Sending a thank you letter to an interviewer is more than a professional courtesy; it is also a wise job search move. A thank you letter can confirm an employer’s positive impression of you. By thanking the interviewer, you are also helping to build your professional network.

·         Be timely.   Send a thank you letter to each person who interviewed you within 48 hours of your meeting. You want it to be read before a hiring decision is made.

·         Type, handwrite, or e-mail? Take your cue from your previous communications wit the employer. If the industry is conservative, type the letter. If the industry is less formal, a handwritten note may be appropriate (use a simple note card of quality paper). For some employers, an e-mail thank you can also be acceptable.

·         Be brief. You want to express gratitude for the interviewer’s time and your interest in the position. Do not write a long a letter detailing why you would be perfect for the job.

·         Be flawless. Check your spelling and grammar. Ensure that you have the interviewer’s name and title correct.

Sample Handwritten Thank You Note (avoid copying this note verbatim)

                                                    10/23/02
Dear Ms. Doe
     Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. After speaking with you about the opportunity available at XYZ and meeting with marketing staff, I am even more interested in joining your team.
     I was particularly excited to learn about XYZ’s focus on group sales presentations. As I mentioned, I developed my presentation skills by creating PowerPoint slides as an intern at ABC Marketing and by speaking to large groups as a Whittier College campus tor guide. I feel I could be an asset to your organization.
     Again, thank you for your consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
                                                      Sincerely,
                                                      Maria Torero

Sample Typewritten Thank You Letter