Knock Out the Competition With an After-Interview Cover Letter

Why write a cover letter after the interview is over? Isn't that doing things backwards? It might seem that way at first glance, but the truth is your first impression will disappear unless you make a good last impression. And you can do that easily with a brief—but prompt and positive––note that speaks to the hiring manager one more time following your meeting together.

If you want to draw instant, maximum attention to your cover letter––so that it's HARD for the hiring manager to put it down, there's a secret.

Most job seekers leave an interview focused on themselves, wondering how they did, whether or not they'll get the job, eager to find out if they beat the competition. That's a me, me, me approach and it doesn't work. What does work is following up with a generous 'thank you' note that speaks directly to the hiring manager's heart. You don't have to make it a major endeavor. In fact, the simpler the better: "I appreciated our time together," or "I'm grateful for the chance to have met you to learn more about the job you wish to fill."

Take a moment after the interview to think about what just happened. Jot down a note on your phone or tablet when you return to your car. What struck you about the meeting? What did you appreciate or learn? Tuck a line or two about that into your after-interview cover letter and you will seal the deal. You will not easily be forgotten.

How About an Email Thank You?

You may wonder if an email would be good enough. In a word 'no.' It is so much better and more personal to write (or type) a note on a card or stationery and sign it in your own hand. This gesture says more than the words on the page. It says you are a thoughtful, caring person. Everyone needs a bit of acknowledgment and even more, a dose of appreciation.

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." William Arthur Ward

Wise words to follow. So choose now to write a thank you note and send it off to the interviewer.

Create a Solid Impression That Will Last!

• Write and mail your thank you note within twenty-four hours of your interview. The longer you wait, the more likely your name will slip off
the list of people to be considered for the job.

• Be sure to include at least one fact, impression, or observation you
noted while sitting across from the interviewer. A family photo
or a trophy or a map or piece of furniture, perhaps? Something
special that caught your eye.

Everyone pays attention when they receive a piece of mail with their name addressed by hand. And when they open it and see a personal thank you note from someone they recently met, what a nice surprise it is.

Following is a sample of a brief and concise after-interview cover letter/note that delivers a powerful but simple message.

Dear Mr. or Ms. (fill in the name):

It was wonderful to meet you in person today to discuss the job you hope to fill
and to share my qualifications for this position. I appreciate your time and attention and how kind you were. You probably noticed I was a bit nervous but you put me at ease and I'm grateful for that.

Thanks too for the insightful tour of your facility. I was impressed with the layout and the attention to detail. I picked up a feeling of 'family' as I met and spoke with various employees along the way. I've already thought of additional information I'd like to share with you about why I believe I'm an ideal candidate for the job.

If you'd like to hear more, I'd be happy to return for a second interview to go over the details. I'm enclosing my business card. Please call at your convenience and I'll come by at a time that works for you. Once again, I thank you for our meeting yesterday and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely yours,

Jack (or Jill) Job-Seeker

P.S. I hope to meet with you soon. I feel certain we'd have a lot more information to exchange.

That's it. Complete every job interview with an after-interview cover letter or note. And don't be surprised if you receive a phone call within a few days—from someone at the company inviting you in for a second interview for the job you want.