Do You Really Need to Write that Post Interview Thank You?
Every day, candidates ask me if they should send a “Thank You” after an interview. Should it be an email? Snail mail? Handwritten? Typed? What should they write? It’s confusing and intimidating because they truly want to do the right thing!
The short answer is: YES!
And while Thank You letters are extremely important, they must not be simply thrown together. There is specific etiquette that must be followed in order to have the most positive impact on your candidacy. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts from our experienced Executive Recruiters:
Don’t:
Send a handwritten note card. OK, I may get some debate on this but I view a post interview Thank You as a writing sample, not a follow up to a gift or a dinner party.
Don’t:
Send it from your phone! Yes, you want to get it out quickly, but it’s a writing sample. Make it count!
Do:
Use it as a way to continue selling yourself and demonstrating your interest.
Don’t:
Write “My experiences are a great fit”
Do:
Write “My experience in _____, ____, and ___ seem to align well with the needs you outlined in our conversation.”
Don’t:
Send a mass email to the six people you met.
Do:
Customize and personalize each email (at least a little bit).
Don’t:
Turn them down in writing. Even if you don’t think you’re interested, you never know what position might open up at the same company or where a certain hiring manager may be working in the future.
Do:
Call out specific points that were brought up during the interview, addressing any concerns as well as your interest.
Sending a post interview Thank You letter may be just the edge you need in landing that offer!
The short answer is: YES!
And while Thank You letters are extremely important, they must not be simply thrown together. There is specific etiquette that must be followed in order to have the most positive impact on your candidacy. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts from our experienced Executive Recruiters:
Don’t:
Send a handwritten note card. OK, I may get some debate on this but I view a post interview Thank You as a writing sample, not a follow up to a gift or a dinner party.
Don’t:
Send it from your phone! Yes, you want to get it out quickly, but it’s a writing sample. Make it count!
Do:
Use it as a way to continue selling yourself and demonstrating your interest.
Don’t:
Write “My experiences are a great fit”
Do:
Write “My experience in _____, ____, and ___ seem to align well with the needs you outlined in our conversation.”
Don’t:
Send a mass email to the six people you met.
Do:
Customize and personalize each email (at least a little bit).
Don’t:
Turn them down in writing. Even if you don’t think you’re interested, you never know what position might open up at the same company or where a certain hiring manager may be working in the future.
Do:
Call out specific points that were brought up during the interview, addressing any concerns as well as your interest.
Sending a post interview Thank You letter may be just the edge you need in landing that offer!
About Nicole DelToro: Nicole has been helping organizations (big and small) hire and retain top talent for over 25 years, while helping individuals realize their personal and professional goals by ensuring they’re working in the environment that’s ideal for their current situation. Contact her at: ndeltoro@andrewscole.com
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.