Amanda Clark — August 28, 2017 — August 28, 2017
As a jobseeker, it’s important for every piece of personal marketing collateral you send out to be error-free and professional.
This includes, obviously, your resume and cover letter. And, it includes the thank you note you send after your interview.
Believe it or not, the thank you note is more than just a formality. It could be the thing that seals the deal—or, the thing that breaks it.
No, really: It’s possible to email a post-interview thank you letter that’s so bad, you lose out on the position to another candidate.
Don’t believe us? Here are five ways in which your thank you letter can wreck your chances.
It’s full of mistakes.
“It was a pleasure to meat you today.” “I hope you choose to higher me.” Do you see the problem with these sentences? Hopefully you do, and hopefully you’ll proof your own thank you letter thoroughly enough to eliminate similar mistakes from your writing.
The bottom line is, there are probably multiple qualified candidates who interviewed for the position—and the hiring manager may very well make the final decision based on who didn’t send an email full of embarrassing typos.
It’s too casual.
Was the person who interviewed you super laid back, using a lot of casual slang and humor? That’s great! But it’s no reason to fill your thank you note with similar frivolities.
You don’t have the job yet. Just play it safe. Keep your email professional.
It’s too generic.
On the flipside, it’s very possible to send an email that’s reads like a form letter—and then, what’s the point?
Your thank you email should define you as a candidate. It should help differentiate you from other applicants. That’s why you need to get into some of the specifics of your experience, your interview, etc.
It’s too long.
Don’t come on too strong! If your email text wouldn’t fit onto a thank you card you bought at the store, then it’s too long.
It’s too late.
You should send your thank you email within 24 hours of the interview. If you’ve already waited a week, then just don’t bother sending it at all.
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