You are job searching. You just finished interviewing for that dream job. Now what is next, should you just sit back and wait for the much-anticipated phone call from the hiring manager or the recruiter?
No, now it is time to send your thank you notes! Never underestimate the power of a well written and thoughtful thank you note. Plus it really can’t be easier today – you don’t even need to leave the house to send it. Email has become the widely accepted form of communication – it really can’t get much simpler.
Here is where you have the chance to stand out. Show them how you are the best person for the job. Or, this could also your opportunity to recover from any interviewing blunders you might have encountered. The key is to make is personal – hiring managers will barely read the standard form thank you notes that they know you are sending out to everyone. Try to make it personal – customize it to the particular job, company, or project. Highlight specific examples that will show you understand the job and why you are the best person for that job.
Did you walk out of the interview replaying an answer that you feel you didn’t go well? Well, now is your opportunity for damage control. I am sure everyone can relate to that feeling of kicking ourselves that we didn’t answer one question that well, and of course 5 minutes out the door you come up with the perfect answer! The thank you note provides you with another opportunity to address that question to show you really do have the experience and background they are looking for.
Keep these tips in mind:
1. Send the thank you ASAP
2. Personalize the letters (send each person that interviewed you their own personalized note. Do not send out one mass email to everyone that interviewed you)
3. Proofread
4. Keep it concise and on target
Now go get ’em!
