appreciate the information that you shared with me and enjoyed meeting Ms. Smith from the Accounting Department.

My interest in working for Lund Industries is stronger than ever, and based on your description of the position, I know I can do a good job for you.

I will contact you by Tuesday of next week to learn of your decision. Again thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Amy Applicant

Source: Creative Job Search, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Page last updated in May 2004.