It’s always important to send out a thank-you email immediately after you interview. However, you can also use the sometimes neglected art of handwritten letters to impress potential employers.
A few minutes and a stamp can help you stand out from the rest of the candidates applying for a position. Use these five tips for writing a thank-you note to make an old-fashioned impact on your next interviewer:
1. Select an interesting or tasteful card.
When sending thank-you notes to a company, consider things like the quality of paper or the card’s design. You want to make sure to make the right impression to your interviewer. Select something simple, clean and professional. Creative and colorful designs work well for personal thank-yous, but you’ll want to remain professional for this one.
2. Choose your words carefully.
Thank-you notes are meant to convey an expression of gratitude to the recipient, so focus on exactly what you’re thanking them for. If you’re writing a thank you message to a recruiter or interviewer, thank them for their time and for reviewing your résumé. You can also let them know that you look forward to seeing them again in the future.
3. Send it in a timely fashion.
The sooner you can send your thank-you note, the better. Try to send your note within two business days of your interview. This way, your act of kindness is more likely to be on the recruiter’s desk before he or she makes the final hiring decision. Your thank-you note might just be what pushes your application above all the rest!
4. Don’t go over the top.
You might be tempted to throw in a little gift, like flowers or sweets to the person you’re thanking, but industry experts recommend against it. A simple note thanking them for their time is sufficient. Anything beyond that might look like you’re trying to buy your way into the job, or overstepping the professional line between interview and interviewee.
Sending thank you notes is a thoughtful gesture that will make you a more distinctive candidate. Using these tips, start making thank-you notes a regular part of your interview routine, along with the standard thank-you email!