What's the most effective way to say "thank you" after you’ve interviewed for a job? Is a handwritten note better than an email? How long should the note be?
- Teresa in New Jersey
In the interests of time in this digital age, an email can seem most effective and frankly easiest. However, the handwritten post-interview thank you note is far more appreciated. Jacqueline Whitmore (a guest on Making a Living with Maggie) notes in her book, Business Class, that 76% of business executives take into account thank-you notes when evaluating job candidates; yet only 36% of candidates send them.
I know a corporate recruiter who posts every thank you note he receives on a special wall in his office. Good quality stationery is key but so is good content.
The note should be brief and focused on topics such as:
- your appreciation for the interviewer’s time
- an important point on which you and the interviewer connected
- what about the job or company makes you want to work there
- that you look forward to hearing back regarding next steps.
Details matter. Ms. Whitmore cautions getting names and titles correct by asking for a business card from each person with whom you interview. Unfortunately one misspelled name or title could indicate a lack of attention to detail and a reason for them not to call you back for a second interview.
Last but not least, a recent caller into my show referenced the panel interview style where several interviewers ask questions of a candidate at the same time. It’s important to send an individualized thank you note to each person in these circumstances. Read more on panel interview do’s and don’ts.
Good luck Teresa!
Share your interview comments and questions below. Is there an approach that’s worked well for you? Did you develop your own methods of following up? Does your industry do things differently? I welcome your thoughts here and invite you to tune into Making a Living every Friday at 4pm ET/1pm PT!
Photo courtesy of http://www.etiquetteexpert.com
From: D | 4/13/12 at 11:26 am
I fully believe in sending written thank-you notes to make the best impression. However, these take a few days to arrive via mail; I don't want the person with whom I spoke to think I'm unappreciative when they don't receive an email thank-you the same day/next day. There is such an expectation of immediacy now that I worry those couple days the note takes to get there may hurt.
From: tylercat | 4/13/12 at 4:10 pm
A handwritten note is by far the most professional way to proceed. Also...they can read into you message a lot if you have good penmanship. An e-mail is easy to delete....a hand written note has a longer life.
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