The Art Of The Thank You Note

I was watching my favorite reality show, Project Runway, the other day and I was paying attention to how the designers react when they are sent home. The premise of the show, if you aren't familiar with it, is they have a group of aspiring fashion designers competing in a series of competitions to determine who is the best designer. Each week, one designer is sent home, and the others continue with what is basically an extended job interview. In the end, the last designer standing will be the winner, and will receive the tools and opportunities needed to become a successful designer. Anyway, when a designer is sent home some of them are upset and complain about the unfairness of it all saying that the judges just didn't like them personally, that other people were trying to sabotage their efforts. Others, are just sad and take the news with a sense of resignation. But last week, a designer who isn't that great was sent home based on a legitimately bad design, I was so impressed with her reaction. She seemed very happy and simply said “Thank you. I have had the time of my life.” Rather than being angry, she was genuinely grateful for the chance to be in the small group of people who were allowed to compete. Because of her reaction, many people will think about her as a better designer than she is, due to her having shown that she can handle her business with grace and integrity. This got me thinking about the lost art of sending a thank you note after an interview.

When you step back to look at the larger picture, hiring managers are inundated with resumes every time they post job openings. Many of these prospective applicants are just casting nets wherever they are remotely qualified and hoping for a nibble, but there are still many qualified candidates who are out there just like you, trying to earn a job at the company. When you are asked to come in for an interview, it means that you are on the short list of potential employees. During the interview, you try your best to show an interviewer that you are professional, talented and someone who would make an amazing new member of their team. The interviewer takes the time to read over your resume, to listen to your pitch and to consider you for the job. I'm sure that you know the saying “It is an honor just to be nominated.” This is the attitude a successful professional should have. And attitude is one of the things that can impress a hiring manager. Skills can be taught, and most companies would rather invest time and money in an employee who has a great attitude rather than hire someone who is perfect for the job but is difficult to work with. So show them your wonderful attitude by sending a thank you note after the interview to let them know that you appreciate their time.

A good thank you note should be sincere and not look like a form letter. Think about the reasons you want to work for the company and about your conversation during the interview. Here is an example just to give you an idea.

Dear Interviewer,

Thank you for taking the time to interview me today. It was a pleasure meeting with you and sharing our mutual admiration for pottery (or whatever you chatted about during the interview) I enjoyed discussing your need for a new secretary, and having had the chance to tell you why I am a great fit.

It seems that you have assembled a great team, and it would be an amazing opportunity for me to learn from them. Your office is very close to where I live, and I couldn't ask for a better commute. You offer great benefits, which is rare in this position, which shows how much you care for your employees. I look forward to talking with you more, and hopefully another meeting in the future. (This section is where you write about the legitimate reasons you want to work there)

Sincerely,

Job Seeker

Your thank you note doesn't have to be hand written, and it can be emailed, even though a hand written note sent in the mail is a nice touch. Be genuine. With any interview, unless you have decided that you do not want to work there, you should be able to think of some reasons why this position would be a good fit for you and why you want to work there. Don't be afraid of seeming too eager or desperate. Employees want to know that you want to work for their company, not just any company.

So, make it a new habit to follow up every interview with a well written thank you note. You will be amazed at the power of good manners!

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.