Power of the Thank You Card

Written by Christina B, English ’18

Growing up, my mother would throw me a birthday party every year in our garage. Twenty plus children running around, playing games and eating snacks; it was amazing. Towards the end of the party, when we were stuffed full of cake and ice cream, my friends formed a circle and watched me open presents. I remember Mom exclaiming “Oh, what a wonderful gift!” and then scribble in a notepad. The “present” list: what I’d received and who had gifted it. The day after my birthday party, we’d sit at the dining room table and I’d write a thank you card to everyone who’d given me a present, thanking them individually for the specific present they’d given me. Maybe it’s because of those early birthday thank you cards that I always keep a stack of blank thank you cards in my closet.

Last week, I went to Target and bought new cards. They’re just so cheap and so freakin’ cute. This particular set has pink flowers decorating the calligraphy style lettering of “Thank You.” I threw them in my basket without even thinking because you can never have enough. Recently I’m using them for every interview encounter; job interview, internship interview, informational interview.

It takes five minutes to write a thank you card, and it catapults you ahead of every applicant who doesn’t send a note. Use it as a way to highlight why you’re the best candidate. Here is a template for what to send after a job/internship interview.

1. Thank them by name.
   • Dear, Mr./Mrs. Last Name, I appreciate your taking the time to interview me this afternoon. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the  marketing department of ­­­__________.

2. Reference instances during the interview that you can speak to your skills.
   • Our conversation affirmed my interest in joining the marketing team. I feel confident that my internship experience as a copywriter would allow me to effectively fill the position of Creative Assistant.
3. Remind them of how you can be reached and if you can provide any additional information. Creating the invitation for further correspondence will greater your chances of actually being contacted again.
   • Please feel free to contact me if I can provide any further information. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
4. One last thanks.
   • Thank you again for the opportunity to interview, have a wonderful rest of your day.

If you’re conducting an information interview, the thank you card is much less about getting job and more about manners and gratitude, while still showing that if you were to apply to their company, they may remember your name and put in a good word.

1. Thank them by name.
   • Dear, Mr./Mrs. Last Name, I appreciate your taking the time to chat with me this afternoon. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about your role of Creative Director at ­­­_______.

2. Reference instances during the interview that you can speak to your skills.
   • Our conversation on the expansion of Instagram analytics affirmed my interest in the digital marketing industry. I feel confident that my internship experience as a social media copywriter would allow me to thrive in a position within a marketing team.
3. As this wasn’t a job interview, use this as an opportunity to build your network.
   • I hope to reach out in the future with an update on my career development. Your valuable insight in the industry has given me a new excitement for my upcoming job search.
4. One last thanks.
   • Thank you again for the opportunity to interview, have a wonderful rest of your day.

With hand written notes, its best to carry some with you to every interview. After the five minutes it takes to write, leave with the front desk after an interview addressed to your interviewer(s). With info interviews, you’ll know where they’re employed. Send in the mail same or next day.

Thank you cards take extra time out of your day, yes. But just think. When you actually do it, and no one else chooses to, who is going to stand out in the hiring process? You are.