Reference this 6 step plan for the perfect follow up letter and get that job!

Chances are you were one of a number of people contending for the same job, so you need to make yourself memorable

If you want the best chance at securing that job, then you still have one last thing to get done after the interview. Use the example below as a guide to writing up your own follow-up letter and securing that job.

Step 1: Ensure you address your interviewer correctly. Use their appropriate title and be sure to check the spelling of their name. A simple greeting will suffice:

“Good Afternoon Mr Doe”

Step 2: An attention seeking, opening paragraph will keep your reader interested. Thank the interviewer for their time and add a personal comment or compliment about the interview:

“Thank you for such a warm welcome at my interview today. I appreciate you taking the time to talk me through the specifics of the role.”

Step 3: Be mindful of your tone and language when writing the follow-up letter. Remember that this is a possible future employer, therefore, keep your tone respectful. Use language which represents the role you have applied for. If you are applying for a job which entails quick decision making and a strong personality, keep your tone formal and precise. If it is a more creative role which requires a warm manner and a relaxed personality then putting this across in your use of language could be advantageous.

Step 4: Keep the content of your letter precise and to the point. Include specific reasons as to why you would be the ideal candidate for the job or unique attributes which could set you aside from other interviewees. For example, if you are applying for a job in primary teaching, the following would be suitable:

“I have studied hard to gain my qualifications for teaching in between having my own children. I strongly believe that children need routine and encouragement in order to thrive in their studies and this has proven true with my own children.”

Step 5: It is paramount that your interviewer is able to recall who you are after your interview, as they may have carried out a number of interviews. In order for them to remember you well, remind them of any specifics from the interview or anything which you may have had in common with the interviewer.

Step 6: Finally, gently remind the interviewer of the date they suggested a decision would be made and finalise the letter in a professional manner. Try not to make it seem long-winded, use the example for reference:

“I patiently await your decision on June 15th and if you have any more questions before then, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Yours Sincerely,

Jane Doe.”

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