Thank You Letters

Always write a thank you note after an interview, even if you do not plan to pursue work with them. Not only is the thank you letter the courteous thing to do, it is one more way to be professionally remembered. Either a short (one paragraph) handwritten note on conservative plain paper, or a typed letter using a business-letter format, is correct.

Write to everyone who talked to you on or off campus; the notes can say the same thing to each person. If you are invited to the office for a call back, also include a note to the recruiting coordinator (if the organization has one), thanking her/him for setting up the office visit. These individuals are always included in the hiring decision process.

The letter should be simple and short and should include:

• Thank them for coming on campus (or for having you to their office) to interview
• That you enjoyed the interview
• Any special points you learned which will make a difference
• Anything that you left out in the interview that is important

On call backs, also add:

• Thank them for arranging the meeting, lunch, dinner, etc.
• For making travel arrangements, showing you the city, etc.
• Ask them to express your appreciation to all who took the time to meet with you