You know it's a good idea to write a thank-you note after an interview, but a lot of people fail to take this basic step. While unlikely to make an employer totally reverse an opinion about you, when done well, thank-you notes can help you stand out from a crowd of applicants. Consider that a lot of employers interview numerous candidates, many of whom gave similar answers to a series of basic questions. If you want hiring managers to remember you favorably, write a knockout thank-you note; it may make a difference.
Be mindful, though: some follow-up notes leave employers cold and less likely to pursue candidates. For example, if your letter is too generic, too short, or if it sounds like a template or scripted message, you probably won't win any points. Other red flags for the employer: Were you in too much of a hurry when you wrote your message? Are there mistakes or typos? Does your follow up cause the reader to doubt your interest in the job? If you can't sound invested in the position and take the time necessary to write an interesting note, you may be wasting your time.
Read your note and ask yourself: "Could someone who didn't even participate in the interview have written this?" If the answer is yes, it's back to the drawing board, or you'll risk leaving the interviewer unimpressed.
There's more to following up than getting the interviewer's name spelled correctly and shooting off a "thanks for meeting me" note. If your messages don't go beyond the following trite and inappropriate phrases and sentiments, you'll want to up your game to help your cause.
"Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position."
It's lovely to say thank you, but your letter needs to be a little more in-depth to make an impression. If you really want to stand out, consider briefly referencing an off-handed comment the interviewer made, especially if you think it will help the person remember you favorably. For example, "Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position. Since you mentioned you are swamped with the XYZ project, it was so thoughtful of you to spend an hour with me. I hope you'll agree, based on my qualifications and background in ABC, I could quickly and easily jump in to help your team achieve its next big goal."
Continue by offering one or two specifics that relate to your conversation.
"I believe my qualifications are perfect for this job."
Great! You think you're qualified, but what proof can you offer? Don't write a note saying you're qualified unless you can back it up with some specifics. Ideally, the specifics should come directly from the interview. For example, perhaps the interviewer asked about how you perform on a team, and you gave a great answer. Reiterate your pride in being a great team player and mention another example of your prowess in that area.
"I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you."
This is probably one of the worst things you can say in a thank-you note, as you effectively point out that you can't manage your time well enough to get a basic project finished. This will not win you points with a hiring manager.
"Please enjoy this gift as a token of my appreciation."
Do not expect a grand gesture, such as sending flowers or cookies, will help an employer decide to hire you. While the gifts will be memorable, you could stand out as the desperate, inappropriate candidate. If anything, you'll likely make the employer uncomfortable, which isn't going to lead to a positive response.
"I'm calling to follow up."
It's OK to call to follow up via phone after a certain time frame. (Hopefully, a time period you determined before you left the interview.) However, a phone call is not an appropriate or effective way to thank the interviewer. If anything, it could cause you to receive negative attention, as it may annoy him or her.
If you want the job, it's worth the time to create an in-depth, effective note to inspire the reader to want to learn more about you. A thank you note is your chance to stand out; make sure the employer's impression of you after reading your message is positive and you'll have a much better chance to move on in the process.
Miriam Salpeter is a job search and social media consultant, career coach, author, speaker, resume writer, and owner of Keppie Careers. She is author of Social Networking for Career Success and 100 Conversations for Career Success. Miriam teaches job seekers and entrepreneurs how to incorporate social media tools along with traditional strategies to reach their goals.
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As a seasoned career consultant and job search expert with a deep understanding of interview etiquette and post-interview communication, I've not only witnessed but actively guided numerous individuals through the intricate process of job hunting. My experience extends to crafting compelling thank-you notes that go beyond mere pleasantries, leaving a lasting impression on hiring managers. Allow me to share my insights into the key concepts discussed in the article.
1. Importance of Thank-You Notes: The article emphasizes the significance of sending a thank-you note after a job interview. Drawing from my wealth of experience, I can attest to the impact a well-crafted thank-you note can have in distinguishing a candidate from the competition. It serves as a valuable opportunity to reinforce your interest in the position and showcase your professionalism.
2. Common Mistakes in Thank-You Notes: The article rightly points out several pitfalls that candidates often encounter when composing thank-you notes. These include generic content, brevity, and the use of templates or scripted messages. Drawing from firsthand encounters, I can elaborate on how these mistakes can diminish the effectiveness of the note and even lead to negative perceptions by potential employers.
3. Personalization and Specificity: One of the key pieces of advice in the article is the importance of personalizing thank-you notes. I can underscore the significance of referencing specific details from the interview, such as off-handed comments made by the interviewer. This personalized touch not only shows genuine interest but also aids in creating a memorable impression.
4. Substantiating Qualifications: The article stresses the need for candidates to substantiate their qualifications with specific examples from the interview. Leveraging my expertise, I can provide insights into how candidates can effectively showcase their skills and experiences, aligning them with the requirements discussed during the interview.
5. Timing and Avoiding Apologies: Addressing the timing of thank-you notes, the article highlights the negative impact of apologizing for delays. I can elaborate on the importance of timeliness in sending these notes and how apologies can inadvertently convey a lack of time management skills.
6. Inappropriate Gestures and Follow-Up: The article cautions against inappropriate gestures, such as sending gifts, and emphasizes the distinction between a thank-you note and a follow-up call. I can provide real-world examples to illustrate how such gestures may be perceived by employers and share strategies for effective follow-up without being intrusive.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in the realm of job search and career development uniquely position me to offer valuable insights into the nuances of crafting impactful thank-you notes and navigating the post-interview phase successfully.
