Thank you notes

When I receive a  thank you note, whether it is in the mail or electronic it truly one of my favorite things. Not so long ago almost anyone knew how to write a thank you note, so how did we lose this skill?  When I ask my kids about this they respond with ” well I said thank you, isn’t that enough?” Somewhere between rushing to sporting events, concerts and life in general,  I have failed them.  Admitting it is the first step right? My girls are applying for their first jobs this summer and I have created a guideline for them to follow for thank you notes after their interviews, it doesn’t matter if it is your first job at a fast food restaurant or if you are interviewing for a Vice President role the rules are the same.

Following an interview, promptly write the interviewer a letter expressing appreciation and thanks for the interview.  The purpose of this letter is to:

1. Show appreciation for their interest in you and thank them for taking the time to meet with you.
2. Let them know that you are interested in the position.
3. Remind the employer about your qualifications for the position. If you thought of something you forgot to mention in the interview, mention it in the thank-you note.
4. Show that you have good manners and are thoughtful.
5. Follow up with any information the employer may have asked you to provide after the interview.

Hand written or electronic?

1. Thank-you letters can be typed, handwritten or e-mailed.
2. A well crafted email is perfect for following up on a conversation. Be mindful to send different emails to anyone you send them to.
3. Handwritten are more personal, and would be appropriate for a hiring manager after you have been offered a position.
4. E-mail is appropriate, when that has been how you have had contact with the person you want to thank, or if you want to get it to them expeditiously.

You don’t have to write a novel, just three sentences,  a greeting, and a close, are all you need to get this job done. It will get you noticed and I’m sure they will appreciate you taking your time to thank them and if anything you have spread a little kindness into the world!