PART IX

Should I Send a “Thank You Letter” After the Interview?

When I was interviewing people, I noted a national epidemic of Thank You letters. Career counselors tell students to send these letters. I can’t tell you how many I received and how many I tossed in the trash. I tossed them because I knew they all said the same thing, “Thank you. Give me the job.” These students were probably given the template for the same boring message.

Sure, a Thank You is a nice gesture, but it’s totally useless, unless it disrupts me. It must do something to differentiate itself from all the same letters. I tell my students not to bother with a Thank You letter, unless they can do something useful with it, that is, they might share an article with me about the industry or perhaps something discussed in the interview. This article must be something, which they believe I have not read and which interests me.

If they feel compelled to send a Thank You letter, they should send something beyond their regards and their hopes that I will hire them. If you feel compelled to send a letter after your interview, be creative. Be different. Be remembered!

I once interviewed candidates for a news media coordinator position at an organization. The choice came down to two people. They qualified equally weighted over all factors, and I was having a hard time deciding whom to choose. Until, one of them sent me, not a Thank You note, but a news release announcing that she had been hired by me. I chose her and she did a great job! As Monster.com said,

“Showing your gratitude is always a good look, especially during a job search. This means promptly thanking your interviewers. A thank-you email after an interview is the most popular—and accepted—method of following up with your potential future employers. Too bad three out of four job seekers don’t even bother sending a thank-you, according to an Accountemps survey of human resources (HR) managers.” The survey found that only 24 percent of HR managers receive Thank You notes from applicants. However, 80 percent of HR managers say Thank You notes are helpful when reviewing candidates.

“Whether it’s a physical letter or an email, this token of appreciation could actually determine if you get the job. “Sending a well-crafted and timely thank-you letter after an interview can add a positive impression to an already positive connection,” says Jennifer McClure, president of Unbridled Talent, a Cincinnati firm specializing in talent acquisition, recruiting, and staff development1.”

Whether or not you decide to send a Thank You letter, you need to have ended your interview on a positive note. This means you made good eye contact, shook hands, and said something very positive about the company. You might say, “I am really impressed with the organization and with you as one of its staff. I felt welcomed and felt that the time we spent together was valuable to both of us. I can see myself as part of this company. I believe I fit, not just through my skillset, but through a shared philosophy and values. If you need additional information, please contact me at the cell phone number on my resume or through email. I look forward eagerly to hearing from you. Thank you.”

1 https://monster.com/career-advice/article/interview-thank-you-letter-send-or-not

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