Thank you notes may be a bit old school but I 100% stand by them. In fact, I am convinced every job I received an offer for was partially because of the thank you note I sent. We’d all like to think that we are superior to all the other candidates however you never know how that thank you card will go over with the team members and managers you interviewed with.
Whether you send a thank you email or thank you note, I always suggest sending some form of thank you and a personal note on why you’d like to work there immediately after the interview.
To set yourself apart
I have several friends that have never sent a thank you note and they got the job. That still never stopped me from sending one. In fact i always hear how excited they got to hear from me after the interview and see how enthusiastic I was from the interview. It’s important to remember the interview is for both the employer and future employee. Showing you are excited and asking for the job after the interview is very important in showing that you are ready for the position. I’d rather give an enthusiastic candidate the position then the arrogant one who wants the company to beg them to work there. Again, attitude is everything and the thank you note delivers on this well.
To open other potential doors
Let’s say you didn’t get the job. I will promise you that the impression you left with the employees with you thank you note could help open other doors for you. Remember to always thank the HR employee and recruiter that helped you as well. Just because you didn’t get this job does not mean you will not get another offer from another team. Leaving a good reputation is so vital during the interview process and leaving a good impression really helps you stand out and helps the employer remember you.
To expand your network
Sending a thank you note after an internship or interview helps expand your network. The people you worked with may not always stay with that company long term. Putting yourself in a professional manner will help them remember you and keep you in mind when new opportunities come up. It’s a great way to initiate the LinkedIn connection as well.
Aside from job interviews- i always keep thank you notes at my desk for when I personally want to thank a fellow employee. I think saying thanks is so important and it truly helps them help you in the long run.I’d love to know what other ways you thank future employers and persuade them to hire you.