The Importance of the Interview Thank-You Letter: Email or Handwritten?
Source www.detrester.com
Interview thank you letters, emails, and handwritten notes are a crucial part of the job search process. They express gratitude to the interviewer, reinforce key points from the interview, and demonstrate interest in the position. Whether you choose to send a traditional handwritten note or an email, a well-crafted thank you message can make a lasting impression on the hiring manager.
The Art of the Interview Thank-You Letter
The interview thank-you letter is an opportunity to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager and reinforce your interest in the position. Here’s how to craft an outstanding thank-you letter that showcases your professionalism and enthusiasm:
Format and Salutation
* For handwritten letters, use high-quality paper and a pen with dark ink.
* For email, use a formal and professional email address.
* Begin your letter with “Dear [Hiring Manager Name],” or if you don’t know their name, “Dear Hiring Manager.”
First Paragraph
Start with an expression of gratitude for the opportunity to interview.
State the position you are applying for and the date of the interview.
Briefly mention the specific aspects of the company and role that interest you the most.
Body Paragraphs
- Highlight your strengths: Remind the hiring manager of your key skills and experience that align with the job requirements.
- Demonstrate your enthusiasm: Express your genuine interest in the position and explain how your qualifications would make you a valuable asset to the team.
- Address any concerns: If there were any areas of concern or questions raised during the interview, address them briefly.
Closing Paragraph
Reiterate your appreciation for the interview and express your continued interest in the position.
State that you are available for any further steps or questions, and include your contact information.
Table: Suggested Length and Format
| Format | Length | Font | Margins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handwritten | 2-3 paragraphs | Black or blue ink | 1 inch all around |
| 3-5 paragraphs | 12-14 pt., professional font | Default email margins |
7 Sample Interview Thank You Letters
Thank You for the Opportunity to Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [position name] position on [date]. I was very impressed with [company name] and the team I met during the interview.
I am particularly interested in the [specific aspect of the position or company that you discussed during the interview]. I believe my skills and experience in [relevant skills] would be a valuable asset to your team.
I would be grateful for the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to the success of [company name].
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Thank You for the Valuable Feedback
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [position name] position on [date]. I appreciate the valuable feedback you provided during the interview.
I found the interview to be very informative and helpful. I gained a better understanding of the position and the company’s culture. I am also grateful for the specific suggestions you provided for improving my job search process.
I have already started implementing some of your suggestions, and I am confident that they will help me to be more successful in my job search.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Thank You for the Opportunity to Interview Despite Not Being Selected
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [position name] position on [date]. I understand that I was not selected for the position, but I wanted to express my gratitude for the opportunity to interview.
I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about the position and the company. I was very impressed with [company name] and the team I met during the interview.
I wish you all the best in your search for a qualified candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Handwritten Thank You Note for a Great Interview Experience
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the wonderful interview experience I had with you and the [company name] team on [date].
I was very impressed with the professionalism and friendliness of everyone I met. The interview process was well-organized and informative, and I felt that my skills and experience were thoroughly evaluated.
I am particularly excited about the [specific aspect of the position or company that you discussed during the interview]. I believe that my passion for [relevant interest or hobby] and my strong work ethic would make me a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Thank You for the Follow-Up Information
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for taking the time to send me the additional information about the [position name] position. I appreciate you providing me with this opportunity to learn more about the role and the company.
The additional information you provided has helped me to better understand the [specific aspect of the position or company that you discussed in the follow-up information]. I am even more interested in the position and believe that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your team.
I am available for a follow-up interview at your earliest convenience.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Thank You for the Interview and the Opportunity to Ask Questions
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [position name] position on [date]. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the position and the company.
I was particularly interested in [specific aspect of the position or company that you discussed during the interview]. I have attached a list of questions that I have about this topic. I would be grateful if you could provide me with some additional information.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
- [Question 1]
- [Question 2]
- [Question 3]
Thank You for the Virtual Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me virtually for the [position name] position on [date]. I appreciate the opportunity to connect with you and learn more about the role despite the distance.
I found the virtual interview process to be very seamless and efficient. I was impressed with the technology and the professional manner in which it was conducted.
I am particularly interested in the [specific aspect of the position or company that you discussed during the interview]. I believe that my remote work experience and my strong communication skills make me a suitable candidate for this position.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Should I Send a Thank-You Note After an Interview?
A well-written thank-you note is a great way to show your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and to reiterate your interest in the position.
Interview Thank You Notes: Etiquette and Best Practices
- Send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview.
- Keep it brief and to the point, no more than a few paragraphs.
- Be specific about the position and company you are applying for.
- Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
- Reiterate your interest in the position and why you are qualified for it.
- Mention anything specific that you discussed during the interview that you found particularly interesting or relevant to your experience.
- Proofread your note carefully before sending it.
Should It Be an Email or a Handwritten Note?
Whether you send an email or a handwritten note is a matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong answer. However, there are some factors to consider when making your decision.
Email:
- Pros: Quick and easy to send, can be easily tracked, can include attachments (e.g., your resume or portfolio).
- Cons: May not be as personal as a handwritten note, could get lost in the interviewer’s inbox.
Handwritten Note:
- Pros: More personal and memorable, shows that you took the time to write it, can include personal touches (e.g., a handwritten signature or a special pen).
- Cons: Takes more time and effort to write and send, could get lost in the mail.
Ultimately, the best way to decide whether to send an email or a handwritten note is to consider the culture of the company you are applying to. If the company is more formal, a handwritten note may be more appropriate. If the company is more casual, an email may be more acceptable.
Additional Tips
- If you are sending a handwritten note, use high-quality paper and a pen that writes smoothly.
- Make sure your handwriting is legible and easy to read.
- Keep your note brief and to the point, no more than a few paragraphs.
- Proofread your note carefully before sending it.
- Send your note to the interviewer’s office address, not their personal address.
By following these tips, you can send a thank-you note that will make a lasting impression on the interviewer and help you stand out from the competition.
Hey there, readers! Thanks for taking the time to read and learn about the best ways to send a thank-you note after an interview. Whether you opt for an email or a handwritten letter, remember to keep it sincere, professional, and brief. Your thoughtful words can make a lasting impression and help you stand out as a top candidate. Come visit again soon for more helpful career and job search advice!