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Importance of thank you notes

22% of employers are less likely to hire a candidate who does not send a thank you and 91% like being thanked.

• Demonstrates follow through, professional courtesy and written communication skills.
• Reaffirms your interest in the position.
• Strengthens your relationship with the employer.
• Creates an opportunity to introduce information that wasn’t brought up in the interview.

Thank you notes should also be sent for informational interviews, job shadows and any other career development opportunities where you interact with employers, alumni, etc.

Thank you note etiquette 

• Ask for a business card from the person(s) who interviewed you so you have their contact information.
• Send a thank you note within 24 hours.
• You may email your thank you note or print it on business stationary and send it via USPS.
• Avoid “text-speak” when composing your thank you note: thx, r, u, thru, etc.
• Check for grammatical errors by proofreading.

Thank you note layout

Introductory paragraph

• Thank the employer for meeting with you.
• Express your enthusiasm for the position/organization/experience.

Middle paragraph

• After an interview, re-emphasize your strongest qualifications by drawing attention to your skills, experience, or commitment to the position/organization.
• After an informational interview, recall something you learned or gained.
• Mention something specific you discussed with the individual.  This personalizes you.

Concluding paragraph

• Thank the employer for meeting with you.
• Express your enthusiasm for the position/organization/experience.
• Indicate which day you interviewed with the individual – they see many applicants.
• Indicate the position you applied for – recruiters recruit for more than one position.
• Provide your phone number and email address.

Examples

Dear Ms. Lewis: