How to Write an Effective Post-Interview Letter

After completing the application process and interview, many medical assistant candidates just sit around waiting to hear the verdict on whether or not they are being hired for a job.

Writing a post-interview thank you letter is one thing that not only helps you stand out from the rest, but also further proves that you are, indeed, the best person for the job.

Although it’s not technically required or expected, it is a courtesy that can speak volumes and go a long way towards securing your dream job.

Writing this type of letter takes minimal effort. At least, it never hurts to make a positive lasting impression on the hiring manager.

There are several reasons why a post-interview thank you letter is important:

1
Fresh in mind

First and foremost, it keeps your name and qualifications fresh in mind of the hiring manager

2
Promotion

A thank you letter sent after the interview gives you that one last chance to promote yourself, increasing your chances of being hired

3
Sincerity

It shows your sincerity to work in the medical assistant field

How to write a post-Interview thank you letter

Take a look at the example post-interview thank you letter below. This will give you a better understanding of the important elements to include when writing your own letter.

Be sure to use a professional business letter format, just as you did with your cover letter. It should include:

  • Heading
  • Salutation
  • Body
  • Closing

Erin White, HR Manager
Sioux Falls Medical Treatment Center
38960 Bridge Street
Sioux Falls, ND 74820

Dear Ms. White,

Thank you for taking time to meet with me on Tuesday evening regarding the Medical Assistant position currently open at the Sioux Falls Medical Treatment Center. I enjoyed our discussion and appreciate all of the information you shared with me about the job duties. I would like to emphasize to you that I am still very much interested in the position.

As we discussed during the interview, you are looking for applicants with experience in a fast-paced, high-traffic environment. I fully understand that this particular Medical Assistant position takes care of a large volume of admissions during peak hours. My former job at a fast-paced, high-intensity workplace served as a fantastic training ground for such an environment. I feel that my prior experience, combined with my other qualifying skills and certifications, make me the perfect candidate for admitting patients during peak hours. I am confident that I could meet all the demands of this position should you give me the chance.

If you have any further questions for me prior to filling the position, please do not hesitate to call or email me. Otherwise, I look forward to hearing about your decision by the end of the month as we discussed.

 

Sincerely,
Megan Smith, CMA
(403)454-3223
megan_smith@yahoo.com

Above letter fulfills the primary purpose, which is to express gratitude to the person who interviewed you. Many applicants often become overly focused on reiterating their qualifications and totally forget to mention the thank you part.

Also, it emphasizes another important aspect — work experience in a fast-paced environment. It’s a good angle to refresh the hiring manager’s memory about who you are.

As strange as it may sound you may briefly touch upon weaknesses or a lack of experience that may have been mentioned during the interview.

This is a good tactic to use if there was a definite lack of qualifications or experience with specific job expectations brought to your attention during the interview.

Sometimes people get nervous during an interview and wish they would have answered an interview question differently or responded to concerns in an alternative way.

You should have taken some time to reflect after the interview. You have probably thought of parallel experiences you could have discussed.

However, if no weaknesses or lack of experience were mentioned, be sure not to use the post-interview letter to bring up possible limitations or plant any seeds of doubt.

This type of letter should always be brief. You can explain, in a concise and straightforward way, how you’ll compensate for any lack of experience.

As with the cover letter, you should also limit your post-interview thank you letter to one page.

Ideally, it should be no more than a few paragraphs. Don’t repeat all of your qualifications or your entire resume again.

You may also choose to end the letter with a polite, professional statement that you would like to be hired for the position, but only if you did not already state that at the beginning of the letter.

You certainly do not want your letter to sound repetitive.

What about a follow-up phone call?

A follow-up phone call should not be done on the same day as the interview or on the same day the post-interview thank you letter is set to arrive.

It’s important, especially if you are contacting a busy doctor’s office, not to be overbearing or waste his or her time with unnecessary phone calls.

There is a fine line between annoying and persistent. There is no need to send an email every day or leave eight voice-mails inquiring about the status of the position.

You should at least wait until the designated date for a decision has passed before following up with a direct phone call.

If no specific date or time frame was set, wait at least five to seven days after sending the post-interview letter before making the call.

As always, be professional while speaking to the hiring manager or doctor. Identify yourself immediately, using proper and professional phone etiquette.

You should state why you are calling, what position you are calling about, and then politely inquire about any final decisions that have been made. Best of Luck!

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