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Thank You Notes and Job Search

July 9, 2010 on 4:11 am | By admin | In News and Society | Comments Off

Career advisers tell jobseekers looking for career opportunities to send a thank you note after an interview.  To address the most frequently asked questions on how and what to send in a thank you note, here are some give aways.

Won’t the employer think that an applicant is desperate and a sissy applicant if he sends a thank-you letter?

Of course not.  Rarely does an employer not pleased to receive a thank-you letter for jobs.  It is considered as a common way of showing politeness, a gesture of courtesy, one way to outshine the rest of the interviewees, and a way to keep your name upfront.

Will it not jeopardize the possibility of getting the job?

Not in most cases, but it could in some point of time.  So why take the chance? (so they ask)  The answer: Most bosses wavers between the last two most promising applicants, a student and experienced officer for example, after the final interview for a certain position.  But when the boss gets a thank-you letter from the student, it made all the difference.  Because of that simple well mannered gesture, the student lands on the job.

Can it be handwritten or should it be typewritten?

Actually, it does not matter.  What’s important is the thought of doing it.  It must be tailored to your prospective company and the officer who made the interview.  Thus, respect is further established.  However, if the company, interviewer or the position being applied calls for a formal business letter, then do so.  Mostly, a handwritten note is okay if the interviewer and the applicant have built rapport. Thank you notes are very popular for marketing jobs where the ability to “make an impression” always counts.

Will it be okay to e-mail the thank you note?

First thoughts indicate that this is a big NO.  However, it depends on the company’s culture.  If the people in the company use e-mail in all of their communication and correspondence, then it should be acceptable.  This will also apply if the company is into fast decision making when hiring applicants.  Always remember that even if e-mails fit in with the culture of the company, it’s still a better idea to follow up the email with a hard copy of your thank you.

So you can just save yourself from trouble since “anything goes” right?

NO.  On the other side of the previous story, there are prospective applicants who were almost on the verge of being hired but suddenly hit the skids after sending in a sloppy, ill-fixed thank you letters, with many typographical errors and misspelled words.  A part of having a good communication skill is being able to write effectively and companies do not need employees who have to be taught simple writing skills.

Whatever method you use, make it fast and professional.