Communication Skills: Writing a Thank You Note

After an interview, showing gratitude and reminding the interviewer of your amazing qualities in a thank you note can be the difference between an offer or a "no thank you." In fact, a recent survey found that 68% of hiring managers agreed that receiving a thank-you email/note impacted their candidate selection for the position. 

Reasons to Write a Thank You Note:

• It is polite.  Showing appreciation is always a good thing!
• For interviews, it is a time to remind the employer of your qualifications. The job market is competitive and you are most likely competing against other candidates to get that job or internship.  A thank you note shows courtesy, but it also helps you continue to promote yourself, too.
• It shows that you know how to be professional in a work setting.  Employers are looking for the right fit - both through displayed qualifications for the position and personality.  Sending a thank you note shows that you understand the rules of a professional environment and treat your supervisor, colleagues, and clients with respect.

This assignment includes a short LinkedIn Learning video that will give you insight into crafting a professional thank you note! LinkedIn Learning is an online resource that provides 100's of instructional videos to help students gain skills. 

Log into LinkedIn Learning

• Visit linkedin.com/learning/. You should be directed to UMD's CAS log-in page. Enter the same email address and password you use to access your UMD email. 
• You will be given the option to connect with your LinkedIn profile. If you do not have a LinkedIn account or do not wish to connect it, simply follow the prompts to "continue without LinkedIn."  The first time you connect, there may be a short series of questions from LinkedIn Learning about your specific interests. Follow the prompts and you should then be allowed into LinkedIn Learning. 
• Once you are logged in, type “Writing a Resume by Stacey Gordon” in the search box. 
• Open the video and look under "Content." Chapter 8, entitled Standing Out From the Crowd, contains the only video that is required for this assignment: "Use Thank-You Notes to Follow-Up" It is a 2:50 minute video. 

Listen carefully, you will be asked to answer quiz questions after the video!

Evaluation

In order to receive full points, you must answer the following quiz questions accurately and thoughtfully. 

For more information and additional resources, visit: careers.umd.edu