Step 7:  Follow Up Promptly After Every Interview

A recent survey revealed that less than 20% of job applicants follow up an interview with a "thank you" note. Of the recruiters surveyed, 94% said that a thank you letter would increase an applicant's chances of getting the job. 

Believe it or not, a simple thank you note possesses considerable power, and sending one will reflect very favorably upon your candidacy for any position for which you apply.  

Here are a few reasons why recruiters and hiring managers have a tendency to give greater consideration to candidates who complete this task:

1. Your letter shows your interviewer common courtesy and respect for their time.

2. An effective thank you letter gives you an opportunity to make a stronger case for why your skills and abilities would be an asset to them.  

3. You can take the opportunity to make points you forgot to make in your interview.

4. Your thank you letter provides another opportunity (in addition to your resume and cover letter) for you to demonstrate your written communications skills. 

5. Since so few people send a thank you letter after their interview, you'll set yourself apart from other job candidates.

A thank you letter need not be long and drawn out.  In fact, it's best if its concise and to-the-point, but at the same time, warm and cordial.

Use the first paragraph to thank your interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.  You can use the second paragraph to touch again upon the key points you made in your interview, and briefly add any details you left out. You also can add a sentence or two to clean up any rough spots you may have had during the interview (i.e., to expand upon or clarify responses you felt were weak or shaky).

Click the link below to view a sample thank you letter you can use to help you write your own.

Sample "Thank You" Letter 

You should send your thank you note on the same day as your interview.  Believe me, sending a thank you letter can make a much bigger difference than you might think.