Thank-You Letters:
Follow up immediately with thank you letters to everyone you have an interview or informational interview with. Send them both within 24 hours of the interview! This means obtaining business cards from each person you interview with. If you forget to get a card, or the person doesn’t have a card available, you can call back to the receptionist at the firm you interviewed at and request the email and mailing address for the people you interviewed with. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AND CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOU GETTING THE JOB OR NOT!
Did you know that sending a thank you note after an interview can help you get the job?
Tips for After Your Interview
Send both an e-mail Thank You & a Handwritten Thank You card immediately after interviews for maximum effect: Thank You cards/letters are more highly regarded if they are typed or hand-written on a thank-you note/letter and sent through postal mail. I recommend that you send a thank you e-mail also. Send the Thank you email the day/evening of the Interview. Also send the card the same of next day. In the email, let the person know that they will also be receiving a Thank You letter in the mail. This covers both basis: People receive an email thank you quickly. While they are still thinking about you. This is a great opportunity to impress them. The ability to express yourself via email is an important business skill. Recipients will appreciate your thoroughness and the speed with which you followed up with them. Recap the conversation, specifically commenting on projects that the interviewer said were important. Re-state how you are a fit for the position. State that you want the job. State that you are interested in working with them. That you would make a good team.
Timing is crucial and you need to get the email Thank You written and sent immediately. The mailed Thank you letter will take a day or two to get to them through the US Postal Service. A personalized Thank You letter is a great way to follow up. It also gets your name and your thoughts back in front of the interviewer a couple of days after you met with them. This is a method for you to remain “top of mind” with the recipient. The handwritten Thank You letter has a much longer “shelf life” than an email. If you can, I recommend that you select a card that has a colorful pleasant professional image on the front. If it does, the recipient may display it on their desk. A great card also reflects positively on your decision making and “get it done in a timely manner” and follow up skills.
