5 Ways to Make Your Executive Thank-You Letter Count

Networking skills are of extreme importance when functioning at any spot on the corporate ladder, but as an executive you have even more work to do.  As you know, a part of networking is communicating after you’ve completed the interviewing process.  This can easily be accomplished by sending out a thank-you letter.

Thank-you letters show just how much you appreciated the opportunity to apply.  But not only that, they also give you an amazing opportunity to market yourself yet again for the position.  If you’re at a loss for how to create an executive-level thank-you letter that will stick with the employer, here are some tips to make yours count:

#1: Reiterate Your Expertise

Take this opportunity to address any specific needs, issues, or challenges the company communicated it needs assistance with.  By reiterating your level of expertise and ability to solve the problems while moving the company in new, exciting, and profitable directions, you’re sure to make a lasting impression on management.

#2: Highlight Specific Accomplishments

You also want to utilize this fantastic opportunity to highlight your strongest areas.  Think of some special accomplishments that go above and beyond what the company is asking of you, whether they are initiatives you’ve masterminded or seemingly unsolvable problems you’ve managed to figure out.  The company needs to know it’s getting a superstar in your field, so now’s your chance to prove you’re that person.

#3: Overcome any Objections

If you found that you faced a bit of objection during the interview or at any other point in your candidacy, take a moment within your thank-you letter to respond to those concerns.  You can demonstrate that the issues aren’t really obstacles.  Instead, they are opportunities to fully and successfully meet the challenge.

#4: Don’t Make It Too Short … Or Long

When deciding on the length of the thank-you letter, you don’t want to find yourself writing another cover letter or executive autobiography.  But on the other hand, you don’t want to write a one-sentence, handwritten thank-you card.  To play it safe, consider making yours no longer than one page.  This way, you can dig deep without boring the reader to death with a bunch of information they already know.

#5: Thank Everyone

Before you submit your thank-you letter, be sure to thank everyone who helped you in the process—from the secretary who took all of your calls, to the various interviewers throughout the process.  Taking time to acknowledge everyone is not only impressive, it’s the right thing to do.  So be sure not to leave anyone off when writing your letter.

There was a time that sending your letter via snail mail was the only way to go, but with electronic communication being the norm, you may miss your chance if you send yours this way.  So consider e-mailing your thank-you letter, or if you really want to impress with the snail mail letter, overnight it.

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