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Are thank you notes to interviewers necessary?

 April 30, 2013

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If you are someone who is currently on the job hunt, you’ll find that you want to make sure that you stand out from other applicants in a positive way.

The truth of the matter is that the company that is interviewing you might see a dozen applicants for your job, and in many cases, simply being the best is not enough. You should also be someone who is more memorable, and that is where thank you notes come in.

Thank you notes are a good way to let your employer know that you are mindful and thoughtful. This shows prospective employers that they can rely upon you to show that same courtesy to their customers and clients.

Thank yous are a civil way to let people know that you appreciate the effort that they have already put in. For example, think about the work that went into scheduling your interview — even a Skype interview takes time. Thank yous to the people involved will help them understand that you appreciate the effort that you put in. The right thank you in the right ear can move you to the head of the application list, so consider how it can work for you.

When you are considering thank yous and thank you gestures, you will find that you cannot go wrong with a thank you note. While a thank you note is a very basic effort, it shows that you put some thought and effort into the process. For example, it means that you went out, picked a card, wrote a message, and took the time and trouble to drop it off. This is far more effort than an email, and it shows a hands-on touch that companies tend to look on favorably. Remember that you should always make the note into something that is memorable and which specifically relates to your interview. No one wants to get a form notice, after all!

Have a few thank you cards and envelopes on you at all times, and when you are on your way out of the interview, take a few moments to jot down a quick note. It does not have to be elaborate or detailed; in most cases, you only need to let them know that you were pleased to be interviewed and that you appreciate the opportunity to show them what you have. After that, seal up the note and drop it off at the front desk, addressed to the person who conducted the interview.

It is small gestures like this one that can make a huge difference to your chances for job success. Everyone knows how competitive it is getting out there, and if you are someone who is invested in standing out, this is one way to do it. A little bit of effort today can land you that big job tomorrow, so think ahead and be ready to put in that extra work.

Consider the thank you note that you are going to write during your next interview, and make sure that you have the materials for it!

In a job interview you are more then likely trying to impress the company you are interviewing with. Send or drop off an post interview thank you note and you will have added an extra bulletpoint on your resume.

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