If you think the follow up thank you is a quaint custom that's now obsolete, you're wrong.
Want to get the job offer? Follow up with a thank you letter.
In this age of ubiquitous shorthand text communications, the concept of composing a letter to the hiring manager after the interview may seem trite or passé.
Warning to serious job seekers: skip this step at your peril.
Candidates shoot themselves in the foot over and over again at this stage in the process. Two frequent errors: skipping the thank you entirely, or cranking out letters to which little thought is given.
Both mistakes have a common root: job seekers who don't understand the purpose of the thank you letter.
This is not simply a nicety (though there is something to be said about recognizing the hiring manager's consideration and the fact that she devoted time to talk with you). Here's the reason you follow an interview with a thank you: it's your final chance to close the deal. It's one last opportunity to recap why you're the best candidate for the job.
Take it seriously.
In addition, the thank you can serve other functions:
o It's an opportunity to refresh the hiring manager's memory. She may be interviewing quite a few people (remember, this might not be the only position she's trying to fill). Are you confident that you make an impression? Does she remember you distinctly? This letter is another chance for you to make your mark.
o You might have made a mistake during the course of the interview. This letter is your chance to rectify it. (Consider this true story: a woman stumbled during her interview but resurrected her candidacy based solely on the strength of her follow up. The letter was so compelling that she was invited back for further consideration; this time she made it through with flying colors.)
o There may have been a point about your unique selling proposition that you didn't feel you were able to make convincingly during the interview. The thank you is your chance to convey that thought.
o Perhaps a question was raised for which you didn't have a strong answer. The thank you is your opportunity to provide background or to substantiate comments you made during the conversation.
There are a host of issues to consider. For example: who gets a letter...what information should you include...how long should it be...what common mistakes do you need to be aware of so you can avoid them...what format should you use to send it?
For now, though, I'll leave you with this thought: the thank you is a key component of the search.
If you consider it an afterthought or a waste of time, you're rolling the dice. A hefty percentage of hiring officials will exclude you from consideration if you don't follow up with a thank you letter.
On the flip side, you can destroy your chances of landing a job if you send a poorly written letter.
Master the art writing a compelling letter; make the most of this final chance to seal the deal. You've come this far, don't sabotage your efforts at this late stage of the game.
Want to get the job offer? Follow up with a thank you letter.
In this age of ubiquitous shorthand text communications, the concept of composing a letter to the hiring manager after the interview may seem trite or passé.
Warning to serious job seekers: skip this step at your peril.
Candidates shoot themselves in the foot over and over again at this stage in the process. Two frequent errors: skipping the thank you entirely, or cranking out letters to which little thought is given.
Both mistakes have a common root: job seekers who don't understand the purpose of the thank you letter.
This is not simply a nicety (though there is something to be said about recognizing the hiring manager's consideration and the fact that she devoted time to talk with you). Here's the reason you follow an interview with a thank you: it's your final chance to close the deal. It's one last opportunity to recap why you're the best candidate for the job.
Take it seriously.
In addition, the thank you can serve other functions:
o It's an opportunity to refresh the hiring manager's memory. She may be interviewing quite a few people (remember, this might not be the only position she's trying to fill). Are you confident that you make an impression? Does she remember you distinctly? This letter is another chance for you to make your mark.
o You might have made a mistake during the course of the interview. This letter is your chance to rectify it. (Consider this true story: a woman stumbled during her interview but resurrected her candidacy based solely on the strength of her follow up. The letter was so compelling that she was invited back for further consideration; this time she made it through with flying colors.)
o There may have been a point about your unique selling proposition that you didn't feel you were able to make convincingly during the interview. The thank you is your chance to convey that thought.
o Perhaps a question was raised for which you didn't have a strong answer. The thank you is your opportunity to provide background or to substantiate comments you made during the conversation.
There are a host of issues to consider. For example: who gets a letter...what information should you include...how long should it be...what common mistakes do you need to be aware of so you can avoid them...what format should you use to send it?
For now, though, I'll leave you with this thought: the thank you is a key component of the search.
If you consider it an afterthought or a waste of time, you're rolling the dice. A hefty percentage of hiring officials will exclude you from consideration if you don't follow up with a thank you letter.
On the flip side, you can destroy your chances of landing a job if you send a poorly written letter.
Master the art writing a compelling letter; make the most of this final chance to seal the deal. You've come this far, don't sabotage your efforts at this late stage of the game.
Rebecca Metschke is the author of The Interview Edge, a comprehensive career guide for those who are serious about their careers. Gain a professional advantage using proven tips, tools and strategies that will help ensure you're as marketable as you can be. http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com
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Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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