1. Qualities of a Good “Thank You” Letter
The purpose of this instruction is to help learners avoid writing poorly crafted “thank- you” letters that often lead to interviewers becoming discouraged from pursuing further communication with interviewees.
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2. In this lesson you are going learn to identify the qualities of a good “thank you” letter
Do you know the qualities of a good “thank you” letter?
Address interviewers by name
Use a professional tone throughout
Express gratitude for the opportunity to interview
Avoid discussing awkward moments from the interview
Eliminate all spelling and grammatical mistakes
Concisely reemphasize key strengths
Express continued interest in the position
Recommend additional candidates for the position
Include first and last name
Include contact information, phone number, . 
Can you identify an excellent “thank you” letter vs. a poorly written one?
Click here for a list of qualities of a good thank you letter.
For more information about each item mentioned, click on the “next” button.

3. 1) Address Interviewers by Name
Begin your thank you letter by addressing your interviewer(s) by name. During the interviewing process, take note of each of the persons that you interact with.
You might consider doing a quick check on the Internet (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) to get a feel of the backgrounds of your interviewer(s).
This will help you better understand their expectations.
Good Example
Flint, Jaron, and Jake,
I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss the content management position.  I was very impressed with everyone that I met and I enjoyed the interview.  Please pass my thanks along to Lee and Ron as well.  I feel like I would be a great fit for your team and have a lot to offer.  Please keep me posted on your upcoming decisions.  I look forward to hearing from you.
Have a great weekend.
Sean

4. Which of these examples is the appropriate way to address a team of three interviewers?
Jake
Sorry, that is incorrect.
Please try again.
Dear interviewer
That is correct. The appropriate way to address your team of three interviewers is to refer to them each by name.
Dear interviewers
Jake, Flint, and Jaron,

5. 2) Use a Professional Tone Throughout the Letter
Sometimes it is difficult to strike a balance between sounding professional and sounding stiff. Err on the side of being professional rather than casual.
Show them in the thank you letter that you will communicate effectively if hired.
Good Example
Hello Stan,
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to interview with me on Friday. I appreciate you explaining the employment possibilities with lds.org and the other information you provided. The opportunities sound very interesting to me. If there is any further information I can provide that would help you in your decision-making, let me know what I can supply you with.
In addition to considering my application, I understand there may be other openings available in this same vein. One of my associates, Jared Smart, is someone I would highly recommend for any position that might be available on your team. He has experience with web development, design, communications, writing, editing, SEO and social media. He is extremely dedicated to all his work projects and a great person to work with. I am attaching his resume for your review if you know a position he might fit with on your team.
Thank you again for considering my application and I hope Jared’s information will be of use to you as well.
Thanks!
Paul Johnson
123 Somewhere Street
Salt Lake City UT

6. Which of these examples is the appropriate way to use a professional tone throughout your letter?
If you need me to provide you with any additional information, feel free to contact me.
Sorry, that is incorrect.
Please try again.
Talk to you soon!
That is correct. Avoid the use of contractions and slang.
Don’t know about you, but I think I knocked that one out of the park!
If you need anything, give me a ring.

7. 3) Express Gratitude for the Opportunity to Interview
Always be very gracious throughout the interview process.
Showing humility during the interviewing process make you a more desirable candidate.
Avoid arrogance
Example
Hi Matt, Jeff
I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss the content management position.  I was very impressed with everyone that I met and I enjoyed the interview.  Please pass my thanks along to Lee and Ron as well.  I feel like I would be a great fit for your team and have a lot to offer.  Please keep me posted on your upcoming decisions.  I look forward to hearing from you.
Have a great weekend.
Fern Thomas
123 Somewhere Street
Salt Lake City UT

8. Which of these examples is the appropriate way to express gratitude for the opportunity to interview?
Hey, what’s up? That was a pretty awesome interview!
Sorry, that is incorrect.
Please try again.
Thanks for calling me up for an interview.
That is correct. Express humility throughout your thank you letter. Do so in a professional way. Never imply that you feel you deserve the job.
I greatly appreciate the time you took to interview me for this position.
How soon are you going to be hiring me?

9. 4) Avoid Discussing Awkward Moments from the Interview
When writing a thank you letter, do not focus on the negative aspects of your interview.
Don’t remind them of the negative things that happened during the meeting.
Highlight the ways in which you qualify for the position, not those that you are lacking.
Bad Example
Hello Eric,
I just wanted to drop you an thanking you for the opportunity for the interview with yourself and the other brethren.  While I'm not sure if I did very well, I am grateful for the opportunity.
Thank you,
Tom

10. Which of these examples is the appropriate way to avoid discussing awkward moments from the interview?
That wasn’t my best interview. I apologize for stuttering through the whole meeting.
Sorry, that is incorrect.
Please try again.
I feel really dumb for tripping on my way in to the interview.
 That is correct. No interview is perfect. Focus on the positive things that happened.
I just wanted to clarify that I’m not always so dull. I was just nervous.
Thank you for the wonderful interview. It was a pleasure meeting you.

11. 5) Eliminate All Spelling and Grammatical Errors
Review your resume, cover letter, and thank you letter, many times for errors before submitting them.
Remember that spelling and punctuation are not the only things being reviewed. Proper formatting techniques are also noticed.  
Have a trusted friend or colleague also read your documents and suggest corrections.
Bad Example
Thank you very much for the telephone interview we just had. It’s wonderful to know what’s involved behind the scene of publishing LDS.org. It’s a site that appreciated by many.
With the experience and understanding of translation and interpretation, I may utilize that knowledge to communicate effectively with various departments to set up reasonable expectation. Graduated in Business Information Systems, this background will help me to understand technical issues and to be able to communicate matters with ICS department and even to providing training when it’s needed.
Many people commented that I was the best Inventory Controller while I was working for MMD. Once a project is placed on my hand, I manage it. I believe in communication and working in a team to solve concerns and problems.
I will be an excellent candidate to contribute my skills and talents for the roll of Project Manager for LDS.org Language Coordination.
Thank you very much for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Jared

12. Which of these examples is free of all spelling and grammatical errors?
I was very impressed by you’re team’s work ethic.
Sorry, that is incorrect.
Please try again.
Ive always loved your Website.
That is correct. Review your letter many times before sending it for spelling and grammatical errors. Many spelling errors occur when using contractions. Avoid them if possible.
Here’s the references you asked for.
I have provided the list of references below.

13. 6) Concisely Reemphasize Key Strengths
Without overemphasizing your key strengths, be sure to concisely state your key strengths in the thank you letter.
Cite specific professional accomplishments and skills you possess but ensure that these examples relate in some way to the requirements of the position.
Good Example
Dear Mike and Ben,
Thank you very much for the telephone interview we just had. It’s wonderful to know what’s involved behind the scene of publishing LDS.org. It’s a site that appreciated by many.
With the experience and understanding of translation and interpretation, I may utilize that knowledge to communicate effectively with various departments to set up reasonable expectation. Graduated in Business Information Systems, this background will help me to understand technical issues and to be able to communicate matters with ICS department and even to providing training when it’s needed. I am a fast learner with a proactive attitude. Once I take on a project, I take it wholeheartedly to ensure it’s delivered accurately in a timely manner. Many people commented that I was the best Inventory Controller while I was working for MMD. Once a project is placed on my hand, I manage it. I believe in communication and working in a team to solve concerns and problems.
I am confident that with my proactive attitude and enthusiasm, I will be an excellent candidate to contribute my skills and talents for the roll of Project Manager for LDS.org Language Coordination.
Thank you very much for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
 Dani Nelson

14. Which of these examples is the appropriate way to reemphasize your key strengths?
I’m the best guy for the job.
Sorry, that is incorrect.
Please try again.
I am the best candidate for the job because I am a certified content manager, I have three years of website design working for large corporations, and I am passionate about the work I do.
That is correct. Specifically reiterate key details concisely that demonstrate your skills. Refer to skills that are relevant to the position.
My rugby team won the high school championship three times.
You’d be a fool if you didn’t hire me.

15. 7) Express Continued Interest in the Position
Expressing continued interest in the position makes you stand out.
The thank you letter is a perfect for expressing your enthusiasm and to reiterate your desire for the job. Remember in all cases not to overdo it.
Good Example
Hi Mike and Ben,
I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss the content management position.  I was very impressed with everyone that I met and I enjoyed the interview.  Please pass my thanks along to Lee and Ron as well.  I feel like I would be a great fit for your team and have a lot to offer.  Please keep me posted on your upcoming decisions.  I look forward to hearing from you.
Have a great weekend.
Paul Johnson
123 Somewhere Street
Salt Lake City UT

16. Which of these examples is the appropriate way to express continued interest in the position?
I would like to reiterate that I’m still very interested in the position.
Sorry, that is incorrect.
Please try again.
The position sounds great.
That is correct. Express continued interest in the position. Be direct about your desire.
I’m applying for several positions. Can you give me an estimate on your timeline for hiring?
You know, maybe this position really isn’t for me.

17. 8) Recommend Additional Candidates for the Position
If you know of someone else who would be a perfect fit for the job, do not hesitate to recommend them, especially if the interviewers are looking to fill multiple positions.
It show how confident you are as a candidate and have the interest of the organization at.
Good Example
Hello Chad,
I wanted to thank The opportunities sound very interesting to me. If there is any further information I can provide that would help you in your decision-making, let me know what I can supply you with.
In addition to considering my application, I understand there may be other openings available in this same vein. One of my associates, Jared Smart, is someone I would highly recommend for any position that might be available on your team. He has experience with web development, design, communications, writing, editing, SEO and social media. He is extremely dedicated to all his work projects and a great person to work with. I am attaching his resume for your review if you know a position he might fit with on your team.
Thank you again for considering my application and I hope Jared’s information will be of use to you as well.
Thanks!
Melissa Hansen
123 Somewhere Street
Salt Lake City UT

18. Which of these examples is the appropriate way to recommend additional candidates for the position?
 You should probably hire my best friend Slade for the position. He has a lot more experience than I do.
Sorry, that is incorrect.
Please try again.
I’ve met a lot of other content managers at my current employment. Any of them would be great for the position.
That is correct. Mention one of your friends or coworkers by name and concisely highlight their key strengths. Don’t be vague. Don’t imply that they are more qualified than you.
My coworker Steve Barrett also has a great deal of experience with web design, search engine optimization, and interacting with product managers. He could be a great addition to your team.
I am the best candidate in the world.

19. 9) Include Your First and Last Name
Be sure to include not only your first name but your last name. It is uncommon to find two people with the same first and even last names.
Signing off with your first and last name helps you maintain the formal and professional tone needed throughout your letter.
Good Example
Flint, Jaron, and Jake,
I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss the content management position.  I was very impressed with everyone that I met and I enjoyed the interview.  Please pass my thanks along to Lee and Ron as well.  I feel like I would be a great fit for your team and have a lot to offer.  Please keep me posted on your upcoming decisions.  I look forward to hearing from you.
Have a great weekend.
John Smith
123 Somewhere Street
Salt Lake City UT

20. Which of these examples is the appropriate way include your first and last name?
Pete
Sorry, that is incorrect.
Please try again.
David Morris
That is correct. Include only your first and last name. Don’t confuse your interviewers with many middle names or abbreviated first or last names.
W. H. M. Miller
Jacob Sanchez William Hurley Jr.

21. 10) Include Contact Information, Phone Number, and Address
Contact information is always important not only on your resume but on your thank you letter as well.
Take a moment to add you address, phone number, and so that interviewers can easily contact you if they need to.
Good Example
Flint, Jaron, and Jake,
I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss the content management position.  I was very impressed with everyone that I met and I enjoyed the interview.  Please pass my thanks along to Lee and Ron as well.  I feel like I would be a great fit for your team and have a lot to offer.  Please keep me posted on your upcoming decisions.  I look forward to hearing from you.
Have a great weekend.
John Smith
123 Somewhere Street
Salt Lake City UT

22. Which of these examples is the appropriate way include your contact information?
Jason Smith, ,
Sorry, that is incorrect.
Please try again.
Spencer Kiney, ,
That is correct. Include one phone number and one address. Remember to include the area code for your phone number. Don’t confuse your interviewers with extraneous information.
Brant McKinnley,
Tom Davidson,

23. Correct ! This letter has poor quality
How will you rate the quality of the sample “thank you” letter on your right?
Sample Letter 2
Hello Levi, 
I just wanted to drop you an thanking you for the opportunity for the interview with yourself and the other brethren.  While I'm not sure if I did very well, I am grateful for the opportunity. Thank you,
Mark Benson
Excellent Quality
Incorrect ! Try again
Average Quality
Incorrect ! Try again
Poor Quality
Correct ! This letter has poor
quality

24. Correct ! This is a letter with Average quality
How will you rate the quality of the sample “thank you” letter on your right?
Sample Letter 1 Hi Scott and James, I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss the content management position. I was very impressed with everyone that I met and I enjoyed the interview. Please pass my thanks along to Lee and Ron as well. I feel like I would be a great fit for your team and have a lot to offer. Please keep me posted on your upcoming decisions. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great weekend. Heidi Smith
Poor Quality
Incorrect ! Try again
Average Quality
Correct ! This is a letter with
Average quality
Excellent Quality
Incorrect ! Try again

25. Correct ! This is a letter with Excellent quality.
How will you rate the quality of the sample “thank you” letter on your right?
Sample Letter 3
Hello Roman and Ben,
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to interview with me on Friday. I appreciate you explaining the employment possibilities with lds.org and the other information you provided. The opportunities sound very interesting to me. If there is any further information I can provide that would help you in your decision-making, let me know what I can supply you with.
In addition to considering my application, I understand there may be other openings available in this same vein. One of my associates, Jared Smart, is someone I would highly recommend for any position that might be available on your team. He has experience with web development, design, communications, writing, editing, SEO and social media. He is extremely dedicated to all his work projects and a great person to work with. I am attaching his resume for your review if you know a position he might fit with on your team.
Thank you again for considering my application and I hope Jared’s information will be of use to you as well.
Thanks!
Micheal Shewell
123 Somewhere Street
Salt Lake City UT
Poor Quality
Incorrect ! Try again
Average Quality
Incorrect ! Try again
Excellent Quality
Correct ! This is a letter with
Excellent quality.

26. Address the interviewer(s) by name
In this lesson you are going learn to identify the qualities of a good “thank you” letter
Click on any of the qualities to see where it was used in the sample letter
Sample Letter Excellent Quality
Hello John Smith,
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to interview with me on Friday. I appreciate you explaining the employment possibilities with lds.org and the other information you provided. The opportunities sound very interesting to me. If there is any further information I can provide that would help you in your decision-making, let me know what I can supply you with.
In addition to considering my application, I understand there may be other openings available in this same vein. One of my associates, Jared Smart, is someone I would highly recommend for any position that might be available on your team. He has experience with web development, design, communications, writing, editing, SEO and social media. He is extremely dedicated to all his work projects and a great person to work with. I am attaching his resume for your review if you know a position he might fit with on your team.
Thank you again for considering my application and I hope Jared’s information will be of use to you as well.
Thanks!
Mark Johnson
Organization
Work Phone
Address the interviewer(s) by name
Express gratitude for the opportunity to interview
Express continued interest in the position
Recommend additional candidates for the position
Include first and last name
Include contact information, phone number,

27. Practice
Scenario: You have just interviewed with Jacob Lindsay, Flint Mensah, and Jaron Nelson for the position of Content Manager of a website. You now are ready to write a thank you letter to the interviewers.
Instructions:
Click on the “Practice” button below to open an new Outlook message.
Write a thank you letter which will demonstrate what you have learned from this module.
After you send the message, click on the “next” arrow to finish this module.
Practice

28. Summary
When writing your next thank you letter remember the following things.
The appropriate way to address your team of three interviewers is to refer to them each by name.
Avoid the use of contractions and slang to maintain a professional tone.
Express humility throughout your thank you letter. Do so in a professional way. Never imply that you feel you deserve the job.
No interview is perfect. Focus on the positive things that happened.
Review your letter many times before sending it to eliminate spelling and grammatical errors. Many spelling errors occur when using contractions. Avoid them if possible.
Concisely reiterate key details that demonstrate your skills. Refer to skills that are relevant to the position.
Express continued interest in the position. Be direct about your desire.
Mention one of your friends or coworkers by name and concisely highlight their key strengths. Don’t be vague. Don’t imply that they are more qualified than you.
Include only your first and last name at the end of the letter. Don’t confuse your interviewers with many middle names or abbreviated first or last names.
Include one phone number and one address. Remember to include the area code for your phone number. Don’t confuse your interviewers with extraneous information.
Following these best practices when writing your next thank you letter will greatly improve your chances of being the top applicant for future positions.