It never hurts to say thank you. Once you have been selected for a job you may think your work is done on the 'impressing' front and it's time to just move into a new desk and find out what your first project is. Wrong. You still have a chance to really start things off on the right foot and leave a better first impression.
The secret is a simple letter - an employment thank you letter. While you probably sent a 'thank you' after the interview, and most likely also said 'thank you' after you were told you got the job over the phone, it's still a professional and polite gesture to send an employment thank you letter. In addition to being an appreciation for the chance to work with the company, it will also be a chance to make sure everyone is on the same page, in writing, for the job you are preparing to do.
Keep in mind they offered you the job in your most recent communication. While you may have said 'yes' on the phone, that is not a formal acceptance of the job. This letter will be that formal acceptance as well as a polite communication that will show you are a professional and have manners. This letter should be addressed specifically to the person who made you the offer for the job.
When you begin penning an employment thank you letter there are a few things the correspondence needs to include: Appreciation - This is what the letter is all about. So, of course, you want to start it by letting the person who offered the position know just how much you appreciate the offer, and that they made the right decision in selecting you. Acceptance - You also want to make sure they know you are definitely taking the job. Your next paragraph should mention that you are looking forward to beginning to work with the new company, and this person, and even mention the date you will begin working in the new position.
Terms - It is always a good idea to mention your salary and benefits in an employment thank you letter. While they should remember what they offered you, and you should remember exactly what was offered, you don't want to be surprised and realize something wasn't as you remembered. It is best to make sure you mention your employment terms in the letter, so it is in writing for everyone to see. Make sure the letter includes all your pertinent information - name, address and phone number. While this should already be on file with your new employer, from your job application and resume, it never hurts to make sure it is easy for someone to contact you, if they should need to. Look at the paper you are using to print this letter on.
It should have a professional feel to it, not be extra thin and flimsy feeling. Again, it's about a professional appearance, not just something quickly thrown together. Double-check what is in your letter before you send it to your new employer. While you have already made it through the interview portion of things, and have even landed the job, you don't want them to second-guess whether they made the right decision when they see a sloppy letter.
Make sure you have no typos, and that all your grammar has been checked and checked again. While your interview was your first impression with the employer as a person, your employment thank you letter will be your first impression as a new hire. Make it a good one.
Richard Adams is the creator of the only guide that *guarantees* you a new job or you don't pay a penny. Find out more at http://www.writingaresumetips.com
