Sending a Thank You note is still good manners.
We talk a lot on this site about how to find a job, how to ace your interview and even how to write a better cover letter. One thing that I think doesn't get nearly enough attention is how important it is to send a thank you note after an interview.
Saying thank you makes you look professional. It shows that you are a person of integrity and that you really appreciate a company considering you for a job. One that will earn you a salary that can allow you to pay your bills. When you step back to look at the larger picture, hiring managers are inundated with resumes every time they post job openings. Many of these applicants are just throwing out their resumes wherever they can and hoping for a nibble. But don't count on it.
There are still many qualified candidates, just like you. And they are out there, just like you, trying to earn a job at the company.
When you are asked to come in for an interview, it means that you are on the short list of potential employees. During the interview, you try your best to show an interviewer that you are professional, talented and someone who would make an amazing new member of their team. The interviewer takes the time to read over your resume, to listen to your pitch and to consider you for the job.
I'm sure that you know the saying “It is an honor just to be nominated.” This is the attitude a successful professional should have. And your attitude is something that can impress a hiring manager the most.
Skills can be taught, and most companies would rather invest time and money in an employee who has a great attitude rather than hire someone who is perfect for the job but is difficult to work with. You can show them all of this with just a short little note.
A good thank you note should be sincere and not look like a form letter. Think about the reasons you want to work for the company and about your conversation during the interview. Here is an example just to give you an idea:
Dear Interviewer (Use their real name here),
Thank you for taking the time to interview me today. It was a pleasure meeting with you and sharing our mutual admiration for (or whatever you chatted about during the interview) I enjoyed discussing your need for a new (position name), and having had the chance to tell you why I am a great fit.
You have certainly assembled a great team, and it would be an amazing opportunity for me to learn from them. Your company has a reputation of being on of the most exciting places to work. I look forward to talking with you more, and hopefully another meeting in the future. (Basically, this paragraph is the place where you mention why you want to work for the company)
Sincerely,
Job Seeker
Your thank you note doesn't have to be hand written, and it can be emailed. However, hand writing a note and sending it in the mail is a nice touch. The most important thing is to be genuine.
With any interview, unless you have decided that you do not want to work there, you should be able to think of some reasons why this position would be a good fit for you and why you want to work there. Don't be afraid that sending the note will make you appear to be too eager or desperate. Employers want to know that you want to work for their company, not just any company.
So, make it a new habit and you will be amazed at the power of good manners!
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for FinancialJobBank and Nexxt. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!