TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: My Thank You Just Got Me The Position From:Ivan Gelicall <ivan_gelicall -at- HOTBOT -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 4 Jun 1999 10:39:53 -0700
All:
I just spent the last 3 weeks interviewing with a company that wanted a technical writer. I was told from the outset that they were looking at more than one candidate for the position and that they would choose a candidate carefully. If they were not satisfied with any of the potential candidates, they would start the process over. "They would not hire someone for the sake of hiring them."
I worked hard, studied the company, and prepared myself for each interview. After each interview, I asked for the interviewee s card. I then headed back to my office and composed a thank you note telling the interviewee that I really enjoyed meeting with them and expressing my interest in the job. Since I interviewed with six people, I had to write six separate thank you letters catered to each individual.
I was offered the job yesterday, and what put me above the other candidates was those thank you letters, not only did they set me apart but they proved that I had a flexible writing style, which doesn t always come across in samples.
