Imagine for a minute that you just had a fantastic interview and everything is falling into place. You assume the job is in the bag.
But, because you’re so confident, you forget to send a handwritten thank you note. Soon after, you find out that someone else got the job.
This is a disappointing situation. But unfortunately, you forgot an essential step in the interview process.
A thank you note seems like something trivial, but it’s actually crucial. In all honesty, forgetting to write one could have cost you the job.
The good news is you have a chance to start fresh during your next job interview. Below, you’ll learn why a thank you note is so important.
We’ll also discuss why a handwritten thank you note, in particular, can help you stand out from the other applicants.
Next time, you’ll have a much better shot at landing the job!
Table of Contents
1. You’ll Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired
Potential employees have a better chance of getting hired when they send a thank you note.
In 2011, CareerBuilder surveyed hiring managers. Their objective was to find out if managers would hire someone without getting a post-interview thank you.
It turns out that one-third of hiring managers would not hire someone if they didn’t get one! That’s a lot of candidates who missed out on potential opportunities!
What that tells us is that writing a thank you is a must. Not only is it polite, but it is critical to the job application process.
So, make it a priority to send a letter to your potential employers after the interview. If you don’t, the company may not consider you for the job at all.
2. It Shows Professionalism and Grace
It’s hard to look like a professional if you don’t take the time to send a thoughtful post-interview letter.
In your note, thank your interviewer for their time. Let them know that you’d love to be a part of their team. Showing the hiring manager that you’re invested in their company can go far.
Plus, showing gratitude also highlights your interpersonal skills. Be a professional, and you’ll be one step closer to securing the role.
3. A Handwritten Thank You is More Personalized
A handwritten thank you may seem old-fashioned, but it can make a big impact. The fact that you’re taking the time to sit down and write a note says a lot.
Most people don’t take the time to write a letter by hand. If you do, it’ll show your hiring manager that you care enough to put extra effort into your letter. It’s in your best interest to go the extra mile and make an impression.
In the grand scheme of things, writing a thank you doesn’t take a lot of time. If it’ll help you get the job, it’s time well spent!
Here’s an extra tip:
If you’re mailing the letter and concerned about how long it’ll take to get to your recipient, consider emailing them too.
Even though a handwritten note is more personalized, there is a chance it may get lost or delayed in the mail.
If either scenario were to happen, that could cost you the job. So, cover your bases and send an email before your written note.
4. You’ll Remind Them Why You’re Perfect for the Job
In your thank you letter, remind your interviewer why you’re a good fit for the job.
Highlight your experience and mention what makes you stand out from other applicants. Your goal should be to dazzle them!
For example, let’s imagine you’re applying for a graphic design job but have animation experience too. Use your animation experience as a selling point.
During the interview, you likely connected over a specific aspect of the job. If the hiring manager was impressed by your communication skills, bring that up again.
Mention how your experience can enhance the business. Covering areas that you felt were most important to them can aid you as you focus on making a good impression.
5. You Can Highlight Your Skills
Writing a thank you note gives you the chance to highlight a particular skill.
During the interview, they may have mentioned that team-building skills are crucial to the job.
If so, be sure to bring that up in the letter. Jog the interviewer’s memory on why this and other skills make you stand out in the sea of applicants.
And reiterate how you plan to use these skills to improve the company.
To write an impressive thank you letter, you must relate your skills to the job as best you can.
6. It’s Short and to the Point
A thank you note, whether it’s handwritten or not, shouldn’t be a novel.
But, one of the benefits of sending a handwritten note is that you’re limited by the size of the card. Depending on the card, you may only have enough space for a few sentences.
If it’s an email, on the other hand, you might be tempted to go long. If it’s too long, the hiring manager probably won’t read it.
Keeping it short and sweet is best!
Connect with the reader while including what makes you the best person for the job. No need to go longer than that.
7. It Shows Your Attention to Detail
As we briefly covered, most companies don’t receive handwritten thank you letters. Sit down and handwrite a note. You’ll undoubtedly distinguish yourself from other applicants.
This is also your opportunity to show your attention to detail. If your letter is concise and visually appealing, it will grab their attention.
Make sure your handwriting is legible. Check for grammatical errors before you send it off, too.
Your note will demonstrate that details are important to you. That will put you in a good position, as an eye for detail is a soft skill that many employers look for.
In Conclusion
After your next interview, set aside some time to write a thank you letter. Even if the meeting didn’t go as well as you had hoped, still send one.
You never know: Your interview could have gone better than the others!
Writing a thank you letter not only shows your professionalism, but it demonstrates that you are willing to go the extra mile.
Your note will show hiring managers that you have an eye for detail. If you make an effort now, the manager will be confident that you’ll work hard when you’re hired, too.
So, compose a well-crafted and handwritten thank you. You’ll get brownie points, and this small act could win you your dream job!
Author Bio:
Working with Bria, Dominique Daniels has more than five years of experience in the multifamily housing industry. In her free time, you will find her enjoying life on the Lake and spending time with friends.
