Thank You Letters

What are follow-up and thank you letters?

A follow-up letter is a document that applicants send to employers to make sure the company has received the applicant’s résumé and cover letter or application. A thank you letter is a document that applicants send to employers to thank the employer for her time in reviewing a résumé or cover letter. Applicants also send thank you letters after conducting an interview with an employer.

Why do I need to do a follow-up or thank you letter?

You should send a follow-up letter if you have not heard from an employer for two weeks after submitting your résumé and cover letter. You should send a thank you letter if you have interviewed for a job.

How should I follow up on my résumé and cover letter?

You should allow ten days before calling or emailing the employee about your résumé and cover letter. When you contact the employer, remember that they are probably busy. Your résumé and cover letter are very important to you, but the employer is probably doing her job as well as reviewing other cover letters and résumés. Try to be patient. However, it is perfectly acceptable to ask about your job application documents ten days after submission.

Also remember that the goal of your résumé and cover letter is to get an interview for the job opening. When you follow up on your cover letter and résumé, first ask whether or not the employer has received your documents. If the employer received the documents, ask if she has had time to review them. If so, ask if she is setting up interviews yet.

If the employer has not received your résumé and cover letter in the past ten days, offer to resend the documents and double check the employer’s mailing address and contact person. You should also offer to drop off your résumé and cover letter in person. Remember to dress professionally if the company expects it.

How should I follow up on my interview?

You should send a thank you letter after you interview for a job. Sending a thank you letter is professional, and it shows you are still interested in the job. A thank you letter also show that you appreciate the employer taking the time to meet and speak with you. Lastly, a thank you letter reminds the employer about you.



Letter Examples
EXAMPLE 1:
Follow-up Letter (Block Format)

June 19, 2009

Karl M. Jones
900 N. 7th St. Apt. 6
Lafayette, IN 47904
765-123-4567
kmjones123@gmail.com

Alex Carson
Manager, A & D Industries
1437 State Route 26
Lafayette, IN 47904

Dear Alex Carson:

Two weeks ago, I submitted a résumé and cover letter in response to your job ad for the welder
apprentice position (#46). I am following up to make sure you received these documents. I am
still very interested in interviewing for the job if you have not yet hired someone.

I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss the welder apprentice position and how I
can help A & D Industries. I feel that my years of welding experience will allow me to be a
valuable member of your team. If you have not received my résumé and cover letter, I would be happy to resubmit them or drop them off in person.

If you have any questions, please call me at 765-123-4567. You may also email me at
kmjones@gmail.com.


Sincerely,

/signed/


Karl M. Jones

EXAMPLE 2:

-Follow-up Letter after Submitting Resume or Application:
-Use block format

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

I submitted a resume earlier this month for the food server at Perkins.

I am very interested in working at Perkins and I believe my skills, especially my food prep class experience at the Berwick High School, would be good prepapration for this position.

If necessary, I would be glad to resend my resume or to provide any further information you might need regarding my candidacy. I can be reached at (555)555-5555 or jdoe@abcd.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Signature
Typed Name

EXAMPLE 3:


Follow-up (Thank You) Letter After Interview:
Use block format:

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

It was very enjoyable to speak with you about the assistant position at Giant. The job, as you presented it, seems to be a very good match for my skills and interests.

In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring to the position strong writing skills, assertiveness and the ability to encourage others to work cooperatively with the department. My (sports, club, school, etc.) background will help me to work well with the other employees and to do my work responsibly and efficiently.

I appreciate the time you took to interview me. I am very interested in working for you and look forward to hearing from you about this position.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

15.1.11A- Write with a distinctive focus.
1.5.11B- Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic.
1.5.11C- Write with controlled organization.