Many students are concerned about what they should do BEFORE an interview. They go through mock interviews, pick out the perfect professional outfit, research the company and use Google Maps for directions.
Then there is a step in the interview process that some forget, and it is just as important as arriving early! AFTER the interview, not many candidates take the time to write a thank you note, and because this has become rare, it is a wonderful way for students to stand out. Be sure to collect business cards of everyone you meet throughout your interview.
So what should a thank you note say? First and foremost, thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Mention something you particularly enjoyed, for example, “I appreciate that you took me on a tour of the building and introduced me to the other members of the Graphic Design team; it’s so wonderful to be able to put faces with names!” Use another sentence or two to remind them of your skills and why you are a perfect fit for the position. Finally, emphasize that you are truly interested in the position and thank them again.
Make sure to send a thank you e-mail within 24 hours, to each individual with whom you interviewed. Also, send a handwritten thank you card to each individual. A thank you email is rare, but a handwritten thank you is even more rare! This will help you stand out as a polite, considerate candidate.
For more insight from Human Resources professionals regarding thank you notes, check out this link from our friends at Jobipedia: http://www.jobipedia.org/Questions/Conversation/What-should-I-say-in-a-thank-you-note-that-Im-sending-to-the-people-I-just-interviewed-with
Whenever I know a student I’m working with has an interview coming up, I try to email them at least one of two prime times: right before their interview to boost their confidence, or right after their interview to see how it went. Many students will take the time to tell me “oh, it went great! They gave me a tour, I felt good about my answers, etc.” Almost inevitably, there’s a follow up question. “When do I send them a thank you note? What do I say?” To answer the first question, I say NOW. Send them an email while you’re still fresh in their minds. If you know you still have some time before they make a decision, take the time to send an addition thank you by snail mail. It’ll make you stand out, and truly shows your appreciation. For the second question, a lot of that depends on each individual interview and what you discussed. I’d also like to highlight our friends at the Cultures and Manners Institute (http://www.cultureandmanners.com), because their email tip last week was especially timely! Check out what they have to say about what to include in a thank you note:
Etiquette is about being attentive to the people around us. Whether writing a follow up thank you letter for an interview or a client meeting, personalize it. Include details of what you talked about in the meeting. It’s a mistake to write a generic thank you that looks like it could have been cut and pasted with different names and companies: “Thank you for telling me more about the position at (fill in the organization). I feel like my skills would make me a valuable member of your team.”
Make the person feel like you are talking to him/her and not just anyone:
“I was inspired by your story about how you started out in manufacturing…”
“You are interested in a greater online presence for your athletic clothing line, and I have proven experience in growing several student organizations through social media.”
“Attached is the online advertising information we talked about. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me.”
“I enjoyed meeting you and Manny Products, your Vice President of Consumer Research.”
“I will follow up with you on the week of June 8th. Congratulations on your first grandchild and enjoy your time off.”
The most valuable part of personalizing a business letter? It says to the person, “I was listening.”
Taking the time to highlight a specific moment within the interview will go a long way, and shows you were truly engaged in the interview! Who wouldn’t enjoy reading a thank you note like that?
“Thanks for the Interview”… Then What?!
Our office is in the middle of On Campus Recruiting, which makes it easier for students and employers to connect. We talk with our students about what to wear and how to prepare for the questions they may be asked during their interviews. We also stress the importance of following up with the employer after the interview- by email, snail mail, or both. Many students know that they should thank the interviewer for coming to campus and taking the time to meet with them but what to say and how to say it can sometimes be a struggle.
This article from Careerealism addresses some of the things you can include in your thank you note. You don’t want to send the same generic note to everyone, so these suggestions are perfect for ways you can tailor each note to each interviewer. The interview doesn’t end when you walk out the door! Your thank you note is a perfect opportunity to re-affirm that you are the perfect candidate for the job. Plus, it’s a strong lasting impression to show you are serious and committed to the position by taking the time and paying attention to the details.
Importance of a Thank You
A HUGE thank you to Vault for this article! Although we encourage a hand-written thank you note, an email goes a long way, too! Here are some tips to get you started.
ALBRIGHT ELCDC 