Cooperative Education Program Ten Tips for Winning Thank-You Letters

2. You should send the letter within 48 hours following the interview.

3. Always address a thank-you letter to a specific individual, not just the general title "Director of Personnel." Be sure name is spelled correctly.

4. Make sure your thank-you letter is business-like in appearance. It should be printed on the same paper stock as your resume. Always have someone proofread your letter before sending it.

5. Write each thank-you letter separately, even if you follow a similar form for each letter. The letter should highlight what was discussed in your interview and reiterate your qualifications and continuing interest.

6. Once you receive and accept a job offer, send your new employer a thank-you letter. This is an effective way to get a good start in forming a positive relationship with your new employer.

7. Thank-you letters in response to telephone conversations and informational interviews should be short. Restate the major points of the conversation and express your appreciation for assistance.

8. If you withdraw from consideration for a position or turn down an offer, send a polite and positive thank-you letter which leaves the door open for future consideration.

9. In response to a rejection, follow a similar format. Express your gratitude for being considered, as well as your continuing interest in working for the company.

10. If you terminate employment for any reason, send a thank-you letter to your former employer. Be positive--this letter can "clear the air," if necessary, and generate positive references.

Reference: High Impact Resumes and Letters by Ronald Krannich and William J. Banis.

SAMPLE THANK-YOU LETTER LAYOUT

                  Your Address
                  Date

(Use specific individual's name)
Employer's Address
Dear              :

FIRST PARAGRAPH.  Thank the interviewer for meeting with you.
Express your enthusiasm about gaining employment in the
organization. 

SECOND PARAGRAPH.  Reiterate your qualifications for and continuing
interest in the position.  Include any personal skills you forgot
to mention during your interview.  Emphasize a particular skill or
accomplishment that would make you an asset as an employee.

CLOSING PARAGRAPH(S).  Briefly thank the interviewer again for
consideration.  Express confidence in your ability to perform well
in the organization.  State that you look forward to hearing from
the interviewer and give a specific date if you plan to follow up
with a phone call.

                  Sincerely,

                  (Signature)

                  Your name(typed)

SAMPLE THANK-YOU LETTER

                                          4 Spartan St
                                       Lansing, MI  48825
                                       September 10, 1994

Adam Spartan
Coordinator
Appreciation Manifestation Company 
6 Collingwood Drive
East Lansing, MI  48824-1113

Dear Mr. Spartan:

I want to thank you for interviewing me yesterday for the 
position of thank-you letter writer.  I was very impressed
with the description you provided of your organization, and
I am very excited about the prospect of working for you.

My qualifications are well-matched with the position we
discussed, and I have a real interest in this area of work.
My experience specifically with thank-you letter writing and the
good interpersonal skills I possess are among my strongest attributes.
They would certainly enable me to make a valuable contribution to the
Appreciation Manifestation Company.

Again, thank you for the interview and your consideration.
I am eager to have an opportunity of working on your staff.  I
look forward to hearing from you.  Please feel free to call me at
000-000-0000 if you have any further questions.
                                           Sincerely
                  
                                         Thomas Perfect