Although you may not be sure
how effective will a thank-you note work, but it is definitely a
very good tool for you to appreciate for the meeting as well as
the extra information you want to deliver to the interviewer. Some
employers may treat this as a show of interests from the applicants.
A well-written thank-you note/letter may enhance your candidacy
and express your gratitude for being granted an interview. Following
is the guideline of the format:-
Make it short and clear!
Address the note to the person who
will be most involved in the selection decision, or all if you are
not 100% sure.
Ask for business cards during the interview
and/or make notes about the spelling of this person’s name
and correct title! You must spell the name of the organization correctly
as well.
Use the note to confirm
your serious interest in and/or qualifications for the position.
Detail relevant knowledge or experience
to the position that was not covered or explained upon in your interview
or on your resume / Mention people who were especially helpful during
your interview / Reaffirm your excitement about this opportunity.
Maintain a professional
tone
No matter how friendly a relationship you
feel you have developed with the person to whom you are writing,
the note will probably become part of your personnel file and be
read by others.
Organize your note.
A suggested format:
- 1st paragraph:
Express your appreciation. State the applied
position and the date of the interview.
-
2nd paragraph:
Personalize it! Mention something that
enhanced your interest in the position or a skill/experience
that you were not able to discuss during interview. Highlight
some key reasons why you are qualified for the job and what
the potential contributions you can make.
-
3rd paragraph:
Make use of this space to clarify, if any concerns that the
interviewer may have about you. Be sure to use some hard facts
or past achievement to substantiate your points. You may not
be able to deny a skill that is not good enough, but you certainly
can show your attitude or commitment to improve it.
-
4th paragraph:
Reaffirm you interest in the position. Tell the employer that
you look forward to hear from them. Special thank you to the
person who was helpful and support in this interview.
Send your thank-you note a
day after the interview.
Do it as soon as possible. It will be too
bad if your note arrives after the decision has been made.
If we do it right, a thank-you note is not only a courtesy, it will
help set you apart from other candidates and enhance your chance
to be selected for the organization.
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