Members tell us that following up on job applications gets them interviews, but don’t forget that there are two times when you should follow up:
1) Follow up after you apply for a job
2) Follow up after every interview* with a thank you note
*Yes, if you have more than one interview, you should follow up after each one.
Kelly reached out to us because she’s ready to send a thank-you note, but has a few questions:
“Any helpful tips for sending a thank-you note? Also, is it acceptable to do this as an email? Thanks!”
It’s perfectly acceptable to email thank-you notes, particularly if most of the correspondence from the hiring manager has been via email. Ultimately, whether you send an email or a handwritten note is up to you, but there are some guidelines to follow.
How to write an interview thank-you note:
- Use a professional email address or simple stationery – now is not the time to use your basket-of-puppies thank you notes.
- Check for spelling and grammar errors.
- Send it soon – the same day or day after the interview is best.
- Thank them for their time.
- Express your interest in working for their company.
- Restate your contact information.
- Write neatly and carefully. (Those of us with awful handwriting – and make no mistake, that includes me – should be prepared to write a few copies to get a good one.)
Example follow-up note:
Dear [person you met with],
Thank you for meeting with me! I enjoyed our discussion, and I am excited about the opportunity to help achieve [company name]‘s goals as a [job title]. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
—
Congratulations on your interview! Now follow up with a great thank you note; it’s one more chance to make a great impression.
About Amy White
At the end of an interview, I always thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. I’m always hopeful about the job too. With so many applications employers can only hire so many. At my recent interview, the person who interviewed me said he wished he could hire everyone who applies, but it’s not possible to do so. I’m keeping faith that something will come up soon. The economy is tough, but it’s not hopeless.
Thanks for this wonderful article, I always make it a point to thank the interviewer after the interview, I find it overwhelming, it’s like getting a call back after a stage play audition. Being interviewed and be chosen to be interviewed implies chances of getting the job. Thanks to Peggy Mckee webinar I have learned more about thank you letters after an interview.