The interview is over.
And now there is one critical step before you go back to the want ads.
Write a killer thank you note.
If you want to stand out, be recognized as a leader and make a great impression you have to follow up.
In our world of digital-everything (remember most companies now do their searches, vetting, communications and rating all online) you need to go old-school.
It doesn’t have to take a lot of time and a well-written letter will make you stand out against the competition. It’s also just polite, and people like that.
Use these 7 steps to writing a killer job interview follow up letter and stand out from the rest.
1. Don’t delay
You are fresh on the mind of the person who interviewed you – now is when you want them to think you really want this job. Time is of the essence and you don’t want your letter to arrive after the decision has been made.
If you can’t drop the letter off in person, an email is the next best way to ensure you get your note to the interviewer in time.
2. Get personal
Before you write, ask yourself what was it about the interview that was unique? Did they ask you to give an example from a previous job? Did they share an anecdote about their business? Did they mention a business trend relating to the job you are applying for?
Any personal note you can add to your letter will make it stand out from a standardized “Thank you for the interview” letter.
And always mention how you believe you can benefit the company or team. Remember they are hiring you for some kind of bottom line results.
3. Short and sweet
Think of this letter as your opportunity to make a good impression (less than 4% of applicants send a thank you letter) and stand out, while also addressing anything you forgot to mention in the interview.
Remember to be brief; demonstrate that you respect their time. Your letter can convey the way you will communicate if you are working there.
4. Authenticity
A great thank you letter is genuine. Nobody will be impressed if you letter reads like a template you might have sent to 100 other companies.
“Think of specific things you actually like about the company and the job and let your interviewer know,” advises Wendy Friesen, HR at EliteAssignmentHelp. Write it in your own words and be honest.
5. Highlight your strengths and enthusiasm
It’s important to remind your interviewer of the strengths you can bring to the job and why you are a good fit for the position. Think of this as a way to leave your positive attributes fresh in their mind, while other applicants fade.
Take the advantage. Tell them what you like about the company and why you are excited to work there.
6. Writing your letter
Even if you don’t think you are a writer you can do this! Make sure you double check (online tools like ViaWriting and Grammarix are free) for grammar or spelling errors and make double sure you spell their name correctly.
BigAssignments and Assignment Help can be used as proofreading tools, recommended by the Huffington Post. Free useful writing guides are based on State of Writing and My Writing Way. UKWritings and Oxessays are good content agencies, that can help polish your note. If you need to speak to fellow job seekers, StudyDemic and AcademAdvisor are writing communities you will find helpful.
Here’s an example of simple, short thank you letter that would make a positive impression:
Greg,
Thank you for the job interview today. I really appreciate your time and interest in me for this position.
I know I would have a lot to learn and feel ready and prepared to take on that challenge.
My experience with (Current Employer) and (Previous Employer) have prepared me to adapt quickly, learn and thrive at (Company). Based on what I learned today I believe I would be an asset to (Company) and strong contributor.
Thanks again for your time and I’ll look forward to your decision.
Phil
7. Stand out
It’s a competitive job market out there and you want every advantage you can get.
Sending a thank-you letter is a quick way to make a good impression and stand out from the competitors.
Make sure you get it sent as soon as possible. Personalize your letter. Keep it short and to the point. Remind them of your strengths and why you want to work for the company. Be sincere and make sure they know how enthusiastic you are about working for them. Make sure you proofread and check your grammar; just use the resources above.
Follow these 7 important steps and you will move to the top of the list.
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