Thank you so much!

ACKNOWLEDGE AND APPRECIATE

Congratulations! You got an interview with a company that you like. It all seemed to go well. You liked what you saw and the HR Manager was encouraging.


What do you do next? Write a thank you note!

Sending a note acknowledging the interviewer’s time and expressing appreciation for the opportunity can make the difference between getting the job…or not, in this economy.

There are a few basics. To start, know or write down the name and title of every person who interviews you. Ask for their business cards, so you have all the necessary information.

Sending a note by e-mail is acceptable today. E-mail – within a day, two at most – a “thank you” note to your main interviewers. If you can, acknowledge them for something positive that you know about them or the company. Thank them for their time. Be truthful, authentic and brief.

Type a short but pleasant note. Something like:

"Dear Tom,

It was a pleasure meeting with you today. Thank you for your time. I have heard good things about the Widget Company and you certainly reinforced that.

I would be very interested in a position with such a reputable, stable company. I look forward to speaking with you again because I would be interested in becoming a member of your team.

Regards,
Joan Smith"

Double-check that you’ve spelled the interviewer’s name and e-mail address correctly. Finally, spell-check and proof the note before it goes out. Spell-check alone won’t catch mistakes such as using “you’re” instead of “your.” HR Managers cringe when they see misspelled or poorly written notes.