Thank You Letter

As little children, we have always been taught to thank any kind gesture. As time passes, these values continue to be followed automatically. They are very largely implemented in the corporate field, where it is necessary to acknowledge people for sparing time, considering an offer or even appointing a new employee.

Thank you letters are sent out to employers as a gesture of acknowledging their consideration of an employee. According to a survey by the Emily Post Institute, 70% people believe that e-mailing thank-you notes is appropriate, especially to acknowledge a gesture or small gift.

In some situations, thank-you notes are expected and are mandatory. According to a survey in August 2005 by CareerBuilder.com:

• Almost 15% hiring managers turn down a job candidate who does not care to send a thank-you letter after the interview.
• 32% are of the view that they would still consider the thankless prospect, but would regard them very low.
• Almost 23% of managers prefer handwritten thank-you letters.
• 21% prefer typed hard copies.
• 19% want e-mailed thank-you letters, with a snail-mail letter in tow.

Professional Thank you letters

Writing thank you letters or emails after employment interviews are a must. In fact, some employers despise the interviewees who don’t follow up. It is essential to dispatch thank you letters promptly. If possible, do this within 24 hours of the interview.

Customizing the Thank You Letters

Keep in mind the target company or individual, before writing a letter. Address all issues and concerns. Typed or email letters are always preferred over hand written ones. Also take into consideration the rapport shared during the course of the interview. However, in the case of an informal interview, a handwritten note would suffice. In addition to thanking the interviewer, thank you letters also emphasize the fact that you are happy about securing the job.

Group Thank You Letters

Sometimes the interview process may require the candidate to be interviewed by many interviewers. In such a case, you could opt to write a group letter. Decide the approach of the letter, keeping in mind the image of the organization. Also, take into consideration whether the interviews had some similarities. If there are similarities, this is when you can opt for a group letter. However, a personal letter to each interviewer is always preferred.

When You're Not Sure What to Write

Time is always the first priority. You should send an appreciative, simple thank you note via mail or email. If you are not sure about what is to be written in the letter, refer to sample letters.
Tips for writing a Thank-You Letter:

• Be clear and concise in what you write. Avoid using flowery language.
• It is always advisable to be sincere in the content. 
• Focus strictly on the motive of the letter.
• Do not thank the employer before hand. It is termed as highly presumptuous and indicates that the person is not willing to write a follow up letter later.
• Irrespective of the fact that the letter could be handwritten or printed, use quality paper. Personal thank you letters should be customized, on a personal letterhead. Emailing is appropriate, if the interview was not very formal.
• Check grammar, typos and spelling. If you doubt the correct spellings of names or designations, call the office to confirm. Your efforts will pay well. Include details of the event and avoid sending generic letters.
• Address not just the organization or company, but also the person in question.
• Thank you letters reinstate the fact that you are happy about bagging the job.
• Take the opportunity to discuss matters that were overlooked in the interview.
• If the placement is the result of a job search, thank all the people who helped you in the process.
• Even if you do not want that job, do write a thank you note respectfully, withdrawing your job application.

Sample General Thank You Letter

Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email

Date

Name of company or interviewer
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear First Name, (or Mr./Ms. Last Name if you don't know them well)

Thank you for all the help you have extended to my job search. I particularly appreciate the advice and information that was provided and the contacts which were shared with me.

Your assistance has been priceless to me during this process.
Again, thank you so much. I appreciate your generosity.

Your Name