You've written a focused resume. Your cover letter could win awards. Your networking skills are top notch. You've rehearsed and rehearsed the telephone and face-to-face job interview. You sailed through the actual face-to-face interview and now you're waiting for the phone to ring with a job offer. Wait, is there something missing?

You know you were not the only candidate interviewed. In many hiring situations all the final candidates have something to offer. So you can't afford to pass up the chance to further impress the recruiter and get a certain hiring decision in your favor.

That's why a follow-up thank you letter could make an additional positive impression that could tip the scales in your direction.

Here are five persuasive reasons why a follow-up thank you letter could seal the deal for you:

1. You will stand out. Many of the other candidates will not send in a thank you letter. By sending in the follow-up letter you will be proactive and have another opportunity for the employer to remember you and to move your resume to the top of the decision stack.

2. You will reinforce your interest. You will get another opportunity to express interest in the position. What about the job turns you on? Reinforce this aspect of the job and don't forget to briefly mention other positive aspects of the job and how your experience matches the employer's needs.

3. You expand on the interview. Rarely will you leave an interview having fully answered every question. Now is the time to fill in any gaps in the interview. You can also use the thank-you letter to expand on information learned regarding key job functions of the position and highlight how your skills and experience match the job requirements.

4. You build on your professional approach. As soon as possible after the job interviews write out notes of each interview. Now write the follow-up thank you letter as soon as you get back to your computer. Don't delay, as you want the letter to be on the decision makers desk before the hiring decision is made. If you had to travel to the interview, be sure to bring a supply of quality envelopes and paper. Then when you write the follow-up letter at the hotel the paper and envelope will match your other correspondence.

5. You will impress the employer.. Your good manners clearly demonstrate that you are a professional, you pay attention to details, and you complete what you start. All are desirable qualities in an applicant and hopefully as a new employee. The follow-up thank you letter gives you another excellent opportunity to further impress the employer.

Another tip: Be sure to send a follow-up thank you letter to each person from the employer that interviewed you. Make it a point in your letter to reference something in the interview so it's apparent that you are not sending them a generic response. Personalize the letter and it will make you stand out.

Your follow-up thank you letter is beyond good manners. It gives you another opportunity to stand out, to correct, amplify and extend the interview. All are positive factors that should help you "close" the sale and be rewarded with a job offer.

John Groth is a Career Coach and former HR executive. On his site find Career Planning Ideas, valuable articles and a Free seven day career planning guide. Discover up to date career and recruitment strategies at our Job Search Tips all to assist you in developing and managing your career. http://employmentnetworkplus.com/tips/