How to Write a Thank You Letter

Sending a thank you letter after an interview reminds the employer of your qualifications and
interest in the position and the company. It also shows, in a professional manner, that you are thorough,
respectful and courteous. A thank you letter can accomplish three things:
1.) !press your appreciation for the opportunity.
".) #einforce your interest in the $o%.
&.) #estate how your talents and skills can %enefit the company.
After the Interview
After the interview, while it is still fresh in your mind, take notes a%out what was
discussed. Include any key points, good or %ad. 'hese notes will %e helpful when you sit
down to write a thank you letter. (ou should send your thank you letter to the employer
within ")*hours of your interview. 'his shows how important the position is to you and
that you are prompt and courteous.
What to Include
'he letter should %e %rief and only have a few paragraphs. It only needs to
e!press your thanks and interest and remind the employer why you are right for the $o%.
+ake the letter specific %y including information from your notes, %ring up something
specific from the conversation. 'his gives your letter a personal touch. If more than one
person was present at the interview %e sure to send a separate thank you letter to each.
#emem%er to vary the content of each letter, at least slightly, %ecause it is very possi%le
they will share the letters with each other. Send a thank you letter even if you think the
interview did not go well. It is courteous and it displays professionalism, which is
helpful if you ever cross paths again or wish to apply to the same company at a later date.
Opening Paragraph
-se the opening paragraph to remind the employer of the day of
your interview. 'hen, thank the employer for their time and for allowing
you to learn a%out the position and the company.
Body
In the %ody of the letter write a%out the key events from the
interview .anything you wrote down in your notes). (ou can convey
your general impressions of the company or mention something new you
learned. 'his is also where you can restate how your skills and talents
are right for this $o% or %eneficial to the company.
Cloing
In the closing say you look forward to hearing from them and
again thank them for their time and consideration. /e sure to %e positive
and polite.
#eferences
0A Simple 1'hank (ou1 2etter 3an 2and the 4o%.0 #o%ert 5alf International, +S6 3areers,
"778. Availa%le online http:99msn.career%uilder.com, Internet.
0:reparing for the 4o% Search, a guide to resumes, cover letters and interviewing.0 3areer
Services, -niversity of 6e%raska*2incoln. Availa%le online http:99www.unl.edu9careers9
$o%search9$o%searchguide.pdf, Internet.
'rawick, 2indsay. 0;ollow*up to an Interview.0 Purdue Online Writing Lab. :urdue -niversity,
"77<. Availa%le online http:99owl.english.purdue.edu9owl9resource9=&)97&9, Internet.
>ear 'homas 3ase,
It was very en$oya%le to speak with you on +arch 1, "77< a%out the architectural intern position at 3ase
Architecture. 'he $o%, as you presented it, seems to %e a very good match for my skills and interests.
(our use of #evit for almost every pro$ect is a challenging, yet e!citing aspect of your firm.
In addition to my enthusiasm, I will %ring to the position strong computer skills, writing skills, and the
a%ility to work with a team. +y education has helped prepare me to listen and help clients through their
%uilding process. Also, I recently learned that in our ne!t class pro$ect we will %e working closely with a
local client to help them with their new headquarter %uilding.
I appreciate the time you took to interview me. I am very interested in working for you and look forward
to hearing from you a%out this position.
Sincerely,
?ayla Sample
Mentions date of
interview, the
position and the
firm
The use of Revit was
discussed during the
interview
Reminds the
reader of their
skills
Thanks the
employer for their
time