How Long Should an Interview Thank You Letter Be?

Once you’ve completed your resume and cover letter, you’re done putting pen to paper, right? Actually, if you’ve had an interview, then you have another document to write: the post-interview thank you letter.

You might be thinking it’s unnecessary. After all, in today’s day and age of texts and Tweets, who’s actually going to read it? The answer is: plenty of hiring managers. In fact, in a recent CareerBuilder study, 86% of hiring managers said NOT sending a thank you note demonstrated a lack of follow-through. That’s why it’s so important to make the effort and write the letter.

But when it comes to what you send, how long should it be? And what should be in it?

Your interview thank you letter should be short, no more than a few paragraphs. You’ll want to open thanking the hiring manager for their time and perhaps talking about a particularly memorable part of the interview that comes to mind.

Next up, reiterate why you’re a fit for the job. This should be around two paragraphs at most. You shouldn’t be regurgitating what’s on your resume in this section. Instead, highlight those one or two relevant strengths that make you the best-fit person for the job. If you forgot to mention an important fact about your background during the interview, this is also a good place to bring it up.

Finally, it’s time to close the letter. Here, you can restate your interest in the position and the company. Personalize it even further by talking about one key detail about the organization that really stands out and makes you want to work for them. While you don’t want to come off as desperate, hiring managers like to know you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity.

Once you’re done writing your letter, expect to rewrite it a few times until it’s pitch perfect. Before you send it, also proofread it and then ask a friend or family member to proofread it again. You don’t want a small grammar or spelling mistake to sabotage your efforts.

When it comes to sending your interview thank you letter, your best bet is email. The hiring manager could be making a quick decision, so you want to get the letter into their hands as soon as possible.

Need more help writing a compelling thank you letter that distinguishes you?

Turn to the career consultants at ResumeSpice. We can help you display your appreciation, showcase your strengths, and stand out from other candidates with a well-written thank you letter. Call us today at 832.930.7378 to learn more or get started.