Follow-up letters differentiate you as a candidate. These letters demonstrate interest, professionalism, and strong follow-up skills. We have assembled the most current thinking on writing follow-up letters, as well as providing several examples for you to use as a guide.

Follow-up letters have three elements in common:

• Thanking the manager for his/her time
• Indicating strong interest in the position being discussed
• Expressing your sincere desire to take the next step

Follow-up letters should be short and right to the point. Avoid reselling yourself in a follow-up letter -- this tends to distract from your candidacy and makes you look too hungry.

E-mail is the best approach for sending a follow-up letter. E-mail always tracks down a manager in a virtual office or while traveling on the road. Another good approach is Federal Express Priority Overnight. The U.S. Mail is too slow and faxing should be your absolute last choice.

IMPORTANT: Spell check and PROOF READ all correspondence. Spelling and grammatical errors are the easiest way to LOSE a job.

First Interview Follow-up

Samples

Dear Hiring Manager,

I want to thank you for the chance to meet you and become better acquainted with your company. You impressed me in a very positive sense with the present and future career opportunities within your firm.

Thank you again for the time and courtesy extended towards me during our interview. I look forward to meeting you in the near future.

Sincerely,
Your Name

Dear Hiring Manager,

Thank you for your time yesterday. If the caliber of people at (xyz company) is a reflection of you, I am anxious to move forward with your company. At this point, (xyz company) is the focus of my next career move. I hope to move to the next step.

Sincerely,
Your Name

Second Interview Follow-up

Samples

Dear Hiring Manager,

I want to reiterate my strong interest in the position we've been discussing. I like everything that I have seen and heard so far. I am looking forward to taking the next step.

Sincerely,
Your Name

Dear Hiring Manager,

I want to reiterate my strong interest in the position we've been discussing. I know this must be a difficult decision for you, I feel confident that you will reach the right conclusion. I'm looking forward to joining COMPANY NAME and your team in the near future.

Sincerely,
Your Name

Final Interview Closing

Samples

Dear Hiring Manger,

Thank you for the impressive series of interviews today. I thoroughly enjoyed the headquarters tour and meeting the staff, I was particularly impressed by you and your team's commitment to professionalism and winning.

I am very enthusiastic about the sales position we have been discussing and look forward to joining your team in the near future.

Sincerely,
Your Name

 

Dear Hiring Manager,

Having evaluated several opportunities, COMPANY NAME ranks as my first choice. I believe my experience would be an invaluable asset to your company and I want to be part of your team. I am your man. Make me an offer.

Sincerely,
Your Name

 

Dear Hiring Manager,

Thank you very much for organizing the interviews yesterday. I enjoyed what I felt to be very positive meetings with everyone, and am convinced that this is an outstanding opportunity to work with a great team and earn a lot of money. I am very enthusiastic about the LA sales position and look forward to joining your team in the very near future.

Sincerely,
Your Name

Reference Submittal

Dear Hiring Manager,

I wanted to take a moment to again reiterate my strong interest in the position we've been discussing. I look forward to joining the XYZ Corporation and your team. Please find the references you requested. Should you have any problems contacting my references please call 310-821-6155.

Reference I

Reference: Ashley Grant
Relationship: Former Manager
Present Company: Executive Dynamics
Former Company: IBM
Title: President
Telephone Numbers: 310-821-6155

Reference II

Reference: Don Richmon
Relationship: Former Manager
Present Company: Siebel
Former Company: XeroxIBM
Title: Area VP
Telephone Numbers: 310-821-6155

Reference III

Reference: Chris Robert
Relationship: Peer (Salesperson worked with @ Siebel)
Present Company: Siebel
Former Company: n/a
Title: District Sales Manager
Telephone Numbers: 310-821-6155

Reference IV

Reference: Jay Gordon
Relationship: Customer (sold $4mm system to Jay while he was @ Hughes)
Present Company: TRW
Former Company: Hughes
Title: MIS Director
Telephone Numbers: 310-821-6155

Sincerely,

Your Name