After the Interview
In this section:
Thank-You Letter Template
Your first and last name
Mailing Address
City, State ZIP
Telephone Number(s)
Email Address
Current Date
Prospective Employer
Professional Title
Company Name
Mailing Address
Dear (Address formally – Mrs., Mr., Professor, etc. – unless you were instructed to use first name):
Begin by thanking the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Generally, it is a good idea to include the actual date on which the interview took place, along with the position title.
Reaffirm your interest in the position by pointing out specific issues discussed during the interview. Address any unresolved points that came up in the interview that you feel you did not fully answer. This is also an opportunity to tout any key skills or capabilities that might have been overlooked during your conversation.
The closing should include another reference to your appreciation and an offer to provide more information if necessary. Let the reader know that you are looking forward to the next steps, and that you’re confident you’d be an asset to the company.
Sincerely,
Your signature in blue or black ink
Your printed name
Extra Tips:
- Send your thank-you letter within 24 hours of the actual interview. This can be done by email, mail, fax, or hand delivery. The quicker the letter arrives, the greater the likelihood of creating a positive and lasting impression.
- You can email a thank-you note and follow up with a more formal mailed version.
- If you interview with multiple individuals, make sure each thank-you letter is unique. Employers are more than likely to compare notes.
- Keep letter short and to the point.
- Express enthusiasm for the position.
- When emailing, don’t send your letter as an attachment. Always paste it in the body of your email.
Follow-Up Letter Template
Your first and last name
Mailing Address
City, State ZIP
Telephone Number(s)
Email Address
Current Date
Prospective Employer
Professional Title
Company Name
Mailing Address
Dear (Address formally—Mrs., Mr., Professor, etc.—unless you were instructed to use first name):
In the first paragraph, you should remind the recipient of your interview that took place, along with the date. You can also include a little bit of information on what was discussed or key things that will help remind the reader of that particular interview and the position you applied for.
In the body of the letter, tell the employer that your interest in the company still remains high. Reiterate your strengths briefly and how you would be an asset to the company. Also include that you would like to be contacted on the company’s decision, whether or not you are offered the position.
In the closing, thank the reader for his or her time and state a specific action statement. For example, I will call your office on Tuesday afternoon to talk about the next steps. Be clear that you are flexible in meeting again.
Sincerely,
Your signature in blue or black ink
Your printed name
Extra Tips:
- Vary your methods of communication. Follow up by phone and/or email.
- Enclose an industry article or make mention of a current event that you think would be of interest to the recipient.
- Don’t be shy about touching base every week or two—or ask the decision maker to offer you a timeframe for keeping in touch.
- A general rule is the more aggressive the field, the more aggressive you should be when applying for that job.
- When emailing, don’t send your letter as an attachment. Always past it in the body of your email.