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How to Craft an Interview Thank You Note

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thank-youThank you notes may seem like a silly formality of the past, something that Mom forced you to do as a kid following birthdays and holidays. But, per usual, Mom was right. That tedious task of handwriting note after note is a vital mannerism in the professional world today, and job interviews are no exception.

Still, most candidates do not send a thank you note, which makes the ones that do really stand out. Not only is the practice of sending a thank you note a professional courtesy, but it also serves to remind the hiring authority of your name, which can be especially helpful when some time has passed or when many candidates are interviewing. The hiring authority has a lot on his or her mind, and your thank you note will serve as a kind reminder that behind the position titles and job descriptions are people, one in the same.

So, the next time you return home from a job interview, take a few minutes to sit down and draft a thank you note. The sooner, the better, which leads us to our first piece of advice.

Timing is everything

Write and mail your note within the first 24 hours. Not only will your punctual timing impress the hiring authority, but the things discussed in your interview will be fresh in your mind.

Don’t leave anyone out

If you interviewed with more than one person, make sure to send an individual thank you note to each one of them, and don’t forget to double check their name!

Send a letter even if you didn’t get the job

If you somehow already know you did not land the job in the immediately hours after your interview, send a thank you note out anyway. You never know what connections might be made.

Proofread

This goes without saying. Any spelling or grammar mistakes would just be embarrassing and could do more harm than good.

Say thank you twice

Along with your handwritten thank you note, it is important to also send an email Immediately following the interview.

What to include

Use this opportunity to highlight anything that you wish you had said in the interview. If you forgot to mention a certain experience related to the job, now is the time to include it. It is also important to reemphasize any skills and qualities that the employer liked about you and that would be vital to the position.

Keep it short and sweet

Everyone is busy, so you’re better off not writing a multiple page thank you letter to your prospective employer. There is no need to encompass your whole meeting in the thank you note. Keep it simple: kind, gracious and to the point. A good way to close is to reiterate your interest.

Include your contact information

Put your phone number and email address right there underneath your name. You don’t want a hiring authority to have to jump through hoops to try to get in touch with you.

Interview Tips: Prep, Mindset & Communication

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Congratulations! You did it! They liked your resume so much that you landed an interview. We call this passing the first test, so give yourself a pat on the back and take a deep breath. The next step, the actual interview, can seem daunting at first, but with the proper preparation and mindset, you can conquer it. It all starts with a little bit of believing.

It’s important to go into your interview exuding a quiet confidence. Through the right preparation, you can achieve a calm mindset that will leave your competition envious. Here’s where to start.

  1. Do your homework. A day or two before your scheduled interview, grab your laptop, a notebook, and a coffee, and find a quiet place to study up on the company with which you are interviewing. Check out their website, social media pages, latest news and blogs. By getting to know the history and culture of the company, you will be better able to address certain questions. If you know the particular person with whom you will be interviewing, research their role within the company as well. Maybe you’ll come across something in your research that you can be prepared to bond over if it comes up in conversation.
  2. Know the position. You should walk into that interview with a pretty good idea of what the position you are interviewing for entails. Take some time during your study session to craft some answers about why you are a good fit for that particular job and make sure you have some examples from past experience to offer. When asked about your previous positions, stay away from talking about the responsibilities that the job entailed and instead bring up some of your personal accomplishments that you achieved during your time in that position.
  3. Rest. If your interview is in the morning, prepare the night before to avoid being rushed in the AM. Gas up the car, know what you’ll wear, prep a healthy breakfast and put all your materials in one place ready to grab and go. Then, hit the hay early so you can wake up refreshed and ready. There is nothing worse than being rushed on the morning of and walking into the interview still trying to catch your breath.
  4. Ask questions. Your interview should be a two-way street, not an interrogation. You will be expected to know your value, your skills and how you can help the team, but also be careful not to focus solely on yourself during the interview. Make sure to ask questions that concern the betterment of the company. “How does the team interact with the rest of the company?” or “What is the most important quality you are looking for in a candidate?” These questions will ensure the hiring authority that you can be a team player and you will come into work each day with an aim to help more than just yourself.
  5. Get out of your head. Recognize any negative mindset that might be hindering your confidence, and part ways. You are only as good as you allow yourself to be. So walk into that room with a smile on and a positive mindset. You’re going to do great.

If you ever have any further interview concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Rigsby Search Group. We coach our candidates on interviews every day, and would be more than happy to have a conversation with you.