Great Resumes Fast » Resume Writing Tips » 5 Tips To Capturing The Job With A Thank You Letter

Is there any other interviewing technique that will set you apart like a Thank You Letter? Possibly not-some studies show that only 20% of candidates remember to send one, and of that figure, nearly 80% get hired.

For this reason, I highly recommend using Thank You Letters as an effective job search strategy. In addition to good form, interview follow-up can help to you to expand your network, PLUS maintain positive relations with the employer-all key steps in aThank you! competitive market.

As a former recruiter, I recall that it was rare for any candidate to remember to thank me after an interview. You can bet that any applicant doing so scored some serious points.

Here are 5 tips for a Thank You Letter that wows employers and puts you among the top candidates:

1 – Personalized is best. In fact, the more of a high-touch feel to your Thank You Letter, the better. This means that handwritten cards are a fantastic strategy for interviewees.

One method that works well is to keep blank, business-styled note cards in your car. Take them out after the interview while still in the parking lot, and write your notes right then and there.

You’ll find that the information discussed at the interview is still fresh enough that you should have plenty of ideas-plus, you’ll impress interviewers with your personalized approach.

2 – Don’t leave anyone out. I’ve heard from many job hunters that thanking EVERYONE, from the receptionist to the CEO, was key to putting their best foot forward after an interview.

One of my clients who did this reported that even though he wasn’t hired right then, he WAS asked to come back a few months later to interview for an even better role!

3 – Immediacy is key. It’s best to maintain your relevancy in the minds of hiring authorities, and that means being ready to go as soon as possible after the interview.

Some professionals overnight Thank You Letters to the hiring team. Others email them post-interview (within HOURS).

The point here is to use a prompt response that sends a clear message of your intent regarding the job.

4 – Skip the stalker tactics. While a quick reminder on letterhead can speak volumes about your professionalism, odd gestures like sending a shoe to “get your foot in the door” can backfire big-time.

Keep in mind that your main goal is to be remembered for your strengths and presentation-NOT the fact that you can scare the people who’ve interviewed you.

5 – Get to the point. The best Thank You Letters start by expressing your appreciation of the interviewer’s time, and then move on to a concrete example of what interests you about the job.

For example, mentioning that you enjoyed discussing the company’s plans for expansion, or noting that the new IT security project sounds like a great area for your contributions, can keep you top-of-mind.

Closing with a reiteration of your interest is always appropriate, as is a stated declaration that you look forward to future discussions with the interviewer about the position. Keep your letter concise and targeted.

In summary, remember to use every tool at your disposal to maintain your competitive edge-and that a well-timed Thank You Letter can work pure magic for landing the job.

A unique résumé authority and former recruiter, Laura Smith-Proulx, CPRW, CIC, Executive Director of An Expert Resume, has achieved a 98% success rate landing interviews for fast-track professionals.

Visit An Expert Resume at http://www.anexpertresume.com/ecourse_signup.htm to get Laura’s FREE E-Course, “The 7 Biggest Resume Mistakes That Can Keep You From Your Dream Job… and How to Avoid Them.”

Ready to be in that 80% that get hired? Find out more here.

About Great Resumes Fast Product Templates MRP-3882

About the author

Jessica Hernandez, President, CEO & Founder of Great Resumes Fast

Hi, I’m Jessica. I started this company back in 2008 after more than a decade directing hiring practices at Fortune 500 companies.

What started as a side hustle (before that was even a word!) helping friends of friends with their resumes has now grown into a company that serves hundreds of happy clients a year. But the personal touch? I’ve kept that.

You might have seen me featured as a resume expert in publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Fortune. And in 2020, I was honored to be named as a LinkedIn Top Voice of the year!

I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you find your next perfect-fit position!

3 Comments

  1. Great on November 1, 2010 at 7:09 am

    Great

    Simple but effective!

    Thank you very much!!!!!



  2. Lois De Mello on November 2, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    Thank you for great reminder.



  3. stevewckrt on November 5, 2010 at 4:47 am

    Nice tips.
    Personalized is best.
    Don’t leave anyone out.
    Immediacy is key.
    Skip the stalker tactics.
    Get to the point.



Leave a Comment





Improve Your Resume: Download Your Free Executive Resume Template Today

Are you struggling to create an executive resume that will impress employers? Download this free executive resume template and receive a series of 10 emails with expert guidance on how to write resume content that resonates with employers so you get more interviews.

It's everything you need to stand out, make an impression, and accelerate your job search.