In today's job market, competition is stiffer than ever. You have to do everything you can to stand out in order to get the job.
One lost art of the job search is the practice of sending a thank you note after an interview. Doing so will allow you to show off your good manners by expressing appreciation for the time taken to interview you, but it will also give you the chance to set yourself apart from the other candidates and to make a final argument for why you should get the job.
Here's how you can write the perfect thank you note after an interview:
Personalize It
You should send a thank you note to each person you interviewed with, rather than a group note, and address each one personally. Mention specific items of interest that came up during your interview, if applicable. For example, you might mention how impressed you were by the company culture, or you might note that learning about the company's goals for the year made you realize even more how well-suited you are for the job.
Make Your Pitch
Your thank you note may be the last opportunity you have to make an impression and to state your case for being hired. Briefly restate why you think you are the best person for the job and include any information you may have omitted during the interview. You can touch on your qualifications or make an argument for why you are the best match for the job.
Keep it Brief
A thank you note is just that: A note. You should not send a lengthy letter outlining all your qualifications or making an impassioned case for why you should get the job. Get right to the point. Thank the interviewer for considering you, restate your qualifications and interest in the job, and close by letting the interviewer know you are looking forward to hearing more about the job.
While a thank you note is very brief and basic, it can be an important part of your job search. Few people write thank you notes, so sending one automatically sets you apart from your competition. Be sure to send it within 24 hours of your interview, and hand write it if possible. Taking the time to perform this small task may make a big difference in whether or not you get the job!
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Sarah Rexman is the main researcher and writer for bedbugs.org. Her most recent accomplishment includes graduating from Florida State, with a degree in environmental science. Her current focus for the site involves researching for her site, bedbugs.org and bed bugs in new york city