You never get a second chance to make a first impression! This is especially true when interviewing. But the good news is you CAN build upon your initial impact by investing your time in a well-written thank you letter.

Writing one can reinforce the benefits of hiring you and increase your chance of a second interview by 20% or more! It is interesting to note that even in a challenging job market a significant number of candidates never follow up an interview with a thank you letter. If you take the time to write a thank letter, particularly a well thought out one that demonstrates how your expertise will solve the hiring manager challenges, you will distance yourself from the other candidates.

Several years ago when I was working in a career center I followed up with a candidate who had recently interviewed for a position in which he was very interested. I asked him how the interview had gone and he responded that it had gone so well that the hiring manager mentioned that he was the most qualified candidate he had interviewed. When I inquired if he had sent the hiring manager a thank you letter, he said, “No, I’ll do that after the second interview.” He never got that second interview. He missed his second selling opportunity and someone else closed the deal!

What you do after the interview is as important as what you do during it. To make the most of your interview set aside some quiet time after the interview to review the essential elements of the job as described by the hiring manager. Consider what you did well to demonstrate your expertise in each of these areas, as well as, where you may have missed the mark. Next craft a letter that clearly expresses the following points:

• Appreciation for the time and information the interviewer(s) shared with you
  
• Your strong interest in the position
  
• Your qualifications as they relate to the essential elements of the position
  
• Relevant accomplishments
  
• Any qualifications not previously discussed, and
  
• Other helpful information, for example an article of interest, example of your work, or ideas you could contribute.

This is your chance to remind the employer of what you bring to the table, clarify any misconceptions, and add information that you forgot to mention during the interview. Your letter should be a strong bid for the job and make it clear that you have an important contribution to make to their organization.

A thank you letter is more than simply a social nicety, used effectively it is a well-honed sales tool that takes your candidacy to the next level. Use it to gain the edge with your competitors. You’ll be glad did!

Copywrite. Mary Jeanne Vincent