Transcript Developing a Thank You Letter Following a Job Interview

“Developing a Thank You
Letter Following a Job
Interview”
Written by Deborah S. Ray
Presented by Gyeong Lee
Introduction
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Why it is important to send a
thank you letter following a job
interview.
Advantages and Disadvantages
of different types of letter format.
What needs to be consider
when planning the letter.
What your should include when
developing the letter.
Importance of sending a letter
following a job interview
because…
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It can help you get the attention of potential
employers.
It can help ensure your name stays in their minds
and that your materials are reviewed and not lost in
a pile of applications.
It offers yet another sample of your writing skill.
-A well-written and polished letter demonstrate your
skills.
It gives you an opportunity to provide details that
weren’t covered in the interview.
It gives you and opportunity to remind interviewers
of your qualifications and experience.
It gives you an opportunity to invite additional
questions.
It gives you opportunity to express your interest in
the position.
Choosing a Letter Format
I. A Business Letter
Advantages
 It offers room for details.
 It offers a standard, professional-looking format.
 It can further show your
writing/editing/communication skills.
 It can indicate your attention to detail and interest in
the job.
 It is often perceived as a more traditional medium.
Disadvantages
 It is not delivered to the recipient immediately
through Postal mail.
 It is not easy for recipient to forward to other
decision makers; may get buried on the recipient’s
desk.
Choosing a Format
II. An E-mail Message
Advantages
 It offers room for details.
 It offers fast receipt.
 It is easy for recipient to forward to other
decision makers.
 It can demonstrate your
writing/editing/communication skills.
 It can indicate your attention to detail and
interest in the job
Disadvantages
 It is less formal or professional.
 It may be perceived as a less-traditional
communication medium.
Choosing a Format
III. A Hand written Card
Advantages
 It can give a personal touch
 It can be perceived as more traditional.
Disadvantages
 It may be perceived as less professional or
polished.
 It may not further showcase your
writing/editing/communication skills
 It is not delivered to the recipient immediately
 It is considered un-techie communication medium.
 It is not easy for recipient to forward around; it may
get buried on the recipient’s desk.
Planning the Letter
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What skills, experience, or education did
the interviewers ask about?
What topics or issues came up more than
once?
What needs or problems does the position
address?
What information, supporting details or
materials did you provide in the interview to
address their questions, issues or needs?
What other details, examples, or materials
can you provide—given their questions,
issues, and needs and given the details
and materials already provided at the
interview?
Developing the Letter
Introduction
 You should thank the recipient for spending time with you
in introducing you to the company, providing information
about the job, and answering your questions.
 Remind the recipient of the position you interviewed for.
 Remind them when you interviewed.
 You should express your interest.
 Remind the interviewer, briefly, of your qualifications.
Body
 It can restate key details that support your qualifications.
 It should mention additional details that you didn’t discuss
in the interview.
 Provide any other details that might separate you from
other candidates.
Conclusion
 You should Thank them again.
 You should reiterate your interest in the position.
 It should invite the recipient to contact you with questions.
 It should include contact information.
Checklist
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Does the letter have a clear introduction, body, conclusion?
Does the letter contain information that draws on topics
emphasized in the interview?
Does the letter supplement, not merely repeat, information
provided in your resume, letter of application, or interview? Or,
does it reiterate information that seemed particularly key to the
interviewer?
Does the letter provide specific examples that support your
competency or fit for the position?
Does the letter tie such details to the specific position?
Is the tone personable and professional, and nor arrogant or
demanding?
Does the letter invite further communication?
Does the letter include contact information?
Is the letter signed?
Does the letter and envelop address a specific person at a
specific company?
Does the letter look clean, and is it free from errors ( no typos, no
grammar/punctuation errors, and no formatting errors)?
Conclusion
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A business letter and e-mail message are
likely your best choice. As you can see, the
disadvantages of a hand-written outweigh
the advantages. Importantly, the business
letter or e-mail message formats allow you
to show your writing, editing, and
communication skills.
Follow up thank you letter doesn’t just say
“thank you”. It can be a tool for providing
additional information, expressing your
interest and having the lines of
communication.
Questions?