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The Thank You Letter

Writing a Thank You Letter is not just good manners; it's part of good job hunting!
It is often underestimated how much a thank you letter can mean. It may be the difference between getting passed over and getting the job. Sending a thank you letter after an interview achieves three often overlooked imperatives:

 

 

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1) Reminds the employer who you are. By sending a letter, you keep your name prominent in a sea of other candidates. A thank you letter can help to set you apart from the others.

2) Gets Personal. Sending a thank you letter is an important social grace that says something about you as an individual. It communicates two important characteristics sought by many employers--politeness and respect.

3) Gives you an opportunity to reiterate. A thank you letter presents a great opportunity to briefly restate your qualifications and compatibility with the organization. It provides an opportunity to express your continued interest in the position for which you interviewed. A thank you letter also gives you a chance to say the things you might have forgotten during the interview.

 

 

CONTENT OF A THANK YOU LETTER

Regardless of what type of thank you letter you are writing, the basic format is the same. 
Use the formula below as a general guideline for all thank you letters.

I. Opening Paragraph

  • Express appreciation for interview
  • Remind employer of the position for which you interviewed
  • Give brief impression of company/work area/interview as a whole
II. Body
  • Review important points made during the interview, and reiterate your fit with company
  • Include interests not fully covered in the interview
  • Highlight your qualifications for the position
III. Closing
  • Reiterate thank you
  • State your intent to follow up

Thank You Letter Tips

  • Follow up quickly. Try to get the thank you letter out immediately after the interview.
  • Thank you letters should be short and friendly. Do not write a novel or go in-depth.
  • Do not bring up any negative points. (For example, don't mention poor grades.)
  • NO SPELLING OR GRAMMAR ERRORS. Employers hate this type of carelessness.
  • Be sure to state your compatibilty and fit with the organization.
  • Be complimentary of the organization-- but, do not over do it!

 

 

USCA OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES TERMS/CONDITIONS

To advertise a position with the USCA Office of Career Services or to participate in one of the USCA Career Fairs, employers and their organizations must comply with all equal employment opportunity (EEO) standards. All job postings must contain accurate information about specific positions offered, as well as the organization offering employment. We will not post any job or position that requires a financial investment on the part of our students.

Any interaction with USCA students must be in compliance with the NACE Principles for Professional Conduct. Information you gather here will be for the sole use of recruiting for open positions at your organization and will not be shared outside your organization or used for any other reason. The USCA Office of Career Services reserves the right to edit, delete, or refuse any employer profile, job posting, or login account at any time.

 

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