You’ve probably been told that you need to send a thank you note after your interview, but has anyone ever told you how to write one. There are a few rules that can help you create a cover letter that will attract their attention and help you land the job. It is perfectly acceptable to send a hand written note or a formal email. Here are some things to keep in mind when writing your thank you letter after an interview.

Always Provide Your Contact Information

The interviewer should be able to identify the letter’s sender before reading it. If you’re sending a hand written note, do it on stationary that includes your name similar to the way it is formatted on your resume. If you’re sending an email, make sure you have a professional signature line at the end. Include at least your name, email address, and phone number.

Directly Address the Interviewer

You may not have known who to send your resume and cover letter too, but there is no excuse once you send a thank you note. Before you leave the interviewer, ask for a card so you have the full name and contact information. If you interviewed with more than one manager, send each one an individualized thank you note.

Start with Gratitude

Your first paragraph should always being with an expression of thanks. For example, “Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to meet with me.” From there, you can add specifics about the job at hand and reiterate how much you know and how interested you are. “As we discussed, I have extensive experience as an executive assistant including keeping a calendar and making travel arrangements. I am excited about working with your organization.”

Add Details in the Next Paragraph

In the meat of the letter, include the things that make you stand out from the crowd. Share a story about why you think you will be a fit. Or, you can add things that you forgot to say in the interview. For example, “Your question about international travel made me think of something I forgot to mention. Last year, I was able to coordinate a trip for multiple executives to meet at a summit in South Africa. I would love to share more details with you about this experience in a future conversation.”

End with an Action Statement

The end of the letter is the place where you can attract the attention of the interview and give them a reason to call you back. “I look forward to hearing back from you at the end of this week. As we discussed, I will call you on Monday if I haven’t heard. Feel free to contact me to discuss the next steps in the process.” Always close the letter with “Thank You,” or “Sincerely,” and sign your name. In an email, your signature block will work as well.

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