We live in a time where people think they have 365 days to send a thank-you card for a wedding gift and rarely send cards for anything else. With that in mind, it may seem out-of-date to send a thank-you note after an interview. A quick Google search on the topic will tell you that while a thank-you is thoughtful, it isn't required and won't make a difference.
I'm here to tell you that is wrong (at least in some situations). My department is currently hiring, and we are going through the interview process. When discussing the positives and negatives of the different candidates, the fact that one candidate sent a thank-you note came up as a huge positive. I will admit it doesn't ensure that you will get the job, but it definitely makes sure that the interviewers remember your name.
Not used to writing thank-you notes to people you just met? Check out my tips below.
Sample Post-Interview Thank-You Note
Dear (Name of person who interviewed you)
Thank you for taking the time to interview me today for the (position) at (company). I enjoyed learning more about (company) and how I could use my own skills to benefit the entire team. (Insert in a specific line about a project that seemed especially interesting or a piece of common ground that you shared with your interviewer).
If you have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Regards,
(Email Signature)
6 Tips for Acing the Post-Interview Thank-You Note
- Format: If you don't get a business card from your interviewer, or you have no way to contact them, you have two options: Use the email address of the person who set up the interview and fill in the name of your interviewer or mail in a note to the office. I would recommend the email route whenever possible because it's immediate. The position could be filled by the time your hand-written note arrives.
- Editing: Proofread your note several times, and if possible have someone else look at it. A thank-you note with errors, poor spelling or bad grammar is only going to hurt your chances at getting the job.
- Length: Keep it short and sweet. The people who interviewed you are busy and don't want to read paragraphs of you sucking up to them and the company. Express your gratitude and move on.
- Timing: Send the note ASAP. Don't wait several days or even one day. Receiving a thank-you on the day of an interview or the morning after makes an immediate impact (in a positive way).
- Content: Make sure to include something personal to each particular interview. It could be something about the position, a task you found particularly interesting or common ground that you shared with your interviewer. Whatever it is, that personalized touch will make it look like you were really paying attention and care about the job.
- Attachments: If your interviewer already has a copy of your resume or work samples (which they should) then there is no reason to attach them to your thank-you note. This makes it seem more like a business pitch than a true thank-you. However, if you haven't been able to share your references, feel free to do so at the end of the email.
Manners Moral: A post-interview thank-you note will never hurt your chances (unless it's poorly written), but it could help you stand out among other candidates. If an extra few minutes of etiquette and work helps you land a job, isn't it worth it?