The Perfect Interview Thank You Letter: Email or Snail Mail?

Source footinitial28.pythonanywhere.com Thank you letters are an important part of the job search process. They allow you to express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and consideration. The candidate and the hiring team exchange thank you notes during the interview process. In cases where the hiring team conducts the initial screening via phone, the candidate can use this opportunity to reiterate key selling points mentioned during previous interactions. These notes can be sent via email or snail mail.

Anatomy of a Perfect Interview Thank-You Letter

Opening Paragraph (1-2 sentences)

• Express gratitude to the interviewer for their time and consideration.
• Reference the date and position you interviewed for.

Body Paragraph 1: Reinforce Your Skills and Fit

• Summarize your key qualifications and how they align with the job requirements.
• Provide specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your abilities.

Body Paragraph 2: Iterations of Interest and Enthusiasm

• Reiterate your interest in the position and the company.
• Explain why you are particularly excited about the opportunity.

Body Paragraph 3: Address Concerns or Questions

• If any concerns or questions arose during the interview, address them briefly.
• Demonstrate that you have researched the company and are prepared to contribute.

Body Paragraph 4: Call to Action and Next Steps

• Request further conversations or follow-up steps as appropriate.
• Express your availability for any additional interviews or screenings.

Closing Paragraph

• Thank the interviewer again for their time and consideration.
• Express eagerness to learn about the next steps in the hiring process.

Additional Considerations for Thank-You Notes:

• Format: Send an email or handwritten letter within 24 hours of the interview.
• Proofread: Carefully review your email or letter for any errors or typos.
• Personalize: Avoid generic templates and tailor your letter to the specific interviewer and position.
• Follow Up: If you do not hear back after a reasonable time, consider sending a polite follow-up email.

Essential Elements for a Great Interview Thank-You Letter

Key Points:

• Express gratitude
• Reinforce qualifications
• Iterate interest and enthusiasm
• Address concerns
• Call to action
• Proofread
• Personalize
• Follow up

7 Thoughtful Interview Thank-You Letter Templates

For a Phone Interview

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview me over the phone yesterday for the [Position Name] position. I enjoyed learning more about the role and the company’s mission.

I was particularly impressed by your emphasis on [Company Value], as it aligns well with my own values. I am confident that my skills in [Specific Skill] and my experience in [Relevant Experience] would make me a valuable asset to your team.

For a Panel Interview

Dear Hiring Committee,

Thank you all for your time and consideration during my interview for the [Position Name] position on [Date]. I was honored to meet each of you and learn more about the role and the team.

I was particularly interested in the committee’s description of the company’s [Unique Initiative], as I have a strong track record in [Relevant Skill] and am eager to contribute to such an innovative project.

For a Follow-Up to a Thank-You Note

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to follow up on my thank-you note for the [Position Name] interview on [Date]. I wanted to reiterate my interest in the role and express my enthusiasm for joining your team.

Since our conversation, I have done some additional research on the company and the industry, and I am even more convinced that my skills and experience would be a valuable addition to your organization.

For a Snail Mail Thank-You Note

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name] on [Date].

During the interview, I was particularly impressed by your company’s commitment to [Company Value] and its focus on [Company Mission]. I believe that my skills and experience in [Specific Skill] would enable me to make a significant contribution to your team and help drive the company’s success.

For a Handwritten Thank-You Note

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name] on [Date]. It was a pleasure meeting you and learning more about the role and the company.

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I was particularly impressed by your emphasis on [Company Value] and your commitment to [Company Goal]. I am confident that my skills and experience in [Specific Skill] would enable me to contribute to your team and help achieve your company’s objectives.

For a Virtual Interview

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview me virtually for the [Position Name] position on [Date]. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with you and learn more about the role and the company.

During the interview, I was particularly impressed by your company’s use of [Innovative Technology] and your commitment to [Company Goal]. I believe that my skills in [Specific Skill] and my experience in [Relevant Experience] would make me a valuable asset to your team as you continue to innovate and grow.

For an Unsuccessful Interview

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Position Name] position on [Date]. While I was not selected for the role, I wanted to express my appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about the company and the position.

I was impressed by your company’s commitment to [Company Value] and its focus on [Company Goal]. I wish you all the best in your search for the ideal candidate for this role.

How to Send an Interview Thank You Letter

What is the difference between sending a thank you letter by email or snail mail?

A thank you letter is a professional and courteous way to express your gratitude for an interview and reiterate your interest in the position. While it is generally more common to send a thank you email, there are some circumstances where sending a snail mail letter may be more appropriate. For example, if you are applying for a job in a more traditional industry or if you have had a particularly positive experience with the interviewer, you may want to consider sending a handwritten letter.

No matter how you choose to send your thank you letter, it is important to make sure that it is well-written and error-free. Your letter should be specific to the position you are applying for and the company you are interviewing with. It should also highlight your key qualifications and skills and how they would benefit the company.

How long should an interview thank you letter be?

The length of your thank you letter will vary depending on the position you are applying for and the level of detail you want to provide. However, a good rule of thumb is to keep your letter to one page. This will ensure that your letter is concise and easy to read.

What should I include in an interview thank you letter?

Your thank you letter should include the following information:

• Your name and contact information
• The date of the interview
• The name of the interviewer
• The position you are applying for
• A brief thank you for the opportunity to interview
• A reiteration of your interest in the position
• A highlight of your key qualifications and skills
• A closing statement that expresses your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work for the company

Well, there you have it! You’re now well-equipped to craft the perfect interview thank-you note, whether you prefer email or snail mail. Just remember to keep it brief, sincere, and relevant to the position. Hope this article helped you out. Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to check back for more career tips and tricks!