How to Write the Perfect Thank-You Note

It might sound simple, but sending a thank-you note after an interview is an important step that candidates often neglect. A thank-you note is essential for leaving your potential employer with a positive impression and it can help you to stand out from your competition. Below are 4 of our best tips on writing the perfect thank-you note:

Add Specifics

It’s important to avoid making your thank-you note too generic. Language that seems too general could raise suspicion that it’s been re-used from previous interviews. Be sure to address it to your specific interviewer and use the company name. This is an excellent chance to incorporate specific topics that you may have discussed during the interview. You could even quote something that was said. By doing this, you show that you have taken the time to reflect on the interview and have tailored the thank-you note around the conversation. A customized thank-you note will always be received better than something that sounds too generic.

Timing & Format

Thank-you notes should be sent via e-mail rather than mail. Not only is this the new norm in terms of thank-you notes, it also helps to ensure timely delivery. Response time is very important when it comes to following up after an interview. While it’s important to put time into your reflection and put effort into personalizing your thank-you note, it also should not be put off for too long. A thank-you note that doesn’t come soon enough could give the interviewer the impression that you aren’t interested or serious about the job. It could also indicate that you have the tendency to procrastinate. Furthermore, if a thank-you note isn’t sent in a timely manner, the employer might move forward with another candidate. We recommend sending a thank-you note the evening of or morning after your interview.

Avoid “I”

One of the most common mistakes we see in thank-you notes is the overuse of “I” statements. We recommend not using “I” to begin more than one or two sentences. The pronoun we can be used instead. Too many “I” statements can send the wrong message about your personality. You want to avoid seeming self-interested, and instead use a thank-you note to express interest and enthusiasm about the position.  Managers are typically interested in building cohesive teams rather than hiring strong individual personalities.

Address Doubts

From time to time, concerns about experience or job history can come up during an interview. Sometimes you might make a mistake and answer a question in an unfavorable way. A thank-you note can be a good opportunity to fix any interview blunders by giving a more thoughtful answer to a question you may have tripped over. You can also use this as an opportunity to address doubts directly before making your case for your candidacy. Concerns that crop up during an interview should not be ignored. Simply hoping for the best could cost you the job. A thank-you note could be a second chance for leaving a good impression.

A thank-you note is more than just a small courtesy. If can greatly affect an employer’s opinion of you. Be sure to take the time to get this step right. Writing the perfect thank-you note could help you to win the job offer over someone else.

Bradley Staffing Group is a full-service staffing firm based in Wayne, PA. We are committed to matching A-level talent with best-in-class businesses. Our knowledgeable and well-trained staff brings a combined 70+ years of staffing experience to our clients and candidates alike. http://bradleystaffinggroup.com/contact-us/