This month's tip is on the art of writing a thank you note. I recommend writing a thank you note after every interview or networking interaction. Writing a thank you note is important because:

• It demonstrates your appreciation to others for taking the time to meet with you.
• It sets you apart from those who do not send a thank you message.
• It is good for you! Did you know that gratitude can support our physical and emotional health, as well as our relationships with others?

A thank you note should be brief and below is one format you can use when drafting this message:

• Express gratitude for taking the time to meet with you
• Provide your overall impression from the meeting
• Briefly discuss your interest or excitement about something specifically discussed
• Reiterate your gratitude and interest

Using this framework, here is a sample thank you note:

Below are several tips before sending your thank you note:

Customize Each Letter

After an interview, send a thank you note to each person who met with you. Customize each one by stating something you specifically appreciated from your time with them. If you do not have their contact information before the interview, you can ask for this information from the coordinator who set up the meeting. Alternatively, you can ask for the person’s contact information during the interview.

Proofread the Letter

Spend the same amount of time proofreading your thank you note as you would your CV or cover letter. When I worked in the legal field, I spoke to a recruiter who told me that they were preparing to offer a position to an attorney. However, when they received the attorney’s thank you letter, this person misspelled the name of the law firm. Due to that misspelling, the law firm decided not to extend the offer to the attorney. This position required a high attention to detail and they felt like this error was a negative reflection on this skill.

When to Send the Letter

Always send your note within 24-48 hours. This becomes particularly important after an interview if you know the employer is planning to make a hiring decision quickly.