The Career Centre @ Western • The University of Western Ontario
University Community Centre, Suite 210 • London, ON Canada N6A 3K7 •
Phone: (519) 661-3559 • Fax: (519) 661-3949
THANK YOU LETTERS
During the job search process, you will meet many people who will provide helpful assistance to
you. They could give you some helpful career information, a list of relevant contact names, serve as
a reference for you, or interview you for a job. Sending a thank you letter to each person who has
had an impact on your job search is a perfect way to express your appreciation. The following are a
few guidelines to help you determine who to thank, what to say, and how and when to say it:
• Send a thank you letter to everyone who has helped you with your job search, expressing
your appreciation for their assistance. Thank information interviewees for the information
and contacts they provided, thank references for agreeing to speak on your behalf, and thank
the interviewer(s) for giving you the opportunity to meet regarding the position you are
seeking.
• Use business-like stationary or notepaper. You may type the letter or handwrite it (but only
if your handwriting is neat and legible).
• E-mail your thank you letter if you are concerned about making an immediate impact (eg.
the hiring decision will be made before your letter would arrive in the mail).
• Keep it short. Lengthy, flowery letters will not endear you to the letter’s recipient and may
be perceived as an attempt to “kiss up.”
• Maintain a professional tone in the letter, no matter how friendly a relationship you feel you
may have developed with the person. The note will likely become part of your personal file
and may be read by others.
• In a post-interview thank you letter, use the letter to confirm your serious interest in and/or
qualifications for the position.
• Send your thank you letter as soon as possible after contact - 1 or 2 days would be ideal. If it
arrives after the decision has been made, it will have little