Posts Tagged Thank You Notes

Add Punch to Your Follow Up Letter

Jun 2

Posted by doostang in Advice & Tips, Job Search, Thank You Notes | View Comments

By Alesia Benedict, CPRW, JCTC GetInterviews.com

follow-upPrivate Equity Analyst, New York, NY
Strategy/Planning Assistant Analyst , Chicago, IL
Investment Banking Associate, SF Bay Area, CA
Real Estate Research Intern, Los Angeles, CA
Senior Research Associate, Boston, MA

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An effective job search includes many facets and different steps. Most people know to submit their resume to job ads and some even make sure the resume is accompanied by a cover letter. Unfortunately, that is where the process stops for most job seekers. Few go the extra mile and use a powerful follow up letter to further market their career experience. Because it is a step rarely taken by job seekers, it makes those who do send a follow up letter stand out all the more. A great follow up letter can be the deciding factor in winning the interview or the job!

A follow up letter is generally sent one or two times in the job search. First, a follow up letter can be sent within a period of time after the resume and cover letter have been remitted to the employer. In this case, the follow up letter works to achieve branding or name recognition for you in the mind of the employer. The more contact you establish with the employer, the more likely you are to receive attention. Getting attention in this overheated, crowded job market is vital!

For this use of the follow up letter, don’t simply restate or rephrase what you said in your cover letter. Make sure to reiterate your interest but be more proactive. Provide an extra tidbit of information you did not mention in your first cover letter. Maybe draw a quote from a recent news article that relates in some way to the company in order to show you are paying attention to its needs. You could also reference the latest press release from the company website. Anything to show you are not just another job seeker making the rounds of resume distribution. Show you know something about the company and are interested in its success!

You can also take a more proactive approach to contact plans in the follow up letter. If you closed your cover letter with something along the lines of “I would like the opportunity to meet with you. Please feel free to call me”, you are taking a passive, reactive stance to communication. Take the opportunity within the follow up letter to be more proactive and state you will be contacting them again on a certain date. Be careful to follow through with that statement, though! Don’t say you are going to call or email and then not do it; it will reflect badly on your candidacy.

A second use of a follow up letter comes after the interview and can really make a huge impact on the likelihood of being called for a second interview or even being offered the job. In the follow up to the interview letter, don’t just thank the interviewer for his/her time and information. Bring up something specific that was discussed about the company or position and offer constructive comments. For example, if the hiring manager noted they were experiencing difficulties in the department with turnover, comment upon some possible solutions or approaches to resolving that problem. Demonstrate to the hiring manager you were paying attention, have given the problem some thought, and have some fresh ideas to bring to the table. Remember, employers are looking for problem solvers!

Whether you are sending a follow up letter to your resume submission or a follow up letter to an interview, you need to bring new material into the document. You are already going a step further than most other job seekers so really make it count. Customize the follow up letter with fresh information about your qualifications or something about the company. Discuss a topic covered in the interview that relates to the company and not just to you. Demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. The extra effort will pay off!

About the Author:

Alesia Benedict, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) is the President of GetInterviews.com, the country’s leading resume writing firm. They provide professionals with customized, branded resumes and career marketing documents. Her and her firm’s credentials include being cited by JIST Publications as one of the “best resume writers in North America,” quoted as a career expert in The Wall Street Journal, and published in a whopping 25+ career books. Established in 1994, the firm has aided more than 100,000 job seekers to date. All resume writers are certified writers. GetInterviews.com offers a free resume critique and their services come with a wonderful guarantee — interviews in 30 days or they’ll rewrite for free!

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10 New Year’s Resolutions to Help You Land a New Job

Dec 28

Posted by doostang in Advice & Tips, Job Search | View Comments

Investment Banking Analyst, San Francisco, CA
Consulting Analyst, Washington, DC
Financial Analyst, Chicago, IL
Sales Associate, Cambridge MA
Junior Equity Trader, New York, NY

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land-a-jobWith this year coming to an end, it’s time to make some New Year’s resolutions. And if you’re looking for a new job in the new year, here at Doostang we composed a list of job search resolutions all job seekers should take to heart.

Doostang News December 28: Ten New Year’s Resolutions for Your Job Search

1. I Will Apply to More Jobs

This is logical – the more job applications you submit, the greater the chances that someone will actually review your resume, invite you for an interview, and offer you the spot. Creating simple rules for yourself, such as “I will apply to at least 3 jobs a day” or “I will average 15 job applications a week” is the first step, so start spending more time on Doostang.

2. I Will Focus on the Jobs that Matter

Don’t just amp up the quantity of job applications, do it strategically. Don’t apply for positions you’re blatantly underqualified for, and – this goes without saying – don’t apply for positions you’re not interested in, just to fill your daily quota. The less time you waste applying to jobs that are out of your league, the more time you will have to focus on the opportunities that really matter.

3. I Will Perfect My Resume

You may think you’ve perfected your resume already, but is it really at its full potential? Doubtful. Remember that your review is bound to be biased and try to look at your resume from the perspective of someone who’s never met you. Can a stranger get a good reading of what you can bring to the table? Can they tell what you actually did at your last job? Are all the jobs and responsibilities you have listed relevant?

4. I Will Have Someone Else Review My Resume

A fresh, outside perspective can shed light on things you may have missed in your review, so ask a friend to go over your resume with you. Or better yet, get a professional resume critique and you can be sure nothing gets overlooked.

5. I Will Personalize Every Application

Make sure you personalize your materials to the job you’re applying for. No need to make massive changes to your resume every time, but it is important that the experiences and skills you’re listing are highly relevant. Make a separate list of all of your accomplishments and responsibilities. For every job you’re applying for, go down the list and pick the most relevant ones – those are what needs to go on your resume, the rest you can leave out.

6. I Will Write a Cover Letter for Every Job

Always include a cover letter with every resume you send out. It will give you a better chance to elaborate on your experiences and skills as they relate to the position you’re applying for. And as with resumes, make sure each cover letter is targetted to the job you’re applying for.

7. I Will Come Prepared to Every Interview

Do the research before every interview and get as much detail about the company and the position you’re applying for as possible. Try to figure out ahead of time what kind of person the employer wants to hire for the spot, then show the interviewer that you possess the desired skills.

8. I Will Have Better Answers for the Interviewer

Odds are your interviewer will ask you to elaborate on your employment history. Prepare this summary ahead of time and make sure it supports and enhances everything you’ve listed on your resume. When answering questions, give concrete examples that prove your point. Take some time to think of stories that illustrate some of your strengths: an example of you skillfully handling conflict, a story that shows that you’re a dedicated worker, and so on. Write these down and study them before your interviews, so that when you are, in fact, asked if you’re a team player, you can not only answer affirmatively but have a supporting story ready as well.

9. I Will Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

Don’t forget to have a list of insightful questions ready for your interviewer. Ask things that show that you’ve done your research and are eager to know more. Perhaps the most important question to ask is what problem the employer is trying to solve by hiring someone for this spot. Once you find out what the challenges are, show the interviewer how you’re the right person for the task. And remember, this is also your chance to get more details about the position and see if it’s a good fit for you.

10. I Will Always Write a Thank You Note

This is a vital but sadly, often overlooked step in the application process. A Thank You note is your final chance to make your mark on the interviewer, so don’t take this step lightly. Try to send it within 24 hours of your interview and reference some of the things you’ve discussed during the interview so that the interviewer can easily recall who you are. And of course, use the Thank You note to remind the interviewer why you’re right for the job and what you can bring to the company.


And there you have it job seekers, if you take these 10 Doostang resolutions seriously and make them your own, job search in the new year should be a breeze. Good luck!

Wishing you much career success in the new year,
The Doostang Team

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Job Search Thanksgiving – Don’t Forget about Thank You Notes!

Nov 22

Posted by doostang in Advice & Tips, Job Search, Thank You Notes | View Comments

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Private Equity Associate, Independent PE Firm, Los Angeles, CA
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thank-youThank you notes are little messages that can pack a whole lot of punch in your job search. Taking the time to write a thank you letter sends a message that you are both considerate and professional. It reinforces the positive impression you left and almost always increases your chance of landing your next big opportunity. So why – oh why! do so many people insist on forgetting them?

In this job market, it is all too likely for a pool of similarly qualified applicants to be vying for very limited positions, and you can bet that the one guy who sends a thank you letter when you don’t will be the one landing your job.

This lack of written appreciation is all too common, especially among young graduates first entering the work force, but it can make all the difference. Take our lead, and you’ll be writing like an expert in no time flat.

First: when should you write a thank you letter?

A thank you letter should always be written after:

When not to write a thank you note:

  • When you just sent one the day before – as always, too much of a good thing…is an annoying thing.

Make sure to always take business cards from the people you become acquainted with. Without basic information, your noble attempts at writing a thank you letter will be doomed before they even begin!

So, what have we learned thus far? Thank you notes are ALWAYS a good idea! Simple!

Next we’ll tackle the how: How are professional thank you letters written?

The type and length of your note depends on the situation and how formal your acquaintance is. The three main types of letters are typed, handwritten, and emailed.

  • Typed letters are the most formal and are always appropriate after interviews or other formal professional contacts.
  • Handwritten letters are used for shorter, more personal notes to individuals you know well or have briefly met during on-site interviews or who may have helped you in a more personal context.
  • Emailed thank you notes should only be used for persons who have specified a preference for email communication – and only as a preface for a typed or handwritten letter. Remember: tangible letters trump all! An actual letter is seen as more thoughtful and sincere – two qualities you want this person to know you have!

And that’s it – just three choices. To make it even simpler, typed letter: always appropriate. Check.

Finally: what do you actually write?

The body of your note should never be more than two to three paragraphs in length and never span more than a page.

Make sure that you:

  • Thank the person for their help or time
  • State exactly what it is that this person did for you, or the position you applied for and reasons you are excited about the position. This is especially important for formal business contacts or interviewers who may not know you in another context. They probably won’t remember you right away – give them a quick reminder.
  • If this note is for an interviewer, convey your enthusiasm about the opportunity for which you were applying. In the second paragraph, review your qualifications and special skills, or anything you feel was overlooked in your interview. Be sure to keep this section classy and concise! This is not a way to mop up a terrible interview – just a little push in your favor to reinforce a job well done.
  • Close in an open way. Offer up an invitation for future contact with your own information and thank the reader once again.
  • Give a date for a follow up phone call. Stick to it! Take note of deadlines and make sure that you follow up before a final decision is made.

That’s it!

Thank you notes are effective, easy networking tools that can only help your professional relationships. Think about it – from a psychological perspective, when you make others feel good about themselves, they instinctively feel good about you and are more likely to help you out in the future. Your chances of receiving positive feedback increase dramatically when you show sincere appreciation. An appropriate thank you letter can mean the difference between a call back and a cold shoulder, so learn to write them well and learn to write them often! Ready? And…..go!

So Dear Reader:

To conclude, thank you so much for taking the time to review this article. We hope it has helped you to better your job search in some way, and we look forward to blogging more enticing articles for you to read in the future.

If you’re looking for access to exceptional job openings, please do not hesitate to browse www.doostang.com at any time of the day or night.

Thanks again, and happy job hunting!

Sincerely,

Team Doostang

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Doostang News: Don’t Forget To Write A Thank You Note!

Oct 8

Posted by doostangkaitlin in Advice & Tips, Job Search, Thank You Notes | View Comments

Equity Hedge Fund Analyst, New York, NY
Marketing Analyst, Los Angeles, CA
Investment Banking Intern, London, UK
Management Consultant, Chicago, IL
HR Associate, San Francisco, CA

A well-written post-interview Thank You Note should be a vital step in your job search routine. And here at Doostang we want to give you some tips on how to get the most out of this small gesture. Read on, you can thank us later.

Thank You Notes: A Little Gratitude Goes a Long Way.

thank-youYou know that moment – the one where you’re walking out of the interview after that last firm handshake, closing “Thank you for your time”, and final flash of the charming smile over your shoulder. It’s that moment of release. You put your best foot forward, you rocked the tailored suit, you even shared a passion for fly-fishing with your interviewer. You conquered the final hurdle of the recruiting process: the interview. But have no illusions, Dear Job Seeker, it’s not time to throw off that game face just yet…

In fact, that very game face will make its next appearance on the page. That’s right, folks – the oft-overlooked Thank You Note. It sounds simple, but it’s key. So important, that we may as well view it as one of the many essentials of the job seeking checklist. Here’s why:

  • Writing a quick Thank You demonstrates that you are gracious. Simply put: it’s polite. Apart from appealing to your interviewer’s sense of common decency, it shows that you value both the opportunity and their time.
  • It serves as a great refresher for the discussion that took place. Consider it the “minutes” of the interview, so to speak. Your interviewer may have a dozen other people that they are speaking to, so use a Thank You Note to further set yourself apart.
  • Sending a Thank You Note proves that you are still thinking about the job after the interview is over. Employers want to hire someone who has a genuine interest in the position, for this will likely carry over into the work itself.

So time to bust out the construction paper and Magic Markers, RIGHT? (Need I say WRONG?) A few guidelines for producing the polished, professional Thank You Note:

1. Hurry

Avoid a lengthy time lag between the friendly “Good bye” and the gracious “Hello”. Send an email to your interviewer shortly after you get home. Your gesture should arrive the day of your meeting; the day after, at most. To this end, an email is best, but a handwritten note to further follow up is nice too – though not entirely necessary.

2. Resell Yourself

Use the Thank You Note as a space to resell yourself. Remind the interviewer why you’re a great match for the job. Providing a couple reasons why you’re the ideal candidate will keep you on the employer’s mind and help you to better close the deal.

3. Personalize, But Stay Professional

Tailor the note to multiple interviewers if you spoke to more than one person. One aim of the Thank You Note is to appear sincere, and if you rattle off the same generic “thanks” to each individual, the result may achieve just the opposite effect. That said, remember to keep the tone professional. You may be tempted to discuss all the wonderful things you had in common with the interviewer, or to revisit the joke that originally broke the ice, but the fact remains that procuring a job is serious business. Keep it that way. You’ll have plenty of time to rendezvous around the water cooler later.

4. Don’t Ramble

Keep it brief. No one has time to pore over your Thank You novella. A clear, succinct message is guaranteed to deliver a more lasting impression.

5. Check Your Grammar

Finally, proofread! Just as no one is going to take you seriously in an interview if your fly is unzipped, so too will they cringe at poor grammar and spelling errors. If it takes sending a copy of your Thank You to your mother to revise before you forward it on to your employer, DO IT. Mom probably deserved the thanks anyway.

Take home point: the Thank You Note is a given of today’s job search process. It’s courteous and it’s proven. As with all situations in life, my friends, Mind Your Manners!

So after you apply to your dream job on Doostang and nail that interview, don’t forget to send a thank you note and you should have no issues getting hired. Good luck!

Thank you for reading,

Team Doostang

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