Seeking Employment?
Send a Thank You Note That Seals the Deal!
11 TIPS FOR WRITING THANK YOU NOTES
by Barbara Patinkin

Thanking people is very important! Everyone likes to be thanked. Always, send thank you notes or letters within 24 hours after an interview.

Your thoughtfulness will be remembered now and in the future, and maybe the final thing that allows an employer to decide on you instead of another candidate.

When you complete the interview, thank the interviewer for giving you the:

* Time of the interviewer
* Information you received in the   interview
* Hospitality of the receptionist, interviewer, and others
* Consideration of the organization to be hired as an employee
* Opportunity to advance in your career

Also, send thank you notes to those who have given you leads or have helped you in any way with your job search.

Choose a conservative note card design. Not loud, wild, or unusual. Stay away from patterns, drawings, and clever decorations.

The notes should be on fine quality paper - white, off-white,  ivory,  very light gray or blue. Avoid dark or pastel colors since they are not considered businesslike. You may also type a thank you note on quality 8 1/2 x 11” stationery if your handwriting is  poor or if you believe the employer would be more receptive.

However, hand-written notes are more personal and show a little extra effort.

1. Address the note/letter to Dear Mr. or Ms. rather than using his or her first name, even if the interviewer is a personal friend.

2. Keep your note short. Write about something specific that was discussed in the interview which makes you unique and qualified for the position.

3. Spell everything correctly. One incorrect spelling can ruin your chances. Have a family member or a friend proofread your thank you before you mail it.

4. Put your return address on the envelope. On a small envelope the return address should be on the back. On a business envelope it should be in the upper left corner.

5. Put adequate postage on the envelope.

6. Use an attractive commemorative postage stamp. Studies indicate that eye-catching stamps result in greater sales in direct mail advertising.

Do not use a postage meter for personal correspondence. Do not use politically controversial or religious stamps.

7. Use a good quality pen with dark blue or black ink.

8. Do not oversell yourself by using clichés like . . . "I am best person to do this job."

9. Sign the name you were called at the interview when writing a note by hand.

10. If you are typing a letter,  type your formal name, then sign your conversational name,

11. Mail the thank you note within 24 hours after your interview, being given a  lead, or assistance of any kind.

After you start your new job, you may discover that your thank you note significantly contributed to your selection by your employer!

All the best...and...stay in touch!