“Developing a Thank You Letter Following a Job Interview”

1. “Developing a Thank You Letter Following a Job Interview” Written by Deborah S. Ray Presented by Gyeong Lee

2. Introduction • 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.

3. Importance of sending a letter following a job interview because… • 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.

4. Choosing a Letter FormatI. 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.

5. Choosing a FormatII. 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.

6. Choosing a FormatIII. 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.

7. Planning the Letter • 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?

8. 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.

9. Checklist • 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)?

10. Conclusion • 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.

11. Questions?