Thank You Letters
Interviewing Skills | Office of Career Services

Thank you letters are NOT optional. You should send a thank-you letter to everyone with whom you had the opportunity to interview with. If you interviewed with more than one person, each should receive a unique thank you letter. Be sure to get the employer’s business card prior to leaving the interview so that you have the spelling of his/her name and correct title. A thank you letter is a business letter and should be typed, printed on quality paper and mailed within 24 hours of the interview. Thank you letters not only demonstrate good follow-through skills but can also help an employer to decide between two candidates who are equal in qualifications.

The thank you letter will enable you to:

• State your appreciation for the interview.
• Reiterate your interest in the position and organization, and ways in which your skills and experience relate to the job requirements.
• Summarize your qualifications for the position.
• Demonstrate your professionalism regardless of whether or not you want the job.
• Indicate your willingness to provide additional information.

A sample of a typical thank you letter is on the following page. The content of the thank you letter is as follows:

• First Paragraph - Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to interview. State the position for which you interviewed, the date, and location of the interview (if appropriate).
• Second Paragraph - Reaffirm your interest in the employer and the position, mentioning something that is particularly appealing, and reiterate how your skills and abilities match the position’s requirements. State your willingness to provide additional information.
• Third Paragraph - Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration.

E-mailing thank you letters is not recommended. However, if for some reason you feel it is absolutely necessary, always follow with a hard copy on quality paper via the mail.