Your job interview is over. You feel that wave of relief as you’ve completed the most anxiety-inducing part of the hiring process. But there’s one more step to consider: the thank-you note.
Is a post-interview expression of gratitude really necessary? Hiring managers certainly think so. One study found that more than nine out of 10 (94%) of HR professionals think the step is an appropriate move following an interview.
However, many candidates skip this step. A separate data set indicated that just one in four job seekers bothered to send out thank-you messages. That discrepancy gives you a potential edge on the competition.
With that in mind, here are a few other reasons why a thank-you note can help after the interview:
The Benefits of Writing a Thank-You Note
How a Thank-You Note Helps You
Sending a thank-you note may feel old-fashioned — the kind of thing your grandmother made you do after your 12th birthday party. However, it represents a useful career-building strategy. Here are some of the specific ways taking the time to write these messages can help you, both in the short term and in the longer term:
Show That You Are Polite
Sending a thank-you note provides a tiny glimpse into your character. In short, it shows that you are the type of person who would send a thank-you note. That might not seem like much, but it indicates to an employer that you’ll treat customers and coworkers with thoughtfulness and courtesy.
Reassert Your Interest
A yawning silence in the aftermath of the job interview can raise suspicions about your commitment. Do you really want the job after all? Sending a thank-you message makes it clear that you’re still interested in the position.
Establish Ongoing Communication
If for no other reason, sending a thank-you message gives you an excuse to maintain contact with your interviewers. It gives you a reason to reach out. You may never hear a response. But, in some cases, you might generate a correspondence that will help your case to get hired.
Build Connections with Your Interviewers
Interviewers often see candidates one after another. It’s easy for the conversations to blend together. A well-crafted thank-you note can set you apart. At the same time, it cements you in your interviewers’ minds. Communication raises the chances that they will remember you.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Thank-You Note
Now that you understand the value of sending thank-you messages, a key question probably comes to mind: what’s the best way to write these notes? Coming up with an effective process will let you get the most out of your efforts. With that in mind, here are a few tips to make the most out of these critical post-interview communications:
- Don’t Wait Too Long: Send your thank-you note as soon after the interview as possible.
- Target Your Appreciation: Don’t deliver your message to a generic company account. Rather, find the contact info for the individuals you met during the interview and target your thank you to them directly.
- Keep It Short: A thank-you note should consist of a focused, pithy message. Don’t bury your appreciation with a long diatribe about other topics.
- Craft Your Message: While your communication should be short, you should think about what you want to say. Take the time to craft a message. That way, you can get the most out of a few words.
Want to Find a Career Opportunity That Best Fits You?
Writing an effective thank-you note gets easier when you have opportunities that make you feel grateful. A top recruiter, like Hiregy, can make that possible.
Contact Hiregy today to connect with top employers and find the ideal position for you.
