Why a thank you note is important after job interview

Kenya: Many job-seekers hardly remember to send a thank you note or email after attending an interview. This is not only considered an important way of being courteous, but in today’s competitive job market, it is one way of making one stand out from the other candidates competing for a jobs.

Sending a thank you letter after an interview gives you a chance to clarify any misunderstandings that may have occurred during the interview. It gives you an opportunity to give further information.

For example, you may give emphasis your strengths and achievements. It is normal not to get a chance to do so during an interview or you may forget to highlight your accomplishments.

The thank you note after the interview is important as it is a way of maintaining interaction with the interviewer, even after the interview is over. Remember that any piece of communication is a good way of increasing chances that the interviewer will remember you.

To many potential employers, a thank you letter shows much about your professional attitude. In situations where there is a cut-throat competition in the hiring process, it can be used as the deciding tool on who is to be hired or not.

Appropriate time

When should you write a thank you note? The best time to write is immediately after an interview. If you delay, the interviewer may find it difficult to remember you or the kind of discussion you had during the interview.

When writing a successful thank you letter, first, remember that it should be sent before the hiring decision has been made. Then ensure that the letter is brief and straightforward.

Mention something that can remind the interviewer about you. You may cite a specific point that was discussed in your interview. This will help to refresh the interviewer’s memory of you.

Just like any other business letter, it must be professional and free from typos and offensive language. Use the appropriate tone. As you write the letter, start by thanking the interviewer who had given you an opportunity to attend the interview.

Re-emphasise your interest in the position and the company. Probably, comment on something you learned from the interview or something important that you discussed.

Conclude by saying how you will make a follow up. After you draft your letter, ensure that it is sent to the right person or people whom you met during the interview. It is preferable it reaches them within a day or two after the interview for it to be effective.

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