A simple thank you can make a difference

Published: The Hindu
On: March 24, 2010
At: Chennai & Vishakapatnam, India


Your mother always told you to say thank you and she is right. Sending a thank you message (email or letter) following an employment interview can give you an edge over others while displaying your professional attitude. It also allows you to express your appreciation for the employer’s interest in you while restating the value you can bring to the organization. It gives you the opportunity to re-affirm your enthusiasm in the job. View this as your final, last-minute effort to convince your interviewer that you are the best fit for the position.

Structure:

The structure of a thank you message is quite similar to a cover letter. Keep it precise, and to the point.
First paragraph: Begin with thanking the interviewer for taking the time out to meet you. Show your enthusiasm for the position. Cite the date, time and position you were interviewed.

Second paragraph: Underscore your relevant skills required for the job you have applied. Explain how your education and previous experience (if any) is suitable for this position. You can add something interesting that you have learnt about the company or something that you feel you will excel at within the company.

Closing paragraph: Reiterate your appreciation for being considered for the job and let the interviewer know you are looking forward to hearing from him or her soon.

Follow the KISS (Keep it Short and Simple) rule. About three paragraphs should be ideal.

Be prompt. Send the email within 24-hours after the interview.

Be specific. Refer to some point spoken in the interview. For example, a challenge that the company is having with their new system or their global expansion.

Use the thank you message as follow-up sales. Emphasize on your qualifications, and your successes in previous job experience. Show how you might make a significant contribution and express why you are a strong ‘fit’ for the company.

If you have forgotten to mention a key selling point during the interview that you like your interviewer to know, this is a perfect opportunity.

Any issues or clarifications that had come up during the interview can be resolved here. This is your last chance to make a positive impression on your interviewer.

Don’t oversell yourself. However desperate you are, focus on thanking the interviewer for his/her time and interest.

Proofread. Check for spelling errors and grammatical mistakes. If you are sending out an email, don’t rely on the computer’s inbuilt dictionary.

Be genuine. Instead of borrowing a thank you letter template from the web, put your words and feelings in the message.

Choose the method of communication sensibly. A thank you message after the interview can be sent via a handwritten/typed letter or email. It is best to keep in mind the company culture and the speed it is delivered.

When sending a letter, use the standard business letter format.

When sending an email, follow the general email etiquettes.

If you are interviewed by a group of people, send individual thank you messages. Modify it to send a personalized thank you to each interviewer. This adds a special touch. For example, a shared interest or an acquaintance can be referred. At the conclusion of the interview, make sure you ask each person for a business card – that way you have the contact information for your thank you messages. Incase you haven’t yet asked for it, call the office and get the information from the receptionist. It is well worth your time and efforts.

A thank you message is a great way to be ahead of the pack, and making sure the interviewer remembers your name. Send it even if you think your interview did not go well. Chances are it may have been more successful than you think. In addition, this shows your professionalism and attitude.

It also acts like a significant deciding factor when you are in par with someone else applying for the said job. So keep your spirits up, and remember your manners!