Thank You Guide

Always send a thank-you after you meet with an employer, graduate school representative, or anyone serving as a resource for career-related advice.

Sending a thank-you note will demonstrate your maturity and appreciation for the time spent.

1. Keep it professional. It is now acceptable to send either a letter through regular post or via email. If you are sending a letter via post, you can either write it by hand or type it. For handwritten notes, choose basic stationery in cream or write or a plain notecard. For typed letters, follow the basic guidelines for business letters. For email messages, be sure to avoid emoticons (such as smiley faces), excessive exclamation points, or language that is too casual.

2. Respond Quickly. Typically thank-you notes are sent within 24-48 hours of the interview. If you know that a decision will be made quickly- it is ok to send a shortened version via email within a couple hours of your interview. Do not, however, send something from your phone the minute you leave the interview, as this conveys a lack of thoughtfulness in writing the note.

3. Provide hints of your conversation. Mention the position for which you were interviewed, including the date and location of the interview. Also highlight a particular aspect of the conversation that piqued your interest or a topic that the two of you shared in common. This will help to further rapport and may help the contact to remember you if an opportunity arises.

4. Reaffirm your interest. State your interest in the position with enthusiasm. Remind the reader of how your strengths and experiences make you the right person for the job.

5. Offer more info. Express your willingness to provide additional information if necessary, such as the names of references. If anything was requested of you during the interview, include that information