Most job seekers overlook this critical last step to the interview process. We take a closer look at reincarnating the thank-you note!
Where have all the good ones gone? The handwritten or emailed thank-you notes that show your appreciation and reflect on the interview experience. When time is precious and speed to delivery is everything, a thank-you note from a candidate forces hiring teams to slow down for a moment to remember that we are all connected. Beyond the resume, job posting, interview and intake meetings, there is a person.
I would challenge the misconception that a candidate thank-you email or note is dated or cliche. A recent Monster candidate survey showed that only 24% of candidates send post-interview thank-you notes. While 80% of HR managers say thank-you notes are helpful when reviewing candidates. Personally, each time I receive a thank-you email or note from a candidate it is appreciated and reviewed. Of course, it helps to say thank you (I know mom, you were right)! The note demonstrates that upon leaving the interview, you took time to reflect on the experience and produce a result. Don’t let the interviewer forget you with these simple steps:
- Capture some quick notes on the interview (who did you meet, what are challenges, what went well, what could have gone better and what are the next steps?).
- Draft a letter showing that you paid attention to what was said by commenting on your key takeaways, identifying that you reflected on challenges or relevant experiences. End on a positive note to reinforce your excitement for the opportunity and ability to contribute to organizational goals.
- Edit the letter down to 3 -4 short paragraphs. It can be much shorter but do not exceed one page.
- Send the letter within 1-3 business days of the interview.
You may or may not receive a response to your thank-you note or email, but that is not necessarily any indication of your candidacy. Give the hiring team time to navigate the waters of the hiring process and know that you did your part by completing this last (and commonly overlooked) step to an interview.
For more industry insight from our experts, connect with us on LinkedIn!
