Job Interview Thank You
The Importance of Thank You Note
Resumes and cover letters get the attention, but thank-you notes
often get results. Sending thank-you notes makes both good manners and
good job search sense. When used properly, thank-you notes can help
you create a positive impression with employers that more formal
correspondence often can't.
Three Times When You Should Definitely Send Thank-You Notes
Thank you notes have a more intimate and friendly social tradition
than formal and manipulative business correspondence. I think
that is one reason they work so well - people respond to those who
show good manners and say thank you. Here are some situations when you
should use them, along with some sample notes.
1. Before an Interview
In some situations, you can send a less formal note before an
interview, usually by email, unless the interview is scheduled for a
fairly distant future date. For example, you can simply thank someone
for being willing to see you. Depending on the situation, enclosing a
resume could be inappropriate. Remember, this note is supposed to be a
sincere thanks for help and not an assertive business situation. You
could, however, enclose a Card. This note also serves as a way to
confirm the date and time of the scheduled interview and as a gentle
reminder to the recipient that you will be showing up at that time.
2. After the interview
One of the best times to send a thank-you note is right after an
interview. Here are several reasons why:
- Doing so creates a positive impression. The employer will assume
you have good follow-up skills as well as good manners.
- It creates yet another opportunity for you to remain in the
employer's consciousness at an important time.
- It gives you a chance to get in the last word. You get to
include a subtle remainder of why you're the best candidate for the
job and can address any concerns that might have come up during the
interview.
- If the employers has buried, passed along, or otherwise lost
your resume and previous correspondence, a thank-you note and
enclosed Card provide one more chance for that person to find your
number and call you.
For these reasons, we suggest you send a thank-you note right after
the interview and certainly within 24 hours.
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