Is Writing a Thank You Letter Necessary After Interview?

After your job interview, what do you think should be the next thing to do? 

Are you just going to wait for the call? Or would you rather do something that could make you stand out even more? 

Of course, we recommend that you choose the latter. You see, a lot of job applicants would just wait for the hiring managers to call them up for the next step. But in reality, you can be more pro-active and increase the likelihood of getting accepted. What you need is to send a Thank You note. 

This is basically a short email or handwritten note that you send after your interview. Let’s share with you the benefits of writing one. 

Sign of Respect 

When you send out a Thank You note to your interviewer, it shows that you acknowledge their effort and time. It’s a sign of respect, and anyone would appreciate it. 

This does not have to be long. In fact, a brief letter should do you good. Just make it substantial and straight to the point. As a rule of thumb, send it within 24 hours after your interview. 

You Stand Out 

As we’ve said, only a few applicants will take the time to write a note after an interview. For most people, this is just a waste of time. However, the way hiring managers or employers see it is that you are putting more value to yourself and that alone helps you stick out from the pool of aspiring job hunters. 

Reiterate Your Strengths

You can also take this opportunity to highlight your strengths and how you can be an asset to the company. When you are doing this, make sure that your letter is company-centric. Meaning, you aim to help the business using your skills. If it is all about your achievements, your letter might sound egotistical.  

Clarify Your Points

Another reason why you need to write a post-interview letter is to clarify anything that you may have misexplained earlier. This is the perfect avenue to refine your points and to reclaim yourself somehow. Or, if you have forgotten a few things during your interview, you can add those as well. 

Shows Your Excellent Written Communication Skills 

Many employers are impressed when an applicant has great written communication skills. This gives them an idea that you can work on emails, social media captions, or even other marketing collaterals that your company would soon devise. 

Having said that, it is a must that you proofread your letter before sending it. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. You can also ask your friends or mentor about their thoughts. Use Grammarly to screen everything and to make sure you didn’t miss any error. 

Others are asking if using a more casual tone is accepted. In some industries that could work. But you have to use your judgment if the company’s environment will allow you to do that. To be safe, always use a professional tone. 

Expresses the Strong Intent to Work 

How bad do you want to get that job? 

If you write a compelling Thank You note, you are leaving the impression that you seriously want that job. Of course, you can always follow up through phone calls. However, a lot of employers and hiring managers would rather have it in an email. For them, this creates more impact. 

Take note though to avoid general notes. Instead, personalize it. Include the name of your interviewer and provide actual highlights from your conversation. Sending a template is not a good thing and shows that you treat the company like any other.   

But what if you don’t like the job after all the conversation? Should you just drop everything and go to the next interview? The answer is NO. 

As always, and to show courtesy, you should always send a thank-you note appreciating the time. You’d never know if one day you will need to work with them. The corporate world is smaller than you think. 

Handwritten vs. Email 

Perhaps you think handwritten letters are better than email and are more personalized. Well, a part of that is true. If you have amazing handwriting or you are practicing your calligraphy skills, then go ahead and showcase it. However, we recommend email because it sends instantly. Others are sending both, and that’s fine too. If your time permits and you are confident with your skills, then go ahead and send an actual and a virtual note.