“Anyone too busy to say thank you will get fewer and fewer chances to say it.” – Harvey Mackay
It may sound like old-fashioned manners advice, but saying thank you via an email or hand written note after a job or informational interview can go a long way in making a good impression. Sending a post-interview email is important because thanking someone for taking time out of their day to interview you is not only common courtesy, but can also show how passionate you are about the position you interviewed for. Thank you emails or hand written cards should be sent to interviewers after job interviews, internship interviews and even for informational interviews. No matter the format of the interview (in person, video or phone) you should always thank those who you met with.
The article Here’s What To Write in a Thank-You Note After A Job Interview notes, “According to a CareerBuilder survey, 22% of employers are less likely to hire a candidate if they don’t send a thank-you note after the interview. Fifty-six percent said it shows that the candidate isn’t really serious about the position, and a whopping 86% said it shows a lack of follow-through.” Not only is sending a post-interview thank you note good manners, but it can also improve your hiring chances.
Here are some tips for sending post-interview thank you notes:
- Do it promptly after an interview: While hand written notes are great, sending an email within 24 hours of a job interview is very professional and shows your promptness.
- Be memorable: Make sure you mention something specific you discussed in the interview so they remember who you are.
- Answer unanswered questions: If you forgot to say something during the interview that may close the loop on some question they had about you, address it in your email... But do it briefly.
- Use good grammar and spelling: A post-interview email or card is one of your last chances to make a good impression on the hiring manager, so make sure you have someone proofread your email or note before you send it.
- Thank everyone involved: If you met with several individuals during the interview process, make sure you send each one a thank you email.
- Always send them: Even if you are not interested in the job, make sure you still send a thank you e-mail because you never know if your professional paths will cross again.