Learn how to show your appreciation
Thank you letters are more than polite protocol and good manners. They show your appreciation for the time your interviewer spent meeting with you and can help you stand out from others. They are essential for maintaining contact with people who have assisted you and gently remind them who you are and when you met. Below are some tips for writing a great thank you note.
Some examples might include:
- Someone makes a call on your behalf or gives you a lead for an informational interview or job shadowing opportunity.
- Someone providing you with career-specific information.
- Someone meets with you for an informational interview.
- Following a career fair opportunity if you met and talked with a professional representative of the organization.
- Following any interview.
A handwritten thank you note is ideal, but when you can't deliver a handwritten note, a personalized email is fine. If the employer is going to make a hiring decision quickly, send a personalized email. If more time is available, send a handwritten note. It is acceptable to do both. Here are a few more tips to personalize your thank you notes:
- If you don't already own professional-looking stationery, now is the perfect time to buy some.
- Be sure to write an individual note or email message for each person you met with. If you have a large interview committee, ask for business cards and keep track of names.
- If someone is coordinating your interview schedule, write them a thank you note, too!
Be sure to respond with a thank you note as soon as possible after you have met with your interviewer. Our general rule is to do it within 24-48 hours of your meeting.
Many students find it helpful to keep a system (e.g., an Excel file) to track their contacts, follow-ups, and thank you letters.