Why and How to Write a “Thank You” Letter
Posted June 23rd, 2015
Securing a job is typically seen as a three step process – crafting a great resume, writing an amazing cover letter, and then acing the interview. But there is an important fourth step that most people neglect – writing a “thank you” letter. You may be rolling your eyes and dismissing this as an outdated courtesy, but it is still common practice. Better still, a thank-you letter is a tool that you can use to your advantage.
The key is to think of your thank-you letter as more than just a pleasantry. In fact, it is your one last chance to market yourself, highlight your skills, and position yourself as a great candidate for the job. If written correctly, it could be the final piece that separates you from the other candidates in the running. This is how to make it work for you:
Address a Concern
If during your interview it came out that you were lacking a certain credential, you probably didn’t have much time to defend yourself. In your thank-you letter, quickly summarize the issue, downplay it, and emphasize that you are a great candidate even if you don’t meet every criteria.
Explain a Confusion
As you reflect on your interview, you may realize that one of your responses was confusing or incomplete. Your thank you letter is your final chance to clear up that confusion and say what you meant to say with the advantage of time to review and rehearse.
Eliminate an Apprehension
Even if your interviewer did not state it explicitly, you may have sensed by their body language that something you said or did did not have the impact you intended. You can revisit this point in your thank-you letter, but you need to do it tactfully. First, be sure you are not just being paranoid. If you do think there was an “off” moment, explain that it was because of a communication failure on your part, then clarify the point as quickly and clearly as possible.
Emphasize Your Excitement
More than anything, a thank-you note is a great tool for expressing just how excited you are about an opportunity and how motivated you are to succeed. It’s fine to express those feelings, as long as you do them professionally. But make your case even stronger by reiterating some of your qualifications, talking about an issue relevant to the company, and stating frankly why you are uniquely poised to make a positive impact.
One final piece of advice – keep your thank-you letter short. Anything more than a page or three paragraphs is too much. And be sure to give it the same polish that you give to your resume and cover letter. Learn more strategies to help you stand out from the competition by working with Bayside Solutions.
