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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