Thank You Notes Are Still in Vogue

You've had a great job interview, and your mind is already imagining how you might tell people about your great new job. But wait just a minute. Have you done everything you can do to continue making a great impression on your interviewer? Now it's time to send a thank-you note to help show that you are truly interested in the position.

Following Up After an Interview

Sending a thank-you note after your great interview supports your candidacy for the position in several different ways. First, it reminds the recruiter or hiring manager who you are and stands as an expression of your enthusiasm for the job and company. Second, it gives you one more chance to remind the recruiter why you're a great fit for the job.

Fortunately, you don't have to go through the hassle of digging out actual paper thank-you notes, addressing envelopes and finding stamps to get your note delivered. With today's high-speed pace, a snail mail note may arrive too late to do you much good. Instead, in most cases, sending an email to your interviewer is the better choice. Make sure you send it within 24 hours of your interview.

What Your Thank-You Note Should Say

Avoid sending a generic thank-you note. Instead, address it directly to your interviewer by name, and bring up points that you discussed in the interview. If you can follow up on a point of discussion by providing more information or sending along an interesting link, all the better. Express your enthusiasm, and take a sentence to highlight any ways in which you particularly shine, pointing out how much you'd like to bring your talents and experience to help advance the company or division. If appropriate, pinpoint how you might follow up with the interviewer, suggesting a time to call to touch base, and offer to answer any outstanding questions.

Other Reasons to Write Business Thank-You Notes

Thank-you notes are valuable ways to communicate to far more than job interviewers. Make sure you send thank-you notes or emails to the person who connected you to a potential job or who wrote a recommendation for you or made a phone call on your behalf. If you meet with someone in your industry for an informational interview, follow up with a thank-you note, as well; doing so could even turn that person into a mentor. Expressing gratitude never hurts and is a powerful way to build rapport both in the business world and in personal relationships.

Many job recruiters keep a watchful eye on who sends a thank-you note and who doesn't. Make sure to follow up after each job interview with a thank-you email sent directly to your interviewer, and see how a simple statement of gratitude can help to keep doors open as you move forward with your job search.

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