Why Write a Job Interview Follow Up Letter?

When you're looking for a job, especially when jobs are hard to find, you have to walk a fine line between appearing interested and appearing desperate.

Sending a job interview follow up letter is an appropriate, professional way to keep your application front and center in the mind of the interviewer.

Follow Up Letter VS. Thank You Letter

An interview follow up letter is not the same as an interview thank you letter.

You should send a thank you letter right after your job interview so your interviewer gets it in a day or two. If you don't hear from the employer within a reasonable time based on how long you were told it would take to reach a decision, it's time to send a follow-up letter.

Of course, you want your letter to arrive before the hiring decision is made.

Unlike your thank you letter, which goes to everyone on the interview team, your follow up letter should only go to the lead interviewer.

Basic Job Interview Follow Up Letter

A basic job interview follow up letter should include certain information:

• That you are still interested in the company/position. Show your enthusiasm for the job
• That you have assets that will benefit the company. Briefly state what you can contribute. Restate the qualifications that make you an excellent fit for the position
• If you left anything important out during the interview, or if you need to correct an impression you might have made, you can add that too
• That you look forward to hearing from them soon

Added Some Extra Value

Just by sending an interview follow up letter you are helping your application stand out above the crowd, because not everyone does it.

However, if you really want to make a good impression, take it a little further....

Think of the job interview follow up letter as part of marketing yourself - it's one more piece of strategic communication aimed at getting the interviewer to think you're the best for the job.

How can you do that?

Give the interviewer something of value, an informational gift, if you like. By paying close attention during your job interview, you may be able to come up with an article or a link or a piece of information that the interviewer would find interesting. This more personal approach gives you an edge over candidates who send impersonal follow-up letters.

Benefits of Sending a Job Interview Follow Up Letter

An interview follow up letter tells the employer that you are serious about the job and that the Company is not wasting its time by considering you for the position.

It also shows your ability to communicate professionally.

Most of all it keeps your application active and alive - on top of the pile, so to speak - so the interviewer will continue to consider your application, alongside other top candidates.

Do consider sending a job interview thank you letter and a follow-up letter. It may just tip the balance in your favor!

Getting The Answers YOU Need

Everything you need   All in one place	Affordable, individual   help and advice	Quick and easy "How To..." Guides