Interview thank you letters - a simple way to stand out from the job-seeking crowd

The competition for good jobs across all levels of Australia’s job market is tough; and with many excellent applicants competing for a limited number of good jobs, it’s essential that you make the most of every opportunity to stand out from the competition.

An easy way to do this, but surprisingly, one that is followed by very few job applicants, is to follow up each interview you attend with a simple thank-you letter.

Uses of a thank-you letter

Apart from demonstrating your knowledge of workplace etiquette, following up an interview with a thank you letter can be used to reinforce your position as the outstanding candidate in a number of other, less obvious ways. You can use a thank-you letter to:

• Focus the thoughts of the interviewer or panel on you, while they’re deciding on the successful applicant
• Highlight the areas in which you can value add to the job and
• Mention anything you forgot to say at interview

How to write a thank you letter

Thank you letters should be succinct and strategically written; three paragraphs are adequate. Your focus in drafting the letter should be on reinforcing your message about why you are the best applicant and what you can bring to the organisation.

The first paragraph should be used to thank the interviewer or the panel for the opportunity to attend the interview.

In the second paragraph, you should reiterate the areas in which you could value add to the position, and you could also include any relevant information you forgot to mention at interview.

The last paragraph should thank the interviewer or panel once again and indicate that you are looking forward to hearing from them in due course.

When to send a thank-you letter

It is best to send a thank-you letter as soon as possible after an interview, so that it is received between 24 hours and three days of the interview, as the decision making process could be well underway by then.

As a job seeker in Australia’s tight employment market, can you afford not to use every means at your disposal to differentiate yourself from your competition? Try sending a thank you letter after your next interview – it could make all the difference!

Do you have a question about the Australian jobsearch process? Include it in the comment box below, or in the Embrace Australia forum and I'll answer it in a future blog post. Visit me at www.susanwareham.com for more information about applying for a job in Australia, working in Australia and changing careers in Australia.

Sincerely

Susan

Susan Wareham BSc(Psychology), AdvDipBus (Human Resource Management), CN404  Acredited Trainer
Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0601990)
McGrath Migration Lawyers