After the Job Interview – How to Write a Good Thank You

In a highly competitive job market, hirers’ expectations for every part of the hiring process are inflated. It used to be enough to list your jobs and education on your resume. Now you should quantify achievements and specify how they benefited your employer in terms of time saved and profits.

It used to be enough to follow the stated directions for submitting an application. Now you want to network your way directly to the hiring manager.

It used to be enough to find the office where the interview was conducted; now you should prepare for the interview by researching the company

The thank you note is a valuable opportunity to supplement the interviewer’s notes with your take on what was discussed during the interview, answer questions that caught you by surprise or create an opportunity for your follow-up, and most important, to communicate that you do want the job.

Just as the cover letter and resume are marketing tools, so is the thank you. Writing this kind of thank you takes thought and effort. And just as you want your resume to be perfect, the same is true of the thank you.

Here are some tips: Express your enthusiasm overtly. Say outright you want the job. Of course, some of your enthusiasm is implied-you wouldn’t write a full-page letter unless you really want the job.

Promptness is good, of course, but it is possible to be too prompt. If you send an email thank you from the lobby right after the interview.

Today, simply getting an interview is a real achievement. So maximize this opportunity with a written thank you note that sets you apart from the competition.