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Interview Follow-Up

Your job interview is not finished when you leave the interview.

You have one more opportunity to make an impression. This is when you follow up with a thank-you letter, note, or e-mail. It should be personalized for each interview and include these main ideas:

  • State your appreciation.
  • Express your interest in employment.
  • Summarize your qualifications.
  • Provide any important information that you might not have covered in the interview.
  • Add a final "thank you."
  • State your plan to follow up as previously agreed.

Writing Tips

  • Always address the letter to a specific person (instead of "Accounting Manager" for example).

  • If you were interviewed by more than one person, either send a separate letter or note to each person or send a single letter to a key person for distribution. When sending more than one letter, tailor the message to each recipient.

  • Send the letter or note as soon after the contact as possible, preferably the same day.

  • You could send the thank-you note as an e-mail message, if the interviewer uses e-mail regularly. Otherwise, send either a printed letter or a hand-written note by mail. Make sure that your handwriting is clear and legible.

  • Even if you were turned down for the job, use the thank-you letter to express your appreciation for being considered and your interest in future opportunities.

Other Follow-Up Actions

If you said you would provide additional information, make sure that you do. Note on your calendar when you said you would contact this employer again to learn of their hiring decision. Don't forget to make that contact.

Thank-You Letter Examples

Thank-You Letter Example #1

September 20, 2011

Ms. Business
Human Resource Manager
ABC Company
111 Employment Way
Anytown, MN 55555

To Ms. Business:

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the secretarial position this morning. Our conversation gave me a better understanding of ABC Company and the requirements of the job. The additional information from Max and Kathryn was helpful in gaining a better perspective of the position.

My strong office and interpersonal skills will definitely make a contribution to your company. I am proficient in all of the computer software packages that you use and possess the customer service experience that you want. I enjoyed meeting the office staff and touring the facility. This is clearly a quality organization with an emphasis on efficiency and a dedication to teamwork. I would consider it a privilege to join your team and look forward to hearing from you.

Again, thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Amy Applicant
2233 First Street
Anytown, MN 55555
(555)555-5555

Thank-You Letter Example #2

February 1, 2011

Dear Ms. Smith,

Thank you for taking the time to discuss the accounting position with me. It was a pleasure meeting you and Mr. Jones.

Lund's Industries sounds like the perfect place for me to use my skills, especially since you use the WXY system, the same system I have been supporting the past three years. My proven track record and accomplishments with cost-effective systems can be an asset to your company.

Again, thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you and to the possibility of joining your staff.

Sincerely,
Amy Applicant

Thank-You Letter Example #3

February 29, 2011

Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for interviewing with me for the Accountant position today. I appreciate the information that you shared with me and enjoyed meeting Ms. Smith from the Accounting Department.

My interest in working for Lund Industries is stronger than ever, and based on your description of the position, I know I can do a good job for you.

I will contact you by Tuesday of next week to learn of your decision. Again thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Amy Applicant

Source: Creative Job Search, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.