Here in Salt Lake City Utah, our job market is slowly picking up but the statistics on how many people compete for just one job are overwhelming! Recently a poll conducted by CareerBuilder reported that for each one position posted online over 800 canidates apply! Even if you are one of the lucky few that actually gets an interview you better find a way to stand out.
One simple way to do this is by a sending a thank you letter/email after the interview. (Yes, believe it or not, only about 40% of applicants send one after the interview)!
An HR manager for a software company in Provo Utah told me last week that she received over 1100 resumes for one business development role. Out of those resumes only eleven were brought in for first interviews. After the interview all eleven canidates were told there would be a 2nd interview if she were interested in moving forward. The HR manager waited four days and was shocked that only three people sent her a thank you note! Of course, one of those three got the postion.
The next time you have a job interview, use this thank you letter template to show you are the best person for the job:
Thank You Letter Template
Your first and last name
Mailing Address
City, State and Zip
Telephone Number(s)
Email Address
Current Date
Prospective Employer
Professional Title
Company Name
Mailing Address
Dear (Address formally - Mrs., Mr., Professor, etc. - unless you were instructed to use first name):
Begin by thanking the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Generally, it is a good idea to include the actual date on which the interview took place, along with the position title.
Reaffirm your interest in the position by pointing out specific issues discussed during the interview. Address any unresolved points that came up in the interview that you feel you did not fully answer. This is also an opportunity to tout any key skills or capabilities that might have been overlooked during your conversation.
The closing should include another reference to your appreciation and an offer to provide more information if necessary. Let the reader know that you are looking forward to the next steps, and that you're confident you'd be an asset to the company.
Sincerely,
Your signature in blue or black ink
Your printed name
________________________________________
Extra Tips:
• Send your thank you letter within 24 hours of the actual interview. This can be done by email, mail, fax, or hand delivery. The quicker the letter arrives, the greater the likelihood of creating a positive and lasting impression.
• You can email a thank you note and follow up with a more formal mailed version.
• If you interview with multiple individuals, make sure each thank you letter is unique. Employers are more than likely to compare notes.
• Keep letter short and to the point.
• Express enthusiasm for the position.
Remember, this holiday you could be one of the lucky who gives thanks for a new job!
Angie Maizlish, President of First Impressions, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP), provides targeted career search and job placement programs focused on resume development, job search strategies, LinkedIn profiles, networking, interviewing, salary negotiation skills and staffing. Since 1996, Angie has been helping professionals and companies improve their written and verbal communications methods. Working as a National Recruiter and Regional Sales Manager for an International Consulting Firm, gave her the opportunity to review thousands of resumes and interview, hire, mentor and train hundreds of employees. Since starting First Impressions in 2000, her work and expertise has been featured in "Barron's Guide to Designing the Perfect Resume" as well as several regional magazines on career topics and work/family issues. She is a frequent keynote speaker and workshop facilitator.
Comments