Writing a thank you note after an employment interview is a must. Plan to send out your thank you letters as soon as possible (no later than the next day) after your interview. Here are some pointers to help you write a thank you note that will make you stand out in the crowd:

1. Email has become very acceptable for a thank you note. To really stand out though, follow up your email thank you with a personal, handwritten note.

2. In addition to thanking the person(s) you talked with, the thank you note reinforces the fact that you want the job. Even if it is a position you are not interested in, send a thank you note expressing your appreciation for the time they spent with you. Remember there may be other positions in the company or other people they know who may have an interest in your skills.

3. View the thank you as a follow-up sales letter. This gives you an opportunity to restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant contributions, and so on. It also puts your name back in front of the hiring manager and reminds them that you are the candidate they want to hire.

4. If you interviewed with several people in the company, make sure to individualize their thank you notes. Send them separately, don’t just cc them on your emails.

5. Remember to proofread: check spelling, grammar, typos, etc. If in doubt about the correct name, spelling or title, call the office and ask the receptionist.