Writing Follow-up Letters or Emails After an Interview

• Letter of appreciation after an interview. Thank the organization’s representative for taking the time to see you, and emphasize your particular qualifications. You can also restate your interest in the position and mention a specific topic of conversation you found particularly interesting or a fact about the position you found exciting. A follow-up letter can do more good with less effort than any other step in the job-application procedure because so few candidates take the time to write one.

  Dear Mr. Weaver:

  Thank you for taking the time yesterday to show me your facilities and to introduce me to your colleagues.

  Your company’s advances in piping design were particularly impressive. As a person with hands-on experience in piping design, I can appreciate the advantages your design will have.

  The vitality of your projects and the good fellowship among your employees further confirm my initial belief that Cynergo would be a fine place to work. I would look forward to joining your staff.

  Sincerely yours,

  

  Harriet Bommarito

• Letter accepting a job offer. This one is easy: express appreciation, show enthusiasm, and repeat the major terms of your employment.

  Dear Mr. Weaver:

  Thank you very much for the offer to join your staff. I accept.

  I look forward to joining your design team on Monday, July 19. The salary, as you indicate in your letter, is $48,250.

  As you have recommended, I will get in touch with Mr. Matthews in Personnel to get a start on the paperwork.

  I appreciate the trust you have placed in me, and I assure you that I will do what I can to be a productive team member at Cynergo.

  Sincerely yours,

  

  Mark Greenberg

• Letter rejecting a job offer. If you decide not to accept a job offer, express your appreciation for the offer and, if appropriate, explain why you are declining it. Remember, you might want to work for this company at some time in the future.

  Dear Mr. Weaver:

  I appreciate very much the offer to join your staff.

  Although I am certain that I would benefit greatly from working at Cynergo, I have decided to take a job with a firm in Baltimore, where I have been accepted at Johns Hopkins to pursue my Master’s degree at night.

  Again, thank you for your generous offer.

  Sincerely yours,

  

  Cynthia O’Malley

• Letter acknowledging a rejection. Why write back after you have been rejected for a job? To maintain good relations. You might get a phone call the next week explaining that the person who accepted the job has had a change of plans and offering you the position.

  Dear Mr. Weaver:

  I was disappointed to learn that I will not have a chance to join your staff, because I feel that I could make a substantial contribution. However, I realize that job decisions are complex, involving many candidates and many factors.

  Thank you very much for the courtesy you have shown me.

  Sincerely yours,

  

  Paul Goicochea