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[ Layout and positioning for Thank You Letter Tips ]
Thank You Letter Tips

You should send the letter within 48 hours following the interview. Try to time it so that it arrives before the hiring decision will be made. It will serve as a reminder to the interviewer concerning your appropriateness for the position, so feel free to mention any topics discussed during the interview.

If the job contact was made through the Internet or e-mail, send an e-mail thank-you note immediately after the interview, then mail a second letter by post times to arrive the week before the hiring decision will be made.

Always address a thank-you letter to a specific individual, not just the general title "Director of Personnel." Be sure name is spelled correctly.

Make sure your thank-you letter is business-like in appearance. It should be printed on the same paper stock as your resume. Always have someone proofread your letter before sending it.

Write each thank-you letter separately, even if you follow a similar form for each letter. The letter should highlight what was discussed in your interview and reiterate your qualifications and continuing interest

Once you receive and accept a job offer, send your new employer a thank-you letter. This is an effective way to get a good start in forming a positive relationship with your new employer.

Thank-you letters in response to telephone conversations and informational interviews should be short. Restate the major points of the conversation and express your appreciation for assistance.

If you withdraw from consideration for a position or turn down an offer, send a polite and positive thank-you letter which leaves the door open for future consideration.

In response to a rejection, follow a similar format. Express your gratitude for being considered, as well as your continuing interest in working for the company.

If you terminate employment for any reason, send a thank-you letter to your former employer. Be positive--this letter can "clear the air," if necessary, and generate positive references.

	Click here for an example of a thank you letter.

Thank You Letter Layout Style

	Attention Line

When a letter is addressed to a company, an attention line is used to route the letter to a particular person. The attention line indicates that the letter concerns company business and that the writer prefers that the letter be handled by the individual named in the attention line. The attention line is typed at the left margin as the second item in the inside address. The word attention should not be abbreviated.

	Example:

	Anytown Labs Attention: Jane Doe 138 Main Street Anytown, KY 40000

	Body of Letter

The body of the letter carries the message to the reader. The body is single-spaced, with double spacing between paragraphs. An effort should be made to have at least two paragraphs in a letter. Avoid having paragraphs that are too long or too short.

	First paragraph should:

	Thank the interviewer for meeting with you.
	Express your enthusiasm about gaining employment in the organization.

	Second paragraph should:

	Reiterate your qualifications for and continuing interest in this position.
	Include any personal skills you forgot to mention during your interview.
	Emphasize a particular skill or accomplishment that would make you an asset as an employee.

	Closing paragraph(s) should:

	Briefly thank the interviewer again for consideration.
	Express confidence in your ability to perform well in the organization.
	State that you look forward to hearing from the interviewer and give a specific date if you plan to follow up with a phone call.

	Complimentary Close

	Only the first letter of the first word is capitalized.

	Example:

	Sincerely,
	Very truly yours,
	Sincerely yours,
	Cordially,

	Signature Lines

	The signature lines refer to the line naming the letter originator (writer).

	Example:

	Jane L. Doe

	Jane L. Doe

	Example:

	Very truly yours,

	Jane L. Doe

	Jane L. Doe