The "Old Fashioned" but Still Powerful Thank You Note
Many candidates never bother to send thank you notes to the job interviewer. Big mistake! It's a powerful job search tool. So powerful that many hiring decision makers say the thank you note - or lack of a note - is a key factor in making a close decision between candidates with similar credentials. Yet, most people (I've heard estimates as high as 95%) Don't bother to send one.
When surveyed, employers and recruiters consistently say three things win the job interview: clear communications, enthusiasm, and good human relations. Sending a good thank you note demonstrates all three. This is why it is so critical.
Send it promptly.
Of course, you want to send the note out right away.
Send to everyone.
If you interviewed with multiple people, get their business cards so you can thank them.
Email vs. Hard Copy
Certainly, you CAN send an email thank you, and it has the advantage of speed. But sending hard copy, especially a greeting card is often better. First, most of us are deluged with email. The overwhelmed interviewer may never get to it. Second, many people delete emails from unfamiliar addresses. Third, your email may wind up in a spam filter.
Hard copy, sent through the US mail, on the other hand, is almost a novelty. When was the last time you received an envelop with your name handwritten on it with a real live stamp? If you get something like that, aren't you very curious? Who sent this? What is it? Not only is hard copy much more likely to reach the interviewer, but he/she is much more likely to read it. Of course, sending a handwritten note is only a good idea if you have good penmanship.
What to say?
Make it personal. Let the interviewers know that you appreciate their time. Refer to things you talked about in the interview. Reiterate your interest in the job and restate your case for being the ideal candidate. This is also an opportunity to say something about what you may have forgotten to say.
Bonus
You might also include an article on a topic discussed during the interview. If you noticed that the boss likes a certain cartoonist, you might include a particularly funny one.
Be creative (but always appropriate) to set yourself apart from the competition.
When surveyed, employers and recruiters consistently say three things win the job interview: clear communications, enthusiasm, and good human relations. Sending a good thank you note demonstrates all three. This is why it is so critical.
Send it promptly.
Of course, you want to send the note out right away.
Send to everyone.
If you interviewed with multiple people, get their business cards so you can thank them.
Email vs. Hard Copy
Certainly, you CAN send an email thank you, and it has the advantage of speed. But sending hard copy, especially a greeting card is often better. First, most of us are deluged with email. The overwhelmed interviewer may never get to it. Second, many people delete emails from unfamiliar addresses. Third, your email may wind up in a spam filter.
Hard copy, sent through the US mail, on the other hand, is almost a novelty. When was the last time you received an envelop with your name handwritten on it with a real live stamp? If you get something like that, aren't you very curious? Who sent this? What is it? Not only is hard copy much more likely to reach the interviewer, but he/she is much more likely to read it. Of course, sending a handwritten note is only a good idea if you have good penmanship.
What to say?
Make it personal. Let the interviewers know that you appreciate their time. Refer to things you talked about in the interview. Reiterate your interest in the job and restate your case for being the ideal candidate. This is also an opportunity to say something about what you may have forgotten to say.
Bonus
You might also include an article on a topic discussed during the interview. If you noticed that the boss likes a certain cartoonist, you might include a particularly funny one.
Be creative (but always appropriate) to set yourself apart from the competition.
Apr 28, 2015 by
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