After the Interview

After the Interview

Keeping Their Attention

The interview process doesn't end when you walk out the door. Before you do, always ask the interviewer for his/her business card. It's now time to write a note of appreciation to the key personnel who have interviewed you.

Thank you letters are used to express appreciation and strengthen your candidacy. Often, these letters provide the extra push that gets you the job and ensures that you stay in the hiring authority's mind.

When sent after an employment interview, they should be mailed within 24 hours to each person that interviewed you. While use of email is acceptable, never underestimate the power of a brief, handwritten note. It shows you care enough about the position and interviewer to send a personalized thank you. Take the time to get the correct titles and spellings of the names of people you met. Your attention to detail will be noticed.

If you do decide send your letter via email, choose your words carefully. Email creates an instant written record, so don't let the speed and ease of sending it blind you to the fact that you will be judged on what you've said and how you've said it.

Be sure to reaffirm your interest in the position and to cite additional qualifications you may not have brought up during the interview. This is the time to reiterate your interest in the opportunity and briefly state how you think you could contribute to the team. Never stop selling your ability to do the job that the facility needs have done.

By following this basic outline, you're thank you letter will make a lasting positive impression:

	Express appreciation for the opportunity to interview with the person.
	Express your continued enthusiasm about the position and the facility.
	Recap your qualifications and abilities, being careful to relate them to the requirements of the position and the facility. Keep this portion under two sentences.
	Most importantly - Never send a form letter! Keep your letter personalized.

To view sample Thank You letters, click here.