THANK YOU NOTES

Thank You Notes

MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION

Is writing a thank you note after an interview really necessary? YES, definitely! Writing a thank you note is an extremely important way to bring closure to the interview process. It is another opportunity to sell yourself, and it may be the last impression the employer will have of you before making their final decision, so make the note thoughtful. A well-crafted thank you note can help you stand out from other candidates.

Thank You Note Tips

 Timeliness is everything! As a general rule of thumb, set a goal of sending a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview.  Always send a thank you note to individuals with whom you have interviewed. If more than one person interviewed you, send a personalized note to each individual. Interviewers may share your thank you note, so don’t simply copy/paste the same text.  Keep it brief. Your note should be no more than 2-3 short paragraphs.  Ask for a business card at the end of the interview. It is difficult to send a thank you note if you do not have the interviewer’s contact information.  Proofread your note before sending. Correct spelling and proper grammar are a must.

Email or Handwritten Note?

 Is your penmanship neat and legible? If not, opt for an email thank you note.  Do you realistically have time to buy notecards, write the note, buy stamps, and drop the note in the mail? How long will it take for the note(s) to reach the interviewer(s)? Remember, timeliness is everything!  HINT: Bring notecards with you to the interview. After the interview, step out of the office, write the note(s), then hand deliver to the office receptionist.  HINT: Send an email thank you note within 24 hours to ensure timely delivery, and then follow up with a handwritten note.  If you send a handwritten note, use a plain, light-colored note card.  If you send an email note, include a relevant subject line (i.e. “Thank you from Sarah Smith”).

Thank You Note Guidelines

 Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you (politeness goes a long way)!  Remind the individual when the interview took place and for what position you interviewed.  Reiterate your interest in the position, and mention some specific details about the company or the position that were discussed during the interview (this will also highlight your listening skills).  Tie your qualifications and interests back to the position.  Reiterate your interest in follow-up and/or next steps.

Dear Ms. Jones:

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday to discuss the Internal Audit internship.

My interest in the position has grown after our discussion about the intensive two-week training period and the wide variety of clients that the firm serves. I am confident that my accounting coursework at Bentley and my previous internship with Williams CPAs have prepared me well for this role. I am also particularly impressed by the formal mentorship program that the company recently launched and would take full advantage of the opportunity to be mentored by a senior partner.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding next steps. Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely, Sarah Smith

THANK YOU