Print This Slide Qualities of a Good “Thank You” Letter The purpose of this instruction is to help learners avoid writing poorly crafted “thank- you” letters.

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Qualities of a Good “Thank You” Letter

The purpose of this instruction is to help learners avoid writing poorly crafted “thank- you” letters that often lead to interviewers becoming discouraged from pursuing further communication with interviewees.

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In this lesson you are going learn to identify the qualities of a good “thank you” letter

• Address interviewers by name• Use a professional tone throughout• Express gratitude for the opportunity

to interview• Avoid discussing awkward moments

from the interview• Eliminate all spelling and grammatical

mistakes• Concisely reemphasize key strengths• Express continued interest in the

position• Recommend additional candidates

for the position• Include first and last name• Include contact information, phone

number, email.

Do you know the qualities of a good “thank you” letter?

Can you identify an excellent “thank you” letter vs. a poorly written one?

Click here for a list of qualities of a good thank you letter.

For more information about each item mentioned, click on the “next” button.

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Click here to see an example.Examples of good elements will be highlighted in green, and

examples of bad elements will be highlighted in yellow.Close Letter

1) Address Interviewers by Name

• Begin your thank you letter by addressing your interviewer(s) by name. During the interviewing process, take note of each of the persons that you interact with.

• You might consider doing a quick check on the Internet (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) to get a feel of the backgrounds of your interviewer(s).

• This will help you better understand their expectations.

Good Example Flint, Jaron, and Jake, I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss the content management position. I was very impressed with everyone that I met and I enjoyed the interview. Please pass my thanks along to Lee and Ron as well. I feel like I would be a great fit for your team and have a lot to offer. Please keep me posted on your upcoming decisions. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great weekend. Sean

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Please select the option which best answers the question below. Please notice that you must have the correct answer selected to proceed.

• Which of these examples is the appropriate way to address a team of three interviewers?

A. Jake

B. Dear interviewer

C. Dear interviewers

D. Jake, Flint, and Jaron,

That is correct. The appropriate way to address your team of three interviewers is to refer to them each by name.

Sorry, that is incorrect.Please try again.

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2) Use a Professional Tone Throughout the Letter

• Sometimes it is difficult to strike a balance between sounding professional and sounding stiff. Err on the side of being professional rather than casual.

• Show them in the thank you letter that you will communicate effectively if hired.

Good Example Hello Stan,

I wanted to thank you for taking the time to interview with me on Friday. I appreciate you explaining the employment possibilities with lds.org and the other information you provided. The opportunities sound very interesting to me. If there is any further information I can provide that would help you in your decision-making, let me know what I can supply you with. In addition to considering my application, I understand there may be other openings available in this same vein. One of my associates, Jared Smart, is someone I would highly recommend for any position that might be available on your team. He has experience with web development, design, communications, writing, editing, SEO and social media. He is extremely dedicated to all his work projects and a great person to work with. I am attaching his resume for your review if you know a position he might fit with on your team. Thank you again for considering my application and I hope Jared’s information will be of use to you as well. Thanks! Paul Johnson123 Somewhere StreetSalt Lake City UT. [email protected]

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• Which of these examples is the appropriate way to use a professional tone throughout your letter?

D. If you need anything, give me a ring.

B. Talk to you soon!

C. Don’t know about you, but I think I knocked that one out of the park!

A. If you need me to provide you with any additional information, feel free to contact me.

That is correct. Avoid the use of contractions and slang.


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3) Express Gratitude for the Opportunity to Interview

• Always be very gracious throughout the interview process.

• Showing humility during the interviewing process make you a more desirable candidate.

• Avoid arrogance

Example Hi Matt, Jeff I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss the content management position. I was very impressed with everyone that I met and I enjoyed the interview. Please pass my thanks along to Lee and Ron as well. I feel like I would be a great fit for your team and have a lot to offer. Please keep me posted on your upcoming decisions. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great weekend. Fern Thomas123 Somewhere StreetSalt Lake City UT. [email protected]

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• Which of these examples is the appropriate way to express gratitude for the opportunity to interview?

A. Hey, what’s up? That was a pretty awesome interview!

B. Thanks for calling me up for an interview.

D. How soon are you going to be hiring me?

C. I greatly appreciate the time you took to interview me for this position.

That is correct. Express humility throughout your thank you letter. Do so in a professional way. Never imply that you feel you deserve the job.


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4) Avoid Discussing Awkward Moments from the Interview

• When writing a thank you letter, do not focus on the negative aspects of your interview.

• Don’t remind them of the negative things that happened during the meeting.

• Highlight the ways in which you qualify for the position, not those that you are lacking.

Bad Example Hello Eric, I just wanted to drop you an email thanking you for the opportunity for the interview with yourself and the other brethren. While I'm not sure if I did very well, I am grateful for the opportunity.

Thank you,

Tom

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• Which of these examples is the appropriate way to avoid discussing awkward moments from the interview?

A. That wasn’t my best interview. I apologize for stuttering through the whole meeting.

B. I feel really dumb for tripping on my way in to the interview.

C. I just wanted to clarify that I’m not always so dull. I was just nervous.

D. Thank you for the wonderful interview. It was a pleasure meeting you.

That is correct. No interview is perfect. Focus on the positive things that happened.


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5) Eliminate All Spelling and Grammatical Errors

• Review your resume, cover letter, and thank you letter, many times for errors before submitting them.

• Remember that spelling and punctuation are not the only things being reviewed. Proper formatting techniques are also noticed.

• Have a trusted friend or colleague also read your documents and suggest corrections.

Bad Example Thank you very much for the telephone interview we just had. It’s wonderful to know what’s involved behind the scene of publishing LDS.org. It’s a site that appreciated by many. With the experience and understanding of translation and interpretation, I may utilize that knowledge to communicate effectively with various departments to set up reasonable expectation. Graduated in Business Information Systems, this background will help me to understand technical issues and to be able to communicate matters with ICS department and even to providing training when it’s needed.

Many people commented that I was the best Inventory Controller while I was working for MMD. Once a project is placed on my hand, I manage it. I believe in communication and working in a team to solve concerns and problems. I will be an excellent candidate to contribute my skills and talents for the roll of Project Manager for LDS.org Language Coordination. Thank you very much for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Jared

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• Which of these examples is free of all spelling and grammatical errors?

A. I was very impressed by you’re team’s work ethic.

B. Ive always loved your Website.

C. Here’s the references you asked for.

D. I have provided the list of references below.

That is correct. Review your letter many times before sending it for spelling and grammatical errors. Many spelling errors occur when using contractions. Avoid them if possible.


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6) Concisely Reemphasize Key Strengths

• Without overemphasizing your key strengths, be sure to concisely state your key strengths in the thank you letter.

• Cite specific professional accomplishments and skills you possess but ensure that these examples relate in some way to the requirements of the position.

Good Example Dear Mike and Ben, Thank you very much for the telephone interview we just had. It’s wonderful to know what’s involved behind the scene of publishing LDS.org. It’s a site that appreciated by many. With the experience and understanding of translation and interpretation, I may utilize that knowledge to communicate effectively with various departments to set up reasonable expectation. Graduated in Business Information Systems, this background will help me to understand technical issues and to be able to communicate matters with ICS department and even to providing training when it’s needed. I am a fast learner with a proactive attitude. Once I take on a project, I take it wholeheartedly to ensure it’s delivered accurately in a timely manner. Many people commented that I was the best Inventory Controller while I was working for MMD. Once a project is placed on my hand, I manage it. I believe in communication and working in a team to solve concerns and problems. I am confident that with my proactive attitude and enthusiasm, I will be an excellent candidate to contribute my skills and talents for the roll of Project Manager for LDS.org Language Coordination. Thank you very much for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards,

Dani Nelson801-123-4567

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• Which of these examples is the appropriate way to reemphasize your key strengths?

A. I’m the best guy for the job.

D. You’d be a fool if you didn’t hire me.

C. My rugby team won the high school championship three times.

B. I am the best candidate for the job because I am a certified content manager, I have three years of website design working for large corporations, and I am passionate about the work I do.

That is correct. Specifically reiterate key details concisely that demonstrate your skills. Refer to skills that are relevant to the position.


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7) Express Continued Interest in the Position

• Expressing continued interest in the position makes you stand out.

• The thank you letter is a perfect for expressing your enthusiasm and to reiterate your desire for the job. Remember in all cases not to overdo it.

Good Example Hi Mike and Ben, I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss the content management position. I was very impressed with everyone that I met and I enjoyed the interview. Please pass my thanks along to Lee and Ron as well. I feel like I would be a great fit for your team and have a lot to offer. Please keep me posted on your upcoming decisions. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great weekend. Paul Johnson123 Somewhere StreetSalt Lake City UT. [email protected]

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• Which of these examples is the appropriate way to express continued interest in the position?

D. You know, maybe this position really isn’t for me.

B. The position sounds great.

C. I’m applying for several positions. Can you give me an estimate on your timeline for hiring?

A. I would like to reiterate that I’m still very interested in the position.

That is correct. Express continued interest in the position. Be direct about your desire.


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8) Recommend Additional Candidates for the Position

• If you know of someone else who would be a perfect fit for the job, do not hesitate to recommend them, especially if the interviewers are looking to fill multiple positions.

• It show how confident you are as a candidate and have the interest of the organization at.

Good Example Hello Chad, I wanted to thank The opportunities sound very interesting to me. If there is any further information I can provide that would help you in your decision-making, let me know what I can supply you with. In addition to considering my application, I understand there may be other openings available in this same vein. One of my associates, Jared Smart, is someone I would highly recommend for any position that might be available on your team. He has experience with web development, design, communications, writing, editing, SEO and social media. He is extremely dedicated to all his work projects and a great person to work with. I am attaching his resume for your review if you know a position he might fit with on your team. Thank you again for considering my application and I hope Jared’s information will be of use to you as well. Thanks! Melissa Hansen123 Somewhere StreetSalt Lake City UT. [email protected]

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• Which of these examples is the appropriate way to recommend additional candidates for the position?

A. You should probably hire my best friend Slade for the position. He has a lot more experience than I do.

B. I’ve met a lot of other content managers at my current employment. Any of them would be great for the position.

C. I am the best candidate in the world.

D. My coworker Steve Barrett also has a great deal of experience with web design, search engine optimization, and interacting with product managers. He could be a great addition to your team.

That is correct. Mention one of your friends or coworkers by name and concisely highlight their key strengths. Don’t be vague. Don’t imply that they are more qualified than you.


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9) Include Your First and Last Name

• Be sure to include not only your first name but your last name. It is uncommon to find two people with the same first and even last names.

• Signing off with your first and last name helps you maintain the formal and professional tone needed throughout your letter.

Good Example Flint, Jaron, and Jake, I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss the content management position. I was very impressed with everyone that I met and I enjoyed the interview. Please pass my thanks along to Lee and Ron as well. I feel like I would be a great fit for your team and have a lot to offer. Please keep me posted on your upcoming decisions. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great weekend. John Smith123 Somewhere StreetSalt Lake City UT. [email protected]

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• Which of these examples is the appropriate way include your first and last name?

A. Pete

B. Jacob Sanchez William Hurley Jr.

C. W. H. M. Miller

D. David Morris That is correct. Include only your first and last name. Don’t confuse your interviewers with many middle names or abbreviated first or last names.


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10) Include Contact Information, Phone Number, and E-mail Address

• Contact information is always important not only on your resume but on your thank you letter as well.

• Take a moment to add you address, phone number, and e-mail so that interviewers can easily contact you if they need to.

Good Example Flint, Jaron, and Jake, I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss the content management position. I was very impressed with everyone that I met and I enjoyed the interview. Please pass my thanks along to Lee and Ron as well. I feel like I would be a great fit for your team and have a lot to offer. Please keep me posted on your upcoming decisions. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great weekend. John Smith 123 Somewhere StreetSalt Lake City UT. [email protected]

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• Which of these examples is the appropriate way include your contact information?

D. Tom Davidson, 529-7685

B. Spencer Kiney, 801-463-2056, 967-985-2039

C. Brant McKinnley, [email protected]

A. Jason Smith, 801-419-2014, [email protected]

That is correct. Include one phone number and one email address. Remember to include the area code for your phone number. Don’t confuse your interviewers with extraneous information.


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How will you rate the quality of the sample “thank you” letter on your right?

Excellent Quality

Average Quality

Poor Quality

Incorrect ! Try again


Correct ! This letter has poor quality

Sample Letter 2

Hello Levi,

I just wanted to drop you an email thanking you for the opportunity for the interview with yourself and the other brethren. While I'm not sure if I did very well, I am grateful for the opportunity. Thank you,

Mark Benson

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Sample Letter 1

Hi Scott and James, I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss the content management position. I was very impressed with everyone that I met and I enjoyed the interview. Please pass my thanks along to Lee and Ron as well. I feel like I would be a great fit for your team and have a lot to offer. Please keep me posted on your upcoming decisions. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great weekend. Heidi Smith


Poor Quality

Average Quality

Excellent Quality

Correct ! This is a letter with Average quality



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Poor Quality

Average Quality

Excellent Quality



Correct ! This is a letter with Excellent quality.

Sample Letter 3

Hello Roman and Ben, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to interview with me on Friday. I appreciate you explaining the employment possibilities with lds.org and the other information you provided. The opportunities sound very interesting to me. If there is any further information I can provide that would help you in your decision-making, let me know what I can supply you with. In addition to considering my application, I understand there may be other openings available in this same vein. One of my associates, Jared Smart, is someone I would highly recommend for any position that might be available on your team. He has experience with web development, design, communications, writing, editing, SEO and social media. He is extremely dedicated to all his work projects and a great person to work with. I am attaching his resume for your review if you know a position he might fit with on your team.

Thank you again for considering my application and I hope Jared’s information will be of use to you as well. Thanks!

Micheal Shewell123 Somewhere StreetSalt Lake City UT. [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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In this lesson you are going learn to identify the qualities of a good “thank you” letter

Sample Letter 3 - Excellent Quality

Hello John Smith, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to interview with me on Friday. I appreciate you explaining the employment possibilities with lds.org and the other information you provided. The opportunities sound very interesting to me. If there is any further information I can provide that would help you in your decision-making, let me know what I can supply you with. In addition to considering my application, I understand there may be other openings available in this same vein. One of my associates, Jared Smart, is someone I would highly recommend for any position that might be available on your team. He has experience with web development, design, communications, writing, editing, SEO and social media. He is extremely dedicated to all his work projects and a great person to work with. I am attaching his resume for your review if you know a position he might fit with on your team.

Thank you again for considering my application and I hope Jared’s information will be of use to you as well. Thanks!

Mark JohnsonOrganizationEmailWork Phone

Click on any of the qualities to see where it was used in the sample letter

Address the interviewer(s) by name

Express gratitude for the opportunity to interview

Express continued interest in the position

Include first and last name

Include contact information, phone number, email

Recommend additional candidates for the position

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Practice

Scenario: You have just interviewed with Jacob Lindsay, Flint Mensah, and Jaron Nelson for the position of Content Manager of a website. You now are ready to write a thank you letter to the interviewers.Instructions:• Click on the “Practice” button below to open an new Outlook

e-mail message. • Write a thank you letter which will demonstrate what you

have learned from this module.• After you send the message, click on the “next” arrow to

finish this module.

Practice

mailto:[email protected],[email protected],[email protected]?subject=Thank%20You%20for%20the%20Interview&body=Remember%20to%20include%20the%20follow%20elements%20in%20your%20thank%20you%20letter:%20address%20interviewers%20by%20name,%20use%20a%20professional%20tone%20throughout%20the%20letter,%20express%20gratitude%20for%20the%20opportunity%20to%20interview,%20avoid%20discussing%20awkward%20moments%20from%20the%20interview,%20eliminate%20all%20spelling%20and%20grammatical%20errors,%20concisely%20reemphasize%20key%20strengths,%20express%20continued%20interest%20in%20the%20position,%20recommend%20additional%20candidates%20for%20the%20position,%20include%20first%20and%20last%20name,%20include%20contact%20information%20(phone%20number,%20e-mail)

mailto:[email protected],[email protected],[email protected]?subject=Thank%20You%20for%20the%20Interview&body=Remember%20to%20include%20the%20follow%20elements%20in%20your%20thank%20you%20letter:%20address%20interviewers%20by%20name,%20use%20a%20professional%20tone%20throughout%20the%20letter,%20express%20gratitude%20for%20the%20opportunity%20to%20interview,%20avoid%20discussing%20awkward%20moments%20from%20the%20interview,%20eliminate%20all%20spelling%20and%20grammatical%20errors,%20concisely%20reemphasize%20key%20strengths,%20express%20continued%20interest%20in%20the%20position,%20recommend%20additional%20candidates%20for%20the%20position,%20include%20first%20and%20last%20name,%20include%20contact%20information%20(phone%20number,%20e-mail)

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Summary•When writing your next thank you letter remember the following things.

1. The appropriate way to address your team of three interviewers is to refer to them each by name.

2. Avoid the use of contractions and slang to maintain a professional tone.3. Express humility throughout your thank you letter. Do so in a professional way. Never imply

that you feel you deserve the job.4. No interview is perfect. Focus on the positive things that happened.5. Review your letter many times before sending it to eliminate spelling and grammatical

errors. Many spelling errors occur when using contractions. Avoid them if possible.6. Concisely reiterate key details that demonstrate your skills. Refer to skills that are relevant

to the position.7. Express continued interest in the position. Be direct about your desire.8. Mention one of your friends or coworkers by name and concisely highlight their key

strengths. Don’t be vague. Don’t imply that they are more qualified than you.9. Include only your first and last name at the end of the letter. Don’t confuse your interviewers

with many middle names or abbreviated first or last names.10. Include one phone number and one email address. Remember to include the area code for

your phone number. Don’t confuse your interviewers with extraneous information.

•Following these best practices when writing your next thank you letter will greatly improve your chances of being the top applicant for future positions.

Print This Slide Qualities of a Good “Thank You” Letter The purpose of this instruction is to help learners avoid writing poorly crafted “thank- you” letters.

Documents

slide qualities

examples of good elements

sean slide

close letter

address interviewers

examples of bad elements

good example flint

professional tone