You've sent your resume and cover letter off to your first, second, and even third choices of potential employers. You have invested time and money into the job search process, and now you're waiting for someone to bite.

However, unlike a fisherman, you're going to say thank you to your catch and even to the ones that get away. In today's fast-paced job market, job seekers often overlook the little things like after-interview thank you letters.

Job seekers either consider the company they have interviewed for to be an inanimate thing, cold and uncaring (even though every company is made up of flesh and blood people) or that they should only say thank you if they get the job (just plain rude).

Unfortunately, ignoring this simple step could cost you the job of your dreams. If you consider the primary goals of your resume / cover letter to sell yourself, then doesn't it make sense to follow through?

Recently I was apartment hunting. Occasionally one of the places I looked at sent me a thank-you note. They are the ones that stand out in my mind. When it comes time to pick an apartment, I'll remember who took the time to send a thank you. The same goes for interviews. Job seekers who send a follow-up letter stand out in the interviewer's mind. Wouldn't you be thrilled if after an interview the company sent you a thank you? Well, the people who receive your thank you letter will be too.

Here are some suggestions for thank you letters:

Send a follow-up letter as soon as possible after the interview. It is perfectly acceptable to write a thank you letter and send it by e-mail. However, keep the letter businesslike and avoid Web acronyms such as LOL (laughing out loud) and TIA (thanks in advance). And no smiley faces! Keep your audience in mind. Consider the "personality" and culture of the company when you write your follow up letter.
Use a standard business letter format. Address the letter to the person who interviewed you; include interviewer's name, title, organization, and complete mailing address. Express appreciation for the time and consideration the interviewer extended to you. Mention the date of the interview and the position you applied for. Re-emphasize your most important skills and qualifications. Let them know how you expect to contribute to the organization. Be sure to check spelling and grammar before sending!