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Why it's important to thank an employer after each interaction?
Some situations require a thank-you letter. Yes, a thank-you letter, not a phone call or the statement "Thanks a lot" as you walk away from someone. The following are certain times when you need to sit down and express your thanks on paper:
- When you've had a great interview
- After you've had an interview that you wished had gone better
- After you've accepted a job offer
- When you get a job rejection
There's another type of thank-you note that isn't a must, but it sure is nice: a note to your supportive friends and colleagues who helped you in your job search.
Let's look at each of these situations and how to create a thank-you note that fits the bill.
Career Casualty
Don't worry that sending a thank-you letter will pester the employer. Keep your note short and to the point. It will take her just a minute to read and will send the right message: You sincerely want the job.
The Terrific Job Interview
As soon as you walk away from a good job interview, ask yourself how it went.
- Were you pleased with your performance?
- What things in particular did you appreciate about the way the manager conducted the interview?
- What did you learn about the company that especially interested you?
- What thoughts have come to mind about your conversation that you'd like to share with the employer?
The answers to these questions are grist for the mill for your thank-youletter. Your letter should be short, to the point, and essentially say "thank you." This letter is also your opportunity to continue the conversation from your interview with one or two follow-up thoughts.
Job-Hunt Hint
Get in the habit of saying "Thankyou" in person, on the phone, and in writing. That could mean thanking not only the manager, but also the receptionist when you leave your job interview; it could also mean being appreciative of someone who took the trouble to give you a job lead.
Not One to Write Home About
You know that icky feeling when you walk away from a situation and you know you could have done better? We've all experienced it at one time or another, and you may get that uneasy feeling after one of your job interviews. If so, don't throw in the towel! Try this simple fix-it: Write a thank-you letter that fills in the holes and repairs your performance.
Before writing your note, ask yourself these questions:
- What do I think went wrong in the interview?
- Did I say something that might have been misunderstood?
- Was I nervous and therefore didn't project a sense of self-confidence?
- Did I miss an opportunity in the conversation to state an idea or mention an achievement that would have impressed the interviewer?
Career Casualty
Never misspell the employer's name. Check and double-check that it's spelled correctly before sealing your envelope.