Writing a thank you note after your interview is an essential, a given, a ‘you probably wouldn’t get a job without one’ kind of thing.
Maximize Your Thank You Note
After you’ve sighed in relief and driven to back to your home in the Twin Cities, writing a thank you note is your next step. To go above and beyond, you need to say more than a simple thank you. You’ll want to capitalize on whatever happened in the interview—good or bad—to impress your interviewers and secure the job offer.
As you prepare to write your thank you note, recall the interview. Was there something you forgot to say? Did you establish good rapport with your interviewer? Did you misspeak, or fail to answer a question correctly? Did you learn something about the company that really makes you a good fit?
No matter what your experience in the interview—if it is one of the scenarios below, or something else—the most important thing is to respond to what happened in the interview, while thanking your interviewers for their time and consideration.
Say it. Don’t make excuses, but say something along the lines of, “I realize I did not mention ‘X’ during my interview and wanted to take this opportunity to…” Then be sure to restate a positive connection that happened during the interview, for example a question you answered well, or a reason you’re a good culture fit. Twin Cities
Personalize your thank you note. While every note should be personalized, it is especially important when you and your interviewer really connected. Comment on something over which you and your interviewer related so they don’t forget how well you hit it off. Be sure to emphasize your fit for the role and how your skills suit the job as well. Twin Cities
First, focus on the positive. Then clarify what you meant to say in that instance. You may want to introduce it as, “In further consideration of the question you asked me, I wanted to express…” That way, it doesn’t become something negative that you are ‘fixing’, but rather something about which you kept thinking, and have more to say. Twin Cities
Help your interviewer see it too. “When you explained ‘X’ to me today, it became clear to me that I would really be able to contribute and add to the team’s success.”
As a job seeker, a good thank you note will always work in your favor, especially if you use it strategically. This is your final chance to sell yourself to your employer. It can seal the deal, or get you back in the running as long as you take the opportunity to promote yourself for the job. You need to do what you can to set yourself apart. While a handwritten note can be nice, it should always be in addition to an email, as the email can be sent the same day as the interview. Things are moving quickly in IT hiring, so it is always important to follow up right away.
Remember, you know more about the job, the company, and your interviewers than you knew before you interviewed. Use that to your advantage when writing your thank you note. Twin Cities
My ESP recruiter was articulate, professional, balanced and discrete. He was sensitive to the human needs of relocation and candid about what to expect. Perfection! Rather than being treated like a commodity, ESP’s work with me was focused on the right fit for both the company and me. Fantastic experience!
Ann
Technical Project Manager
ESP is at the top of the recruiting industry, especially in customer service and relationship management.
Candidate
Data Governance Director, SullivanCotter
ESP was great to work with. My recruiter always answers and follows through on items I request or that are promised to me.
Thanh
Business Analyst
ESP understood the type of openings that I was looking for, which resulted in only putting quality leads in front of me.
Candidate
Sr. Business Analyst
ESP is head and shoulders above any competitors I’ve ever worked with, from small organizations to massive ones. If anyone were to ask me to recommend a firm to work with, I wouldn’t even think twice before recommending ESP.
Candidate
Endpoint Engineer Manager
My ESP recruiter helped me get my resume in order, which made a big impact on responses. He also was in contact with me throughout the search, which showed a great level of his commitment to his clients. I was completely satisfied. I appreciated the constant communication. I will definitely be handing his business cards out—I think that ESP is a great company with a great future as you continue to put clients first.”
Kevin
Software Engineer
My ESP recruiter did a great job looking for possible opportunities. He was quick to make sure I had everything in place as needed for each. The approach has an energy that instills confidence in your recruiter and ESP. My recruiter does a fantastic job making sure you are aware of opportunities, and you are not just another client on the books. It was evident ESP would do their best for me after meeting with him and comparing to other competitor recruiters. Thank you!
Stacey
Technical Project Manager
ESP has the ability to place people in the right fit for their skills. My recruiter is excellent. He is patient, persistent, and a great listener. ESP has a personal feel to it that I didn't find with all others.
Andrew
Programmer Analyst