Are Post Job Interview Thank You Notes an Anachronism?
A number of traditional etiquette rules seem to have faded away, like standing up when a woman enters the room or addressing a superior with a prefix (e.g., Mr./Ms.). For job seekers, many wonder if it’s still necessary to send a thank you note following an interview.
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Are Post Job Interview Thank You Notes an Anachronism?
A number of traditional etiquette rules seem to have faded away, like standing up when a woman enters the room or addressing a superior with a prefix (e.g., Mr./Ms.). For job seekers, many wonder if it’s still necessary to send a thank you note following an interview.
There appears to be a disconnect between job candidates and prospective employers on this issue. According to a recent survey, only 24% of job candidates sent a thank you note to a human resources interviewer, while 80% of human resource professionals said such notes are helpful when reviewing candidates.1
The truth about post-interview thank you notes is that they are rarely ever decisive in the hiring decision, but they can help the cause when the difference between candidates’ experience and qualifications is small.
Why Send a Thank You Note
While thank you notes are not a make-or-break factor in the hiring decision, they certainly can’t hurt (unless the letter is poorly written or populated with typing errors).
A thank you note shows prospective managers that you’re interested in the position and you appreciated their time. It confirms your interest in the job, signaling to human resources or the hiring manager that they won’t be wasting their time in pursuing next steps with you.
Plus, they serve to keep you top of mind, while reminding them of your positive attributes.
A thank you note demonstrates professionalism and people skills, and helps set you apart from other candidates who don’t send them. It might also create a positive connection that may tip the scale in a competitive situation.
If you decide to send a thank you note, there are several considerations for how to do it.
One way to send a thank you note is by email; it has the benefit of being modern and fast. The risk with an email is that it gets lost among the scores of daily emails received by managers that get ignored or read at a later date.
Sending a thank you note by snail mail may be a little old-fashioned, especially to any interviewer under the age of 55, but it offers the benefit of standing out, since physical letters are so rare. A risk with this method is the time it may take for the manager to receive the letter.
If you decide to send a physical letter, you have the option of a typed letter or a hand-written one. A typed letter has the advantage of professionalism, suitability and legibility.
A handwritten note may not always be received well by the recipient, especially if the handwriting is difficult to read or the quality of the paper used is low. Nevertheless, for the right person, a handwritten note can add a personal touch and “wow” factor unmatched by email or a typed letter.
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