Thank You Notes
A thank you note says a lot about you. It shows an employer that you have your act together, you have good follow-up skills (an important, but often neglected skill), you are interested in the position, you have good marketing skills (a skill that is important in all positions), and you are a hard worker.
A thank you note keeps you competitive. When all the other applicants send a thank you note and you don't, you lose. When a decision is between you and another applicant, and you failed to send a thank you note, you are no longer in the running. Do not risk losing the job because you failed to close the sale.
A thank you note gives you the chance to sell yourself once more. It is an opportunity to say something you forgot to say during the interview, reinforce your qualifications for the job, or address something that was said in the interview. You can once again show your professionalism through a well written and personable document.
Send the thank you note within 24 hours. Ideally, you will write and send your note within two to three days of the interview. It is recommended to send it out on the same day as the interview. However, when you are interviewing on the road, this might be difficult to do. In this case, send the note within 72 hours or send an email thank you note immediately.
Send an email thank you note when the hiring decision will be made quickly. An email thank you note is becoming more and more common and appropriate. However, being that it is becoming more common, this might be a reason to send a hard copy thank you note when time allows.
Keep thank you notes brief. Three short paragraphs is appropriate.
It is safer to send a typed thank you note. If the job emphasizes professionalism, it is smart to type your letter. On the other hand, if you have good handwriting, a hand written note can add a more personable touch. If you are on the road and do not have access to a computer/typewriter, a quick hand written thank you note mailed shortly after the interview can often be an impressive tactic. Use your judgement to determine what letter is best. If unsure, type your letters.
