Sending a thank you letter after a job interview could be a determining factor in the decision for your interviewer. Experience shows that this letter is very important and that a job offer is sometimes given based on this letter (in situations where the organization or company is deciding from among several
candidates).

It is crucial to send a thank you letter to the person that interviewed you 3 days after the interview.
This letter indicates: your care, determination, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

 Advice

Your letter must:

• Be simple, direct, factual, and courteous;
• Prove your level of education (you distinguish yourself from the other competing
  candidates for the same position, who don’t send it);
• Emphasize your listening skills and your sensitivity to the priorities of the recruiter;
• Show your interest for the position. Employers are particularly sensitive to 3 criteria:
  o enthusiasm;
  o perseverance;
  o involvement. 

Content

A thank you letter in which you:

• say thank you for being interviewed;
• mention the date and the place of the interview;
• take 2 or 3 aspects of the position and recall the priorities (objectives/assignments/tasks)
  of the organization/company;
• summarize the key priorities/tasks of the position;
• restate what they have told you (the 3 priorities or key tasks of the job). It is not
  appropriate or advised to try to prove that you have the profile for the position. You have
  done this during the interview. To do this again could be counterproductive;
• initiate another point of contact (if things remain open) or confirm what has been decided
  for next steps.

Format

Two formats are possible:
• email;
• letter.
Avoid the business card or a rapidly filled in card. Show that you are very interested in this
position…and to your interviewer.

Example 1:

Dear Mr. /Ms. XYZ,

I am writing to you following a very encouraging interview that I had with you on (insert date).

I noted the 3 key functions of the open position are:
• prepare weekly the seminars that begin the following week;
• compile evaluation forms from the seminars received by the facilitators;
• write up monthly statistical reports and write corresponding reports.

This job description corresponds exactly to the one I am looking for. I await your proposal
with great interest.
Thank you again.
Best regards,

(insert your name)

Example 2:

Dear Mr. / Ms. XYZ,

First, I would like to thank you for the very encouraging interview that you had with me on
(insert date) in your office.
During our discussion, you provided me with very detailed information on the development
on the development of your organization/company and offered a position for « After-sales
service manager. »
After much reflection, I would like to express that I do not wish to be considered further for
this great position. It was very difficult to make this decision, because the pleasant working
atmosphere and your growth rates were factors that I appreciated. However, this position
does not correspond with my career objectives.
Our paths will perhaps cross again. In the meantime, I would like to thank you for your offer.
Best regards,
(insert your name)

Example 3:

Dear Mr./Ms. __________

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the corporate engineering position at ______ company. I have a better understanding of the expectations, performance, and culture at ______ company after breakfast and our meeting at the end of the day.

 I like to reaffirm my interest for this position. I think this is a challenging and unique position and I am excited for the potential opportunity. In addition to my design experience, I also have over 8 years of HYSYS simulation experience and I am very familiar with data gathering software similar to the PI system. I have been exposed to both Six Sigma methodologies and model predictive control using Aspen’s DMC+. I feel I also have a strong aptitude in learning processes quickly, adapting to technology, challenging the status quo, and focusing on cost reduction and optimization.

Once again, thank you. I look forward to hearing from you in the upcoming weeks.

Sincerely,