After an interview, you might wish to send some follow-up correspondence in order to solve a problem or to present a proposal. We have already shown you some examples of thank-you letters and notes that were sent following an interview. In some cases, a longer or more detailed letter would be appropriate. The objective of this type of letter is to provide additional information or to present a proposal.
In some cases, you could submit a comprehensive proposal that would essentially justify your job. If there were already a job opening available, you could submit an outline of what you would do if hire. If no job were available, you could submit a proposal that would create a job and state what you would do to make hiring you pay off.
How to Use Email and Regular Mail for Follow-up Letters
Many hiring managers prefer correspondence via email. It’s easy, free and instantaneous. Therefore, if the timeline on hiring is short, email would have an advantage over regular mail.
When you are interviewed and the employer gives you his or her card with an email address, corresponding via email is generally acceptable. However, if you have a formal cover letter or thank-you note template and send these as email attachments, make sure they are in a universal format such as Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, Rich Text, Adobe PDF or HTML. Always mention the format of your letter in your email message. If you are ever in doubt about whether an employer can open your attachments, you should directly type or copy the follow-up letters into the body of your email.
In writing such a proposal, you must be specific in telling the hiring manager what you would do and what results these actions would bring. For example, if you proposed you could increase sales, how would you do it and how much might profits increase? Tell employers what you could accomplish and they may just create a new position for you. It happens more often than you probably realize.
Whatever the situations, your post-interview letter should present any concerns the employer may have had with you during the interview in a positive light. For example, if the employer voiced concern over a lack of specific experience, you would address his or her concern by stating that you are a quick study, self-motivated, and detail-oriented. Once you have put the employer’s concerns to rest, reinforce your interest in the job (if your are sending a post-interview letter). Include a statement like, “After hearing more about the job, I am even more certain my skills and education will be beneficial to your company. I am eager to begin working for you and will call next Monday to inquire about the hiring decision.”
Sample Letters
March 12, 2005
Ms. Veronica Jennings
ABC Company
123 Aspen Avenue
Laurel, Maryland 20708
Dear Ms. Jennings:
Thank you for meeting with me last Friday to discuss the position of project manager with your company. The position sounds interesting and challenging. I believe my knowledge of financial operations will prove to be an asset to your marketing department. I also appreciated the tour of your company. It gave me valuable insight into the workings of your company and further increased my desire to become a part of your organization.
Our discussion has strengthened my interest in this position, and I would welcome the opportunity to proceed to the next step. Again, thank you for the time and courtesy extended to me. I look forward to meeting with you again.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Michael Kennedy
March 12, 2005
Mr. Brian Andersen
Andersen and Collins
246 Walker Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44111
Dear Mr. Andersen:
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the opening for a sales representative in your company. I enjoyed meeting with you and learning more about your company and its products.
My education, as well as my experience working as a customer service representative during my summer internship with the Coleman Company, will allow me to make a significant contribution to your company over time. My enthusiasm and interest in this position have increased and strengthened after our interview.
I want to reiterate my strong interest in the sales position and in working with you and your staff. Please contact me if you have any additional questions. Again, thank you for the interview and your consideration.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Thomas Ramirez