Writing a thank you note after an interview is very important, but how do you write a thank you note when you didn't get the job?
Finding out that you weren't selected for a job that you wanted very badly can be a huge blow to your self-esteem. But, the truth is that maybe it wasn't the right time, or that wasn't the right position. If you can find a way to keep in contact with the company, there is a chance that you can be considered for any new positions that become available.
To do this, you have to show that you are a consummate professional and that you have no bad feelings about having be passed over for the job. The easiest way to do this is to send a thank you note and let the interviewer know that you appreciate them having considered you for the job and asking if they will keep you in mind. This sort of professionalism is always impressive and if nothing else, it will show that you are able to not take everything personally.
The problem is that when you aren't selected for a position, it is easy to feel hurt and lash out at the company or the interviewer. You see this all the time on reality shows like American Idol or Project Runway. The candidate who wasn't selected to move on in the competition typically has many negative things to say about the intelligence of the judges. So don't be that sort of person.
Here are some tips for writing a thank you note when you didn't get the job:
- Send the note to the person who you interviewed you the most – If you were interviewed by a panel, select the person with whom you spoke the most. You don't need to address the note to the entire group. Odds are good that if you send it to the group, it won't have the same personal impact you are looking for. Also, if you were working with a recruiter, be sure to check with the recruiter before sending correspondence directly to the company.
- Make your note compelling – Let the person you are sending it to know that you really respect their company and have always had a strong desire to work there. Be honest about it, rather than just saying “Oh, it's ok. I didn't really like the company anyway.”
- Ask what you can do to be a better fit in the future – Whatever you do, don't have the attitude that the interviewers made a mistake or don't know how to do their jobs. If you are bitter, you need to come to terms with it and try to be humble here. If you want to work for the company, asking them what you can do to be a strong candidate next time shows that you are still interested in working for them and are willing to make some changes in order to make it happen. If you receive feedback from this question, be sure to take it to heart.
- Be positive – If your note comes off as angry or threatening, you can be sure that you will be put on the short list of people to never interview again. The entire tone of your letter should be upbeat and positive. Remember that your intention here is to show a genuine appreciation for the interviewers time.
- Be specific – Give the interviewer solid reason as to why you want to work for their company. If you can show that you are humble, sincere in your desire to work there and know something about the company and what their needs are, you will make a great impression.
Keep in mind that your primary goals are to show that you appreciate the company for considering your for the job, to restate your desire to work for the company, to ask what you can do to further your cause and to remind them of why you are a great fit for their company. If you can be humble and show that you are a good sport, odds are good that you will be at the top of the list for their next opening.
What do you think about thank you notes? Let me know in the comments.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for Administrativejobsblog. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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