Leave A Lasting Impressing: The Thank-You Letter

Tech layoffs were big news in Q4 of 2022, and the layoffs are continuing this year with major companies such as Amazon and Salesforce cutting back.

Expert knowledge: Tech redundancies

Mass layoffs mean the market is saturated with talent looking for new opportunities, making it harder to stand out and, ultimately, secure a new position.

You may come out of an interview thinking you've secured the role; however, what should you do after the interview to leave a stronger positive impression?

We advise always sending a thank you letter (or email). Why?

• Reinforces your interest in the role

A thank you letter shows you are interested in the role directly to the hiring manager. It also reflects your dedication to the hiring process and your likelihood of accepting the position if you were to be offered it. 

•  Leaves a positive impression

A well-written thank you letter leaves a positive impression on the hiring manager. It shows qualities and soft skills that hiring managers seek that can rarely be taught. 

•  Keeping you top of mind

A thank you letter can keep you at the forefront of a hiring manager's mind. 

Hiring managers are not only looking for experienced and skilled people but also for people who fit in with their culture and are courteous, integral and culturally suitable. According to one study by Accounttemps, 80% of HR managers found a thank-you letter helped them make a hiring decision, yet only 24% of applicants send them.

Considering sending a thank you letter? What should you include?

Thank them for their time

Hiring managers are busy. They're juggling their day-to-day responsibilities with recruitment and interviewing. Start by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position.

Be personal

Having a thank you letter template that you send to everyone you interview with is not enough. Show that you've listened to them and taken information away with you. Mention something personal and meaningful and explain why you think the company is right for you.

Mention the opportunity

Presuming you asked questions about the position in your interview, you now have more insight into what the position involves. Mention what you have found out and why you think you're a good fit. Show that you've listened to the hiring manager and you match their requirements. Reiterate some relevant experience and qualifications to show you're a strong candidate. 

Follow up

Let the hiring manager know you look forward to hearing from them soon. If they mentioned a specific timeline for making a hiring decision, note that you're excited to hear back within that timeframe.

Proofread

Small grammar and spelling mistakes in your thank you letter can make you look clumsy. Take the time to proofread your letter or email a few times before sending it. Alternatively, ask someone else to read it or run it through Grammarly. 

Send your thank you letter/ email on the day of your interview.

The chances that the company you're interviewing with are meeting multiple people are high. If you want to make an impression with your letter, send it no later than the day after your interview. 

Thank you letters and emails leave a strong impression, but you don't have to spend hours curating them. So keep it short and snappy.