Thank You Note

Post Interview Tip:

It’s simple, quick, leaves a lasting impression and makes a significant difference in who gets an offer of employment. Research indicates that only 20% of candidates who have been on an interview follow up with a thank you note. Where are the other 80% of job seekers missing the boat?

You have spent years in school preparing for your career, weeks researching potential companies and probably traveled a great distance for the interview. You feel that the interview went well. You really want the position, so what do you do when you leave the interview? More often than not, you just return home and wait for a call back.

After all of this time, money and effort you really need to follow-up with a thank you note. Most hiring authorities prefer a simple, to the point email. Thank them for their time and let them know that you want the job. It is that simple and can be done in a matter of minutes. The result can be a long rewarding career.

Articles on Thank You Emails

Articles on Thank You Notes

As Job Market Improves, Candidates Notice

In the depths of the recession, as unemployment rates were rising and everyone knew someone who was being affected, "It's better than no job at all" became a common refrain across the factory floors and offices of America. While it was a poor retention strategy, it was a worse recruiting strategy and now, with the economy on the mend, candidates are no longer falling for it.

"Candidates now know-as much, if not more than hiring managers-that the market is improving," says Rob Romaine, president of MRINetwork. "Top candidates are getting multiple offers, and those who don't like what they hear from one employer are more frequently willing to wait for another suitor."

Employment growth was below expectations in March, with just 120,000 positions added compared to more than 200,000 in some projections. Though that had followed four months in which more than a million positions were added collectively. The rate of growth is expected to remain decidedly slower for the remainder of the year. However, short of the U.S. economy slipping back into to a major recession-something almost no economist is projecting-the labor market is going to remain competitive.

"It's dangerous to underestimate the competitiveness of the labor market. Companies are pursuing plans, bidding on business, and making projections, only to later realize that it is taking many months for their internal HR departments to fill the roles and often at higher starting salaries than expected," notes Romaine. 

The job openings rate has risen from 1.8 percent in the worst of the recession to 2.5 percent in February. Over the same time, the hires rate has risen from 2.8 to 3.3 percent, while the separations rate has fallen from 3.5 to 3.1 percent.  While the positions available and being filled span almost all sectors of the economy, the bulk of employees being hired share one thing in common: four-year college degrees.

Since March of 2011, total employment by those with a Bachelor's degree or higher has risen by more than 1 million positions. Total employment by those with less than a Bachelor's degree, though, has actually shrunk by 218,000 positions. The unemployment rate for those in management, professional, and related occupations has fallen to 4.2 percent, and when you look at more technical fields, the rate begins to approach full employment.

"Candidates have realized how rare a commodity they are, but when an employer isn't making them feel courted, somebody else will," says Romaine. "It's not that top performers are demanding the red carpet treatment during the hiring process, but when they have multiple offers, the style of the process can be as important as the substance of the opportunity."

Five Things to Consider Before and After Writing a Cover Letter

BEFORE:
1. Specificity
Research the practice to which you are applying. Address the doctors, staff, or hiring authority by name. If possible, at some point in your letter you could even mention what you know about this particular practice’s environment that appeals to you professionally as a potential employee.

2. Confidence
Who are you and why are you writing a cover letter to this practice? State what you are looking for and what you can immediately bring to the table.

3. Sell your experience
Briefly touch on experiences with specialty clinics, conferences, lectures, research, externships, residencies, school organizations, professional organizations, certifications, teaching, or continued education. You may even want to mention your undergraduate degree or a previous work experience, if they are relevant to the position for which you are applying.

4. What’s in it for you?
Not only do you want to show the practice what’s in it for them, but you also want to illustrate how this practice will benefit you as a professional in your field. What do these goals say about your work ethic and personality?

5. Sell your virtues
Throughout your letter, you want to clearly explain why it would benefit the practice to hire you. Express your passion for your field by highlighting traits and skills you posses that make you an invaluable asset to the organization. For example, what skills do you have with communication, business, or management?

AFTER:
1. Consistency
In just a few short paragraphs, you are trying to convince a company that you are the best choice for a potential hire. Disperse your virtues throughout the letter as they are relevant to your experiences and future goals. Consistency in purpose will balance your letter and make it easier, more enjoyable to read, and more impressive.

2. Concise wording
Brevity is the key, as it will allow you to more easily insinuate self-confidence and purpose within your letter. Avoid clichés and redundancy in your wording, and try to use fresh verbs and adjectives.

3. Contact information
In your closing paragraph, include a sentiment regarding your availability and the different methods of contact, which should include a phone number and email address. Detailing your specific times and methods of availability denotes professionalism and a sincere interest in speaking further with your potential employer.

4. Clean, simple formatting
Break up your paragraphs so that each one addresses one or two points and contains no more than five sentences. Look up proper formatting for formal letters so that you know where to put dates, names, addresses, or contact information.

5. Correct grammar and spelling
The editing process may be daunting, but proof-reading is essential for an impressive cover letter. When you’ve spent so much time writing, it can be invaluable to get a fresh perspective from a friend, peer, or family member; new eyes may be able to spot a mistake that you’ve overlooked and small technical errors could break your chances for an otherwise well-deserved interview

Sample Cover Letter

Date

Doctor office/name
Address
City, State Zip



Dear Practice Owner:

I am a fourth year Optometry student at the College of Optometry seeking an associate position in the Happyville, USA area upon my graduation in May 2012. I am looking to work in a friendly environment where I can contribute to practice growth while broadening my scope of practice. As a hardworking and highly motivated individual, I am open to working mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Through participation in externships, research, and Optometric organizations, I have used my time in Optometry school to gain exposure to all branches of Optometry. I have volunteered, participated in many continuing education courses, and attended lectures at the Optometrist Conference Meeting each year. While I am confident that my education and experiences have prepared me to diagnose and treat patients in all facets of Optometry, I am excited to start my career in the Optometric world where my skills will increase exponentially.

I strongly believe that my positive attitude, excellent communication skills (including an ability to speak Spanish fluently), and background in Business Administration will allow me to be a valuable asset to your practice. Before entering the field of Optometry, I earned a degree in Management Information Systems from the University and spent a year as a Quality Assurance Analyst at ABC Co., which has given me a fundamental understanding of business principles and will aid in my transition from student to practicing Optometrist.

I have enclosed my CV for your consideration. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications and experiences in detail. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (555) 555-5555 or via e-mail at email@web.com.

Thank you for your time and consideration and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,



Great Optometrist, O.D.