Are you applying for a job and got a response? Congrats! The worst case scenario is over, you got the job you were looking for. Now, it’s time to send a heartfelt (or maybe not so heartfelt) letter of thanks.
Many job seekers are hesitant to send a thank you letter after receiving a job offer. They’re afraid that they’ll come off too much like a beggar or that the company will question their motives. Maybe they’re even worried that the company will rescind the offer because they feel they were only applying for the job to thank them?
While all these scenarios are possible, the truth is your letter won’t come off that way. Chances are the company will appreciate your eagerness to work for them and your gratitude will be clear to everyone.
Why Should You Write A Thank You Letter?
When someone offers you a job, there are a few things you ought to say. First, you should thank them for their time and effort in reviewing your application. This is pretty standard and is something you’d say to anybody who offered you a job in the first place. Next, you should let them know exactly what you’re grateful for: the opportunity to interview, the positive feedback, etc. Finally, you should ask if there’s anything else you can do to further the process.
Asking for a thank you letter can seem a little strange at first. After all, you already got the job you were looking for. But, letting them know what you’re grateful for will not only make you seem like a more mature candidate, it will also show that you’re loyal and determined to stay on the right path.
How Can You Make A More Impressive First Impression?
Sometimes, candidates will embellish their applications with false information in an attempt to stand out above the rest. In these cases, a thank you letter can be a good idea. It will show that you were honest with them during the application process and that you were able to maintain a positive mindset during a difficult time.
For instance, you mentioned on your resume that you have a sibling who was recently diagnosed with cancer. The company you’re interviewing with is a family-owned business and thought it would be the perfect fit. So, they contact your brother’s doctor and get the details of his prognosis. Your brother’s doctor responds by sending a letter to the company owner, detailing your sibling’s struggles and expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to help. As a result, the company owner feels especially grateful for your brother’s prognosis and offers you a substantial increase in pay.
In cases like these, the doctor’s letter is a clear indication that you’re a more admirable candidate than those who didn’t include such personal stories.