How to Email a Thank You Letter After a Job Interview
Want to stand out from hundreds of other applicants applying for the position that YOU want? Send a thank you letter! A handwritten note is always nice, but sometimes you're pressed for time. If you suspect the hiring manager will be making a decision ASAP, consider sending a thank you letter via email.
Writing a thank you letter is simple, but there are a few things to remember when you're sending a follow up letter via email:
- DO NOT SEND IT FROM YOUR BLACKBERRY OR iPHONE
Yes, it's tempting to dash out to your car and immediately email your potential employer a charming thank you note, but don't do it. Wait until you have time to use your laptop or desktop.
- USE A PROFESSIONAL EMAIL ADDRESS
Unless you're applying to be a porn star, you probably don't want to send a thank you letter from SuperHotChick4747@my.email.com or BadBoy4u7777@yahoo.com. Use something simple, like JoshinSTL or MariahSmith.
- USE GOOD GRAMMAR
It's always a good idea to have somebody proofread your email before you send it. If that isn't possible, write your letter, then wait 20 minutes before sending it. Our brains won't notice mistakes without a break; we will see what we WANT the letter to say, not what we actually wrote.
- AVOID INTERNET JARGON
Your potential new boss might be hilarious, but your thank you letter should not say, "OMG, I totally loved your joke about the penguins LOL. Can't wait to work with you!".
- SEND YOUR EMAIL IN A TIMELY MANNER
Email the hiring manager a thank you letter immediately-as in the day of your interview.
- USE FANCY FONT AND STATIONARY
If your email provider offers a stationary option, feel free to use it. Same goes for fancy fonts. It's always nice to go the extra step when you're going after something you want in life.
- BE BRIEF
Your potential employer does not have time to read a rambling 7 paragraph thank you letter. Keep it simple.
- BE SPECIFIC
Don't just say "Thanks for meeting with me". That's vague and boring. Mention something specific from the interview; it shows you were paying attention.
- BE CONFIDENT
"I look forward to hearing from you" is a statement that exhibits confidence. "I hope you liked me" does not.
- FOLLOW UP WITH A HANDWRITTEN THANK YOU NOTE
An emailed thank you letter is not a substitute for a handwritten note. It should be sent first, yes; but you should also follow up with a thank you card or handwritten letter.
