Why Sending a Thank You Note is More Than Proper Etiquette

Amanda Clark — November 7, 2016 Follow @GrammarChicInc

You walk out of an interview feeling a sense of relief that it’s over, yet replaying it again in your mind trying to analyze how it went. Now it’s time to wait and see what happens.

Wrong.

Now it’s time to sit down and write out a thank you note to everyone you interviewed with. While many trends are outdated, this one is not. Sending a thank you note is the polite and respectful thing to do. The employer did not have to make time in their busy schedule to meet with you, nor did they have to choose you out of all of the other candidates; but they did. Make your parents and yourself proud and show your appreciation.

But sending a thank you note goes beyond following proper etiquette. A thoughtful, well-written document can pack a powerful punch and leave a positive impression on a potential employer. Here are a few other benefits:

• It shows your interest. Not sending a follow-up thank you is like walking away and not looking back. When an employer receives your note, it’s telling them that you were thinking about the position after the interview and that meeting with them reinforced your interest.
  
• It keeps you top of mind. When reviewing applicants and trying to decide who will be offered the job, having recently received a genuine thank you can make you stand out among the competition. It also strengthens the positive association the employer has when seeing your name.
  
• It reinforces your qualifications. Now that you’ve learned more about the position, you can highlight one or two points that really drive home why you’re a good fit. In addition, you can add something relevant you may have forgotten to mention during your interview.
  
• It shows you were paying attention. Mention something that piqued your interest or that shows a strong connection between what the employer is looking for and what you bring to the table.
  
• It demonstrates your writing skills. Communication is essential in virtually any job, and a thank you note is yet another opportunity to demonstrate your writing abilities after finessing an employer with your verbal skills. Just make sure you review carefully and fix any spelling or grammar errors.

Many employers have come to expect a brief thank you following an interview. Don’t stick out like a sore thumb because you were the only one not to show your appreciation and interest. And before you panic – don’t worry about your penmanship. Sending a thank you via email is perfectly acceptable in most instances, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Use your best judgment based on the type of company and culture to decide whether email or snail mail is the best option. Also, make sure to send your thank you within 24-48 hours.

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