by Hayley Solich

Created on: August 04, 2007   Last Updated: November 02, 2011

Some may question the value of sending a thank you to an employer after an interview but there is no surer way to get their attention and let them know how much you care about the opportunity to work for them than to send a thank you letter after the interview.

When preparing your letter remember the rules of writing a proper business letter, as this will be another opportunity for you to showcase your written communication skills.

Tips for a great thank you letter are:

1. Keep it Simple and Sweet
Try not to cloud the message. Stick to the point, being that you want to thank them for the opportunity to be interviewed for the position. You may like to include a short, concise sentence that plants you as a memory, for example, "I really enjoyed meeting the interview panel (use their names if you remember them), and I especially related to your ...". Try to pick something that the interview panel shared about the job or themselves. This shows attention to detail and tells them you respect their words. You can afford to let a little of your personality into this letter, as they have already met you. Be a good judge of your audience and pitch the tone and language appropriately.

2. Use proper business letter structure
Include your contact details at the top, either as a header or as a block to the right of the page. Include their contact details as a block on the left hand side. Next comes the greeting, then the subject line. Next the introduction, body and conclusion of the letter, followed by the salutation and signature block. The date should also appear at either the top or bottom of the page, either before the address block or after the signature block.

3. Spell and grammar check your work
Poor spelling and grammar are a red flag to any employer. Make your letter a standout for the right reasons! Always check and double check your work before sending.

4. Timing is everything!
If you are going to send a thank you, try to make sure it is within a reasonable time frame of 1-2 days after the interview. If you leave it too long, it may be a waste of your time as the position may well have been decided.

5. Presentation is key
Make sure you print the letter on good quality paper and that it is free from any grubby finger marks or stains. You want your thank you note to be memorable for the right reasons!

Everyone loves to be thanked for their efforts and employers are no different. However, being busy people, it is important for you thank you note to contain a personal touch of some sort, otherwise it may as well just be junk mail ready for the trash. Take the time to word your letter sincerely and enjoy the opportunity to express your gratitude, as it is a rare opportunity presented to you.

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