The thank you note -- an opportunity not to be missed for those seeking jobs in the aviation industry. This expression of gratitude catapults you ahead of 75 percent of job applicants, who do not leverage this valuable platform, according to an article on Monster.com. Moreover, 80 percent of HR managers say thank you notes are helpful when reviewing candidates.
This document keeps your name on the employer’s radar during the deliberation process. It allows you to reinforce key points from the interview or your resume; demonstrate business etiquette and interpersonal acumen; and showcase your initiative, proclivity to follow-through on actions, and communication skills. It also foreshadows how you will likely interact with clients and colleagues.
Invest time and thought in composing the thank you note. A key principle in “Write to Influence!” is to leverage available space and the reader’s time to your advantage. Time is fleeting – the reader is busy. Space, too, is limited. You have only two or three paragraphs in the body to convey your message. Therefore, write with precision to make each word count.
Here are three tips to compose an impactful thank you note.
1) Know the audience. This is the cardinal rule for all communication. The audience here consists of individuals who helped set up and conduct the interview. Open with a salutation, express gratitude for the individual’s time invested on your behalf, and cite the interview’s date and the job title. You might also include something you learned during the interview or an aspect of the company you admire.
Dear Ms. Smyth,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview on August 31 for the aerospace engineer position. I enjoyed learning about Aero Inc.’s outreach program with local colleges to give prospective aerospace engineers practical experience while earning their degree. If selected for this job opportunity, I would like to support this effort, as well.
2) Determine the core message. Hint: It is not “thank you.” Strategize the body of the thank you note to maximize its value. Focusing on the company’s needs discussed in the interview, explain how you can contribute and how the company will benefit by hiring you.
Here are some points to consider for this section: 1) In describing an accomplishment, emphasize your impact and provide detail to enable the reader to grasp the significance 2) If appropriate to the story, mention examples of demonstrated critical thinking, solving complex problems, teamwork, leadership, initiative, and your communication skills (written and verbal), and 3) Avoid unnecessary, job-related jargon.
The Before and After examples below demonstrate these tips.
BEFORE: As discussed, I am proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, AutoCAD, MathCAD, CATIA V5 and V6, TMRTool, Oracle, C++, Perl and advanced electronic optics and look forward to applying these skills with Aero Inc.
AFTER: As discussed, I led a 7-person team and collaborated with four other multidisciplinary engineering teams to design structural modifications of eight aircraft systems for Boeing 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s and 777s. We helped elevate safety and quality specs, improve aerodynamics, and equip navigation and control systems with cutting-edge advancements. Our company’s CEO awarded my team a Certificate of Merit for our achievements.
Throughout these projects, I leveraged my expertise in multiple design and drafting software applications and other related automated tools. I look forward to applying these skills on similar efforts with Aero Inc.
One final suggestion for the body of the thank you note -- Did the interviewer relate anything personal e.g., shared interests or a similar educational background? Including an element unique to your discussion will help the reader remember you.
On a personal note, I enjoyed discussing our mutual interest in partnering with local high schools to stimulate students’ interest in pursuing aerospace careers.
3) End on a strong note. Conclude with an enthusiastic statement about this opportunity, note your availability to provide further information, and provide contact data.
Thank you again for your consideration. I hope to have the opportunity to join your team. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions.
Best regards,
[Name]
[Email address]
[Phone number]
The final steps in composing the thank you note are revising, editing, and proofreading. Read the draft aloud to check the pace and flow of the text, ensure the document is error free (spelling, punctuation, and grammar), and verify correct spelling of the name and address of the recipient. Mistakes in these areas could terminate your candidacy.
The thank you note is your final opportunity to engage the decision makers. Strive to Write to Influence!
The second edition of the multiple award-winning book Write to Influence! is available on-line at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers. For more information about Carla D. Bass, Colonel, USAF (Ret), her highly acclaimed workshops, and her other articles, see www.WriteToInfluence.net.
