Why Sending a Thank You Note After an Interview Matters

— October 23, 2017

Why Sending a Thank You Note After an Interview Matters

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You may think that once you walk out of an interview, your job is done and the ball is in the employer’s court now. While this is true, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook quite yet. Whether you totally rocked – or totally bombed – the interview, you should still take the time to sit down and write a thank you note to each person you met with.

For starters, it is the polite and professional thing to do. It may seem old-fashioned, but many people still appreciate following proper etiquette and saying thank you. Even if it doesn’t make or break your chances of landing the job, it leaves employers with a more positive impression of you. They took the time out of their day to meet with you, so the least you could do is take a moment to say thank you. It is also a step in the right direction toward networking and building positive connections.

Here are a few more reasons why saying thank you matters:

It shows follow through. Job searching is a process. Wrapping things up by sending a thank you note is another step. It can help to show that you are organized and don’t let details fall through the cracks. If you’re not responsive after meeting with a potential employer, what does that say about how you’ll respond to clients?

It keeps you top of mind. You are likely not the only candidate the company interviewed for the position. But as they’re reviewing each person, your thank you can send a message that you’re still interested and remind them of the time you spent together. Make sure you’re including meaningful information and not just sending a generic “thank you for your time.”

It reinforces your interest. Make your thank you note to each person different. Highlight something you talked about with the person specifically, or a connection you made. Reiterate what you bring to the table and why you’d be a good fit after learning even more about the organization or position.

Is Email Okay?

With the fast-paced nature of the business world, yes, email is fine. It may actually be preferred by some employers. While a handwritten note is more personal, it can take a few days to be delivered, and even then, it may get lost in the shuffle. An email is quick, effective, and you know it will land directly in their inbox. Remember to get a business card from each person you meet or to jot down their contact information.

Keep your thank you email short and to the point. You already had the interview, so now you’re just wrapping things up and putting the final touches on what you said. Send your thank you within 24 hours of your interview.

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Author: Amanda Clark

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