Leave A Lasting Impressing: The Thank-You Letter

Mass layoffs mean the market is saturated with talent looking for new opportunities, making it harder to stand out and, ultimately, secure a new position. Unfortunately, over the last few years, tech layoffs have become a common news headline.

Expert knowledge: Tech redundancies

If you’re unlucky enough to be hit by a redundancy, you’re likely hunting for your next opportunity, but how can you stand out?

You may come out of an interview thinking you've secured the role; however, what should you do after the interview to leave a stronger positive impression?

We advise always sending a thank you letter (or email). Why?

• Reinforces your interest in the role

A thank you letter shows you are interested in the role directly to the hiring manager. It also reflects your dedication to the hiring process and your likelihood of accepting the position if you were to be offered it. 

•  Leaves a positive impression

A well-written thank you letter leaves a positive impression on the hiring manager. It shows qualities and soft skills that hiring managers seek that can rarely be taught. 

•  Keeping you top of mind

A thank you letter can keep you at the forefront of a hiring manager's mind. 

Hiring managers are not only looking for experienced and skilled people but also for people who fit in with their culture and are courteous, integral and culturally suitable. According to one study by Accounttemps, 80% of HR managers found a thank-you letter helped them make a hiring decision, yet only 24% of applicants send them.

Considering sending a thank you letter? What should you include?

Thank them for their time

Hiring managers are busy. They're juggling their day-to-day responsibilities with recruitment and interviewing. Start by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position.

Thanking people for their time after an interview demonstrates courtesy, respect, and professionalism. It acknowledges the interviewer's effort and helps leave a positive impression, potentially differentiating you from other candidates. A thank-you note reinforces your interest in the role, provides an opportunity to reiterate your qualifications, and helps build a positive relationship that might benefit you in future opportunities. Additionally, it allows for reflection on the interview and the chance to clarify any points you may have missed, ultimately enhancing your overall interview experience.

Be personal

Having a thank you letter template that you send to everyone you interview with is not enough. Show that you've listened to them and taken information away with you. Mention something personal and meaningful and explain why you think the company is right for you.

Mention the opportunity

Mentioning the specific opportunity in a thank-you letter after an interview is important for several reasons. It shows genuine appreciation and personalizes your message, making it clear that the letter is not a generic form of thanks but tailored to the particular interview and role. This demonstrates your sincere interest and engagement with the opportunity discussed. It also helps to remind the interviewer of your conversation, reinforcing your enthusiasm and commitment to the position. By referencing specific aspects of the job or points from the interview, you can reiterate your qualifications and how they align with the role, further solidifying your candidacy. Overall, mentioning the specific opportunity makes your thank-you letter more meaningful and effective. Reiterate some relevant experience and qualifications to show you're a strong candidate. 

Follow up

Let the hiring manager know you look forward to hearing from them soon. If they mentioned a specific timeline for making a hiring decision, note that you're excited to hear back within that timeframe.

Proofread

Small grammar and spelling mistakes in your thank you letter can make you look clumsy. It ensures that your message is clear and free from errors, which reflects your attention to detail and professionalism. Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasing can detract from the positive impression you aim to make. Proofreading helps you catch these mistakes and present yourself as meticulous and competent. It also ensures that your message is coherent and effectively communicates your appreciation and continued interest in the role. In summary, proofreading enhances the quality and impact of your thank-you letter, contributing to a positive and polished impression on the interviewer. Take the time to proofread your letter or email a few times before sending it. Alternatively, ask someone else to read it or run it through Grammarly. 

Send your thank you letter/ email on the day of your interview.

The chances that the company you're interviewing with are meeting multiple people are high. If you want to make an impression with your letter, send it no later than the day after your interview. 

Thank you letters and emails leave a strong impression, but you don't have to spend hours curating them. So keep it short and snappy.