How do you showcase your skills and value proposition in a thank-you letter?

1 Why send a thank-you letter?

A thank-you letter is an opportunity to express your appreciation for the time and attention the employer gave you at the job fair. It also shows your professionalism, enthusiasm, and interest in the position and the company. A thank-you letter can help you reinforce your qualifications, highlight your achievements, and address any questions or concerns that may have arisen during the conversation. It can also help you differentiate yourself from other candidates who may not bother to follow up or send generic messages.

2 When to send a thank-you letter?

The best time to send a thank-you letter is within 24 hours of the job fair. This way, you can capitalize on the momentum and the recency effect. The sooner you send your letter, the more likely the employer will remember you and your conversation. You can send your letter by email, mail, or both, depending on the preference and contact information of the employer. If you send it by mail, make sure it arrives within a week of the job fair.

3 How to address a thank-you letter?

The first step to writing a thank-you letter is to address it properly. Use the name and title of the person you spoke with at the job fair, and double-check the spelling and accuracy. If you don't have their name, try to find it on the company website, LinkedIn, or the job fair directory. If you still can't find it, use a generic salutation, such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Recruiter". Avoid using "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", as they sound impersonal and outdated.

4 How to structure a thank-you letter?

A thank-you letter should be concise, clear, and customized. It should have three main parts: an introduction, a body, and a closing. In the introduction, state the purpose of your letter, remind the employer of your meeting at the job fair, and express your gratitude for their time and consideration. In the body, restate your interest in the position and the company, showcase your skills and value proposition, and provide specific examples of how you can contribute to their goals and challenges. In the closing, reiterate your appreciation, request or confirm the next steps in the hiring process, and provide your contact information.

5 How to showcase your skills and value proposition?

The most important part of your thank-you letter is to showcase your skills and value proposition. This means demonstrating how you can solve the employer's problems, meet their needs, and add value to their organization. To do this, you need to research the company, the position, and the industry, and identify their pain points, goals, and priorities. Then, you need to match your skills, experience, and achievements to those areas, and provide concrete evidence of your results and impact. Use quantifiable metrics, specific examples, and relevant keywords to highlight your value proposition.

6 How to proofread and send a thank-you letter?

Before you send your thank-you letter, make sure you proofread it carefully. Check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors. Use a professional and respectful tone, and avoid slang, jargon, or humor. Make sure your letter is concise, clear, and customized, and that it reflects your personality and voice. Avoid using templates or copying and pasting from other sources, as they can sound generic and insincere. Once you're satisfied with your letter, send it as soon as possible, and keep a copy for your records.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?