Interviewing Tips
Thank Yous
After the Interview
Sending a thank-you after an interview is a great way to show your interviewers professional respect and courtesy. Since 100% of employers like receiving thank-you's after an interview, but only 33% of job candidates actually send them, it is also a very easy way to help you stand out among the crowd. Because of all the options available today (sending an e-mail vs. mailing a word-processed letter vs. mailing a handwritten note), we have included some thank-you note guidelines to help you select the appropriate format and method of delivery.
Email
Email thank-you notes have one clear advantage: They can put your name in front of the interviewer within moments of your interview. If the timing of the company's hiring decision is within the next 24 hours, then an e-mailed thank-you note may be the most appropriate option.
Mail
Because mailing a thank-you note requires the extra effort of addressing and stamping an envelope and also provides a tactile, tangible quality, it is many employers' preferred way of receiving a thank-you. Should it be handwritten or word-processed? Word-processed is standard. Not only will you show that you are professional, if you are applying for an office administrative role you'll also prove you know how to construct a business letter.
Handwritten notes are appropriate if you'd like to extend your thanks to others in the office who helped you out. For example, if a receptionist, assistant, office manager, or other person involved with the interviewing process was especially helpful -- say they took you to lunch or guided you from office to office -- then a handwritten note is a nice gesture to show your appreciation.
What to Say
More important is what you say and how you say it. A thank-you note should include:
- Thanking the person for the opportunity to interview with the company.
- A recap some of the conversational highlights/why you are impressed with the company or position.
- And most importantly, a reminder of how your skills or work experience can bring value to the company.
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