A job search is a public relations campaign. The idea is to get others to think highly of you so they will hire you directly or refer you to their associate(s). The sooner you build good relationships, the sooner you’ll be hired. The words “thank you” create goodwill. In general, typed letters are recommended; however, you may use handwritten notes if you are only writing a few short sentences. Make sure your handwriting is easy to read. Long, rambling, hard-to read thank-you notes create more frustration than goodwill. Nowadays, it is acceptable to send a “Thank You” by e-mail, especially if the employer is on a time constraint. Use a professional e-mail address and send an e-mail to each person with whom you interviewed. It is preferred that you write a personal note that may refer to what the person said or a mutual commonality.
Send thank-you letters as soon as possible (within 48 hours) after your interview. In fact, some employers think less of those interviewees who fail to follow up promptly. Remember to proofread: check spelling, grammar, typos, etc. If in doubt about the correct names, spelling or titles of your interviewers, call the office or human resources department.
A thank-you letter is often a sales letter in disguise, so don’t be afraid to put some “sell” into it. View the thank-you as a follow up “sales” letter and can restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant contributions, and so on. This letter is also the perfect opportunity to discuss anything of importance that your interviewer neglected to ask or that you neglected to answer as
thoroughly, or as well as you would have liked.
Note : Even if you do not want the job, write a thank-you note respectfully withdrawing your application. You never know what the future holds.
View a sample of a thank you letter.