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Thank-You Letters

THANK YOU LETTERS

Always send a thank-you letter after you interview for a position or meet with someone as a contact for career-related advice. Through this gesture, you demonstrate clear appreciation for the time the employer or contact took to speak with you.

STEPS TO A MEMORABLE THANK-YOU LETTER

It is now acceptable to send a thank you via email or postal mail. If you are sending a letter via post, write it by hand or type it. For handwritten notes, choose basic stationery in cream or white or a plain notecard. For typed letters, follow the basic guidelines for business letters. For emails, resist the temptation to use emoticons, excessive exclamation points or language that is too casual.

SEND A THANK-YOU LETTER ASAP.
Typically, thank-you notes are sent within 24-48 hours of the interview. If they are making first-round decisions the same day, send a shortened version via email within a couple of hours of your interview. Do not, however, send something from your cell phone the minute you leave, as this conveys a lack of thoughtfulness. For an informational meeting with an alum or other contact, send your letter within 3-5 days.

HELP THE PERSON RECALL YOU AND THE CONVERSATION
Mention the position for which you were interviewed, including the date and location. Highlight a particular aspect of the conversation that piqued your interest or a topic that the two of you shared in common. For alumni and other contacts, this will help build further rapport and may help the contact to remember you if an opportunity arises.

REAFFIRM YOUR INTEREST
Strive to mention specific job duties or topics discussed. Re-articulate your strengths and experiences.

TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS
Express willingness to provide additional information, such as the names of references. If anything was requested of you, include that information with the letter.