Whether you are interviewing for your first job out of college or your third job in your career, a thank you note is a must. A handwritten thank you note is a great way to thank the interviewer for their time.  It helps you stand out from other applicants.  While it is easy to send an email or text to follow up with an interview, a handwritten thank you note is best. (Note: If a job decision is being made within a short time period, an email thank you note would suffice.)  We’ve put together some tips for writing the thank you note to help you land your next job.

What do I write?

• Thank the interviewer for their time.
• Summarize the interview.
• Highlight what you can bring to the position.
• Let the interviewer know that you are interested in the job.

8 Thank You Note and Follow-up Tips

1. Ask the interviewer for a business card so you have their spelling and mailing address.
2. Do a rough-draft of your thank you note before you use your stationery.
3. Have a friend or family member proofread your note to make sure it sounds sincere and professional.
4. Write your thank you note on quality stationery.
5. Mail your thank you note within 24 hours after the interview.
6. While employers do not always follow-up after an interview, the thank you note is a good reminder that you appreciate their time and are interested in the position. You will make a positive impression when sending a follow-up thank you note.
7. If the interviewer provided you with a timetable for follow-up, honor it.  Perhaps they said they will get back to you within 2 weeks.  After sending the thank you note, allow the company the time they anticipated for follow-up before you contact them by phone or email.
8. If you do not hear back from the interview after the period of time the interviewer estimated, it is a good idea to e-mail or call them to discuss whether the job is still available and to express that you are still interested.

 Example Thank You Note