Saying thank you to the person holding the door for you at the coffee shop may seem like common sense, and yet, one of our most frequently asked questions is “do I need to send a thank you note after an interview?” So, are sending thank you notes still important? Whether you are working with a Recruiter or interviewing for a job you found through your own search, sending a thank you notes signals to your potential employer that you really want the job and allows you an opportunity to stand out from the other interviewees. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re giving our top tips for writing the perfect post interview thank you note to give you the extra advantage over the other interviewees and up your interview etiquette.
More than just their time
Your thank you note should be more than just “thank you for your time.” Take this as an opportunity to show you were listening and touch on something memorable that was discussed. This interview is potentially the first step in your new career, so be sure to thank the hiring manager for their insights on the role and company, and any other points that stood out to you, whether it was a specific perk, culture match, or something else that jumped out to you. Even if you aren’t interested in the job, sending a thank you note is a sign of good manners. You never know when your paths might cross again– better to leave a good impression that lasts.
What did you think?
While writing your thank you note, be sure to bring up something that impressed you about the company. Try to tie it back to something that came up in the interview or that you noticed in the office over something you read on their website. It is also helpful to reiterate why you feel you’re a good fit for the position, this could incorporate your conversation, the interviewer’s comments on specific questions you asked or their overview of the role.
Dot your I’s and cross your T's
It seems basic, but always proofread and make sure names and companies are spelled correctly. Read over your thank you note, and make sure that it encompasses your voice, your true feelings about the role and company, and is personal yet professional. Once you’re confident in the email, hit send, and be sure you are sending the thank you note within 24 hours of your interview! There is no need to add in a fun image, send something extra, or go over the top. Be concise, to the point, and honest, and it will be perfect! Another common question we receive is if hand written thank you notes are appropriate. We recommend emailing, and for a nice touch, feel free to send a handwritten note – just know it isn’t necessary!Do you send thank you notes after each of your interviews? We can promise you that sending a thank you note truly adds something special to your candidate process and will add in more detail and the extra step will allow you to stand out from everyone else!
For more interview tips and tricks, be sure to check out our full Interview Resource here!