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Should You Send a Post-Interview Thank You Note?

Should You Send a Post-Interview Thank You Note?

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:

  1. 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?).
  2. 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.
  3. Edit the letter down to 3 -4 short paragraphs. It can be much shorter but do not exceed one page.
  4. 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!

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Which Step in The Job Search Process is The Most Important?

Which Step in The Job Search Process is The Most Important?

From the way you present your experience on your resume, to the handshake at the end of the interview, it is important to stay focused throughout each stage of the job search process. A team of Hunter’s expert recruiters offer their knowledge regarding the stages leading up to an offer letter.

Paige Pezzato, Talent Acquisition Specialist
First impressions are important. I believe the way you present yourself on the resume, during the phone screen and throughout the interview process are all keys to success within the hiring process. If you applied for the job, be excited about the opportunity when discussing it or interviewing for the role. Seeing someone’s passion and desire to succeed in the role they are interviewing for is something that stands out to hiring managers and recruiters.

I also think being honest and upfront about what you are looking for is extremely important. Often times people say they are interested in a job but do not express their concerns until after the offer is extended or accepted. If you are upfront about things such as salary, work schedule and what you are looking for in a role, it will be easier to make sure the role is the right fit for you.

Jay Jakovina, Talent Acquisition Specialist
The most important part of a job search is your resume. Your resume will be the first impression to recruiters and hiring manager, so it is perfect time to pitch yourself as the right candidate! In resumes, I look for tailored explanations of previous job responsibilities. It is all about selling your experience, but not overwhelming the hiring manager with information.

Gabrielle Christman, President and Founder
I think that the phone screen is extremely important. To me, it sets the tone of the interview experience. I always remember what a candidate was like on our first phone call. I have placed individuals that have now become hiring managers who trust the selection of their internal teams to Hunter. We laugh and remember the first time we talked during that initial phone screen. Looking back, those initial phone calls are very telling. They lay the foundation of the rapport that builds after on-site interviews, hires and performance evaluations through a candidate’s career progression.

Mike Parker, Talent Acquisition Specialist
I think the phone screen is the most important. A good phone screen determines the interest in both the recruiter and the candidate. A focused phone screen will make or break the relationship with the candidate.

Zach Tomsick, Talent Acquisition Specialist
Each step is important for its own reason. The resume is the most important first step because without a professional resume, you will not be noticed for a phone screen. The phone screen is the most important second step, because this is necessary for an interview. The interview is the most important third step because without interviewing for a job, there is no job. All parts of the job search are equally important. You should care about all of these steps, as they all are essential in the hiring process.

Looking for your next career opportunity? Search our current openings or submit your resume on our website.

For more industry insight from our experts, connect with us on LinkedIn!

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