You steal a lead over the other possible contenders to the job that you are hoping to get, just by sending a thanking you letter because most applicants don't send one, oblivious to its worth and significance. Even if you feel that your interview was good enough to land you the job, the letter will only enhance your chances. So don't forget to send one.
How should you send the letter? Should it go by email or conventional mail or snail mail, as it is more popularly known nowadays. Should it be handwritten or typed? These questions flummox and confuse even the classiest job-applicants. Follow these guidelines to know what the right way to go about it is.
Using Email
You must have received some communication from the company calling you for an interview. How did they contact you? Was it by email? Have you corresponded with them through this media before? If the answer to these questions is, yes, then by all means send your thank you note by email. But don't forget to follow it up with a typed note, otherwise you could give the impression of being laid-back and informal.
Snail mail will take a long time to reach your interviewers desk, whilst email will have the advantage of reminding the interviewer of you within hours of the interview.
Snail Mail Or Conventional Mail?
Ask yourself if the company where you are looking for work, during the interview appeared to be reserved and traditional, a company that had its own heritage and believed in old world values. You would be well advised to use snail mail to send your note of gratitude. It may take a little while to reach them, but the company will get the impression, that you are not the flippant modern type, but one who will respect the traditions and values of the workplace.
Handwritten or Typed?
Handwritten letters are too personal and most unceremonious. They carry a warmth and affection that is okay for writing letters of gratitude to individuals who have thanked you, but not in formal letters of appreciation. You could send handwritten letters to individuals, who helped you during the interviewing process. This could include the receptionist, hiring manager or the cafeteria boy who brought you a cup of tea, but for the official thank-you note that the letter should be typed
Typed letters are more business-like and evoke a feeling of corporate culture. It will also establish that you know how to write a letter, with the appropriate salutation, correct formatting and eventually signing off properly.
If writing letters for your boss is going to part of your responsibilities a well written thank you letter could be your ticket to your job.
How To Write A Thank-You Note
A thank you note should achieve many things.
- First and foremost it should convey your feelings of gratitude to the company for considering you for the job.
- Recap some of the interesting things said during the interview. Something like, “I recall with interest, what you said about innovation at the workplace. It was truly enlightening.”
- Even though you may have mentioned it during the interview reiterate your interest in the job, your enthusiasm for the company, your qualifications and skills and what you will be bringing to the job.
- Use the opportunity to say something, you yearned to say during the interview but forget to say. Incorporate it in your thank you letter.
- Don’t forget to uncork your skills. In the concluding paragraph of your letter tell why you are the right candidate for the job and why your past experiences will be an added asset.
- Keep the letter as short and simple as possible. Keep the sentences clear-cut and precise.
- Last but not the least, spell check and proof read your letter. Nothing puts the interviewer off more wrongly spelt words and avoidable errors.
