Thank You Notes

Thank you notes are very important in the job search process. They have the potential to catch an employer's attention if the hiring process has been narrowed to two or three candidates. Thank you notes are not optional, they are expected and reflect good manners and attention to detail. An e-mailed thank you note is not sufficient.

Thank you notes are written anytime someone wishes to thank someone else for something--a service, assistance, an extra special gesture, access, an interview, etc. When in doubt, always write a thank you note.

Thank you notes can be hand written or typed, whichever you are the most comfortable with. If your handwriting is not completely legible, then opt for typing the note.

The note should be typed on good quality paper in the preferred colors or written on professional looking note cards in white or cream(perhaps with your initials). Address it to the person beginning with either Mr./Ms.

The body of the note should include your thanks for the interview, restate your interest in the position and company and somehow remind the reader of who you are. The interviewer has probably interviewed many different people for the position and you want the employer to recall who you are and why he/she should hire you. So, your note should include something about the interview that will enable the employer to make the sought after connection.

Close the note by gently reminding the reader/employer of the next steps (be sure to get those during the interview process) and that you will look forward to hearing from him/her.

Please send any comments or questions to Career Services Center.