In our time helping candidates land their dream jobs, we have seen the “Thank You” note be the difference between getting a job offer and not.
Why is the “Thank You” so important?
Well, simply put, a thank-you note is a quick way to show your gratitude for an interviewer’s time as well as to demonstrate your professionalism. It is an easy way to leave a positive impression on your interviewers and can make you stand out among other candidates.
Here is an industry secret - interviewers talk about the notes they receive. If your thank-you is liked, it will get sent forward to managers and other relevant stakeholders. If your thank-you note is hated, it will also be sent forward.
A “Thank You” note is an excellent way to show that you are a professional individual who goes above and beyond to engage with your peers and colleagues. It is an opportunity for you to show your interest in the role and company you are interviewing for. Which, and this may seem redundant to say, is crucial for interviewers to know. If you don’t seem like you want the job, why would they give it to you?
Do not Ever, EVER, just "shoot them a text"
The “Thank You” note is important. We won’t hammer this point home too much more. But just as important as sending the note is how you send it. Only a decade or so ago, the only form of a “Thank You” note that was appropriate was a handwritten card.
Times have changed, and email is now a perfectly appropriate way to let potential employees know that you are grateful for their time. In fact, it may be the best option because electronic communication is nearly instantaneous, and the timeliness of a “Thank You” note is just as important as the content.
However, as society has progressively gone more online, with instant messaging turning into texting and interaction between individuals moving to digital platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, many people think that a quick message sent over text, Slack, or LinkedIn is enough.
It is not.
While texting may be an appropriate way to communicate quickly with an employer about a meeting time and date, it is not an appropriate place to send a professional communique.
Sending a text shows a lack of care that some interviewers find appalling and could keep you from getting your dream job.
A handwritten note is always a pleasant surprise that will be sure to set you apart from other candidates. But a professional, well-written email will be more than enough to communicate your gratitude and interest to interviewers.
As recruiters, it is one of our occupational pet peeves when candidates either don’t send a “Thank You” or follow up by text.
It takes a few seconds–write the email or send the note!
To help, here are some tips in “Thank-You” note writing as well as a template you can follow for future notes!
Hand-written: Keep a set of notes in your car (or by your desk) - While you are in the interviewing process, you are more than likely going to interview at multiple locations. If these are in-person interviews, keep some blank cards in your car and write a note the moment you get into your car. You can address, stamp, and mail it before you even get back home! If it is a video interview, keeping cards by your desk is a great way to make sure you write the note right away. Just don’t forget to mail it the same day or the day after! You want to follow up as soon as possible!
Address the letter or email to the individual who interviewed you - This may feel obvious, but sometimes it can be confusing to know who to address the note to! If you are part of a panel interview, it never hurts to send one to each person in the interview.
Highlight your interest in the company and job - You want this job. It is okay to let an interviewer know this! In your “Thank You,” you can highlight a reason you are drawn to the company and role. This will affirm your interest in the job while helping the interviewer remember your conversation. It will also assure an interviewer that you are excited about the company and the job you are applying for.
Be available for questions - In your note, be sure to let the interviewers know that you are happy to answer any additional questions they might have. This lets the interviewer know that you are serious about pursuing this job opportunity as well as letting them know that you are open to continued conversations.
Note Template:
Here is a short template that you can use to guide you in your "Thank You" note writing.
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. It was such a pleasure learning more about [job role]. I am very excited about the opportunity to join [company name + aspect of job you are excited about].
I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can provide any additional information.
[Professional Valediction]
[Your Name]
Example Email:
This is an example of an excellent “Thank You” note that we received. The names and locations have been changed for privacy reasons, but this is a real-life example of a great follow-up note!
Dear Alicia,
Good afternoon, thank you for connecting with me via LinkedIn and all your follow-up. I
was happy to find out about your Account Executive position, having recently relocated to
Indiana from Pennsylvania. I believe that my skill set fits perfectly with the
type of person you’re looking for. With over 20 years of Sales & Marketing/Outreach in
B2B and B2C environments and a sincere desire to serve my local community, I believe my
combined experience can serve the ABC Group, Regional Home Health.
In my recent roles as Sales & Marketing/Outreach positions I have interfaced with
community partners in the healthcare industry, worked closely with clients and their
families to ensure a quality customer experience, and provided education in English and
Spanish to the community on my company’s capabilities and service offerings.
I’m very excited to speak about the Account Executive opportunity with you and the team
over at ABC Group, Regional Home Health and provide more details about how my
background and experience can benefit. Thank you again and look forward to speaking
with you all.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Johnson