You must do this right after a job interview!
Hello edumagicians, welcome to episode 7 of the EduMagic Podcast!
I am here to share with you the ONE thing that you need to right after an interview. If you tuned into episode 5, “Job Interview – Nailed it” Then you learned about 10 tips to help you conquer the job interview process. If you tuned didn’t tune in, please press pause and go back – you will "thank" me later! Edumagicians, are you ready for the one thing that you need to do right after an interview? This one thing can set you apart form other candidates – who wouldn’t want to stand out among the crowd of other candidates? Are you ready to know what it is?
It is …. Wait for it… a thank you note!
A thank you note can really go a long way after the interview. It brings you top of mind to the panel, and it adds a personal touch and a notion that you are serious about this career and job posting at the school. Lastly, it is polite!
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) notes that a thank you letter should be sent within 24 hours by mail to the panel. So, what should you write in the thank you letter? I am glad that you asked! Let’s talk about the top tips you should relay in your thank you letter. We will also cover some tips for formatting and layout!
As always EduMagiains, as a special thank you to my listeners, I have a PDF of this checklist and a thank you letter template! Just go to https://www.sfecich.com/06
Alright here we go! Buckle up!
Thank you note content tips:
Address the interviewers by name and thank them for their time and consideration. Pro Tip - Check your spelling and use correct format for his / her name (Dr., Mr. Mrs., etc).
Mention something specific from the interview – an example shared, a teaching story, something you learned about the district or school building.
Reiterate your excitement for the job posting and why you are excited about it. Pro Tip: Share something that you can bring the table for this positing. For example, “I am excited about the 3rd grade opening at Awesome Elementary school, I know I will be able to bring my passion for STEAM activities and integrate them into the curriculum to make hands on learning experiences for my students.”
Did you forget to mention something in your interview that related to a question posed by the committee? Mention it now – this is the perfect place to share it!
Leave it open at the end for conversation or dialogue. For example, simply adding a statement such as, “I look forward to discussing the 3rd grade opening further.” Can really do the trick.
Thank you note lay out tips
Just like the song says, “Signed, sealed, delivered”, Type your letter out in a font that is clear and easy to read (sorry no comic sans here) you want to have that professional vibe, print the letter, and sign it with a real pen. Yes, get out your favorite pen (cue clip of Clueless and Claire’s endless supply of fun fuzzy pens) and sign that baby!
If you have a knack for penmanship, (I do not – my mom will attest to that!) you may want to write your letter on personalized stationery – this can add a more personal touch to each letter. Or maybe you want to create your own stationary it is easy as one, two, three in canva. Canva has beautiful already created templates all you need to do is add the content!
Want to jazz it up a bit? Consider adding a QR code to your letter with a link to your digital portfolio – that way to the interviewer can zap it and get connect with you – immediately!
A tip for organization. I know some of you may be applying and interviewing at many different districts. That is why I loved reading in the article by KDP “After the interview”. The author wrote to make a table, so you know which districts that you sent letters to and which you have not. This is a great way to keep organized and keep track of who got letters and to make sure you are not duplicating, or even worse sending thank you letter to district A to district B! Talk about face palm!
