Six steps to writing the perfect post-interview thank you note
Credit to Author: Murali Murthy| Date: Tue, 02 Jul 2019 03:08:54 +0000
In a previous article, we covered the importance of sending a thank you note after an interview. The obvious reason is that it’s just plain, good manners. Plus, it helps you get your name in front of the hiring team one more time and leave a positive impression.
So what goes into the perfect post-interview thank you note?
Show appreciation. Demonstrate initiative. Gain the edge.
Ideally, a good note should cover the following:
- Show appreciation for their time and thank the interviewer(s)
- Reinforce that you appreciate their helpful gesture
- Mention something specific you talked about or missed in the interview
- Address any issues or gaps that may have come up during the interview
- Demonstrate that you are willing to go the extra mile
- Invite them to contact you if they have any questions or need further clarifications
Here are six tips that will help polish your thank you note, demonstrate your passion and prove that you have your heart in the right place.
- Start with a ‘thank you’
Your post-interview thank you note should tell the hiring manager why their time invested was well worth it. Leave an indelible impression by starting with a thank you and end with emphasizing how your skills perfectly fit the job.
For instance:
“Dear ________, It was a pleasure meeting with you. Thank you for the opportunity to interview for [ Position ] at your organization. I believe my five years of accounting experience and related skills will serve to …”
- Show that you care
Why be just another name in the file when you can use your thank you note to show you actually care? Mention something that came up in the interview or a mutual interest you know of and make it personal, nice and respectful.
For instance:
“Jeff, thank you for taking the time to explain [the piece of advice you offered on…].
I would love to discuss more methods to…”
- Be more willing
Use this time to show that you know a little about the company. Remember key points from the interview and reiterate them. You can also ask questions, learn about the company’s social initiatives and expand upon these services and even offer suggestions.
For instance:
“I was excited to learn that your organization engages with newcomer settlement groups by encouraging members to volunteer. I share similar values and plan to contribute by…”
- Demonstrate enthusiasm
Hiring managers want to hire happy, excited candidates. Regardless of the job title, demonstrate your enthusiasm all the way through from the cover letter to the interview, and later through the thank you note.
For instance:
“Your organization’s involvement with [ movement, charity, cause, etc.] really inspires me. I am excited because my experience in this field perfectly matches…”
- Show that you’re the perfect fit
Always give them a reason to believe that you’re a perfect fit and aligned with their values and philosophy. You could apply your core beliefs to those found on the company’s mission statement and show how you’ve applied these principles and values to your career and life.
For instance:
“In my previous role as [position], I applied my knowledge of [area of expertise] by [explain what you did]. Through this project, I learned the most important elements of any business are the clients we serve…”
- Reveal a new facet
Hiring managers always want to know you better. Include a few elements you left out in the interview. Think back to the interview and the answers you provided. Take time to include a sentence to expand on an answer or category.
For instance:
“As we discussed during the interview, I counsel fresh graduates with their career goals. One of the programs I am passionate about is…”
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Sample thank you note:
Dear ________,
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday about the ______ position at your organization. It was a pleasure speaking with you, and I really enjoyed hearing all the details you shared about the opportunity.
The role certainly sounds exciting, and it’s a role I believe I would excel in, thanks to my experience and skills.
The information you shared about __________ sounded particularly interesting.
I am confident that my skills will allow me to come in and succeed in this role, and it’s a position I’d be excited to take on.
I look forward to hearing from you about next steps. Please don’t hesitate to contact me in the meantime if you have any questions.
Thank you again, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Best Regards,
(Your Name)