Writing a thank you note after an employment interview is a must. In fact, some employers think less of those interviewees who fail to follow-up promptly. Plan to send out your thank you letters as soon as possible (preferably within twenty-four hours, no later than a week) after your interview.
Like any piece of writing, it is best to keep your audience in mind. Address their issues and concerns. In general, typed letters are recommended. Consider the "personality" of the organization and the rapport you felt during your interviews. If your interview was a fairly informal process and/or you achieved an immediate rapport with your interviewer, a handwritten note might be fine.
In addition to thanking the person you talked with, the thank you note reinforces the fact that you want the job. Note: Even if you do not want the job, write a thank you note respectfully withdrawing your application, because you never know what the future holds so why burn your bridges?
You may also view the thank you as a follow-up "sales" letter. In other words, you can restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant contributions, and so on. This letter is also the perfect opportunity to discuss anything of importance that your interviewer neglected to ask or that you neglected to answer as thoroughly, or as well, as you would have liked.
What if you spent an entire day being interviewed (and taken to lunch) with several people? Are individual notes appropriate or should you write a "group" letter? Choose your approach based on what you think will be most in keeping with the "personality" of the organization. Also, consider whether the interviews had very much in common with one another. If there was a great deal of similarity (i.e., shared concerns mutually voiced by your interviewers), perhaps a "group" letter will suffice. If so, address all the people on a master letter, have the letter reproduced on your own stationery and add a personal note to each.
What if you suffer from writer’s cramp? Time takes precedence - get a simple, appreciative note in the mail or send a thank you by email without delay; save your creative efforts for another time. If you're not sure what to write, review a .
Remember to proofread: check spelling, grammar, typos, etc. If in doubt about the correct names, spellings or titles of your interviewers, call the office or switchboard. Your efforts will be worth it!