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Gratitude & the Job Search – How to Stand Out with Thank-You Notes

Now that you’ve submitted your resume and aced the interview, you may be wondering what’s next? Don’t just sit and wait for a call back, tip the scales in your favor by going the extra mile and sending a thank-you note.  

At a time when job competition is fierce, there’s a simple way to stand out from the competition: by sending a thank-you note after your interview. A seemingly old-school formality, following up a meeting with gratitude is always in style. This is especially true during the pandemic, when in-person interviews are less common and applicants have less of an opportunity to showcase their personality. In a survey of 334 hiring professionals conducted by TopResume, 68% agreed that a thank-you note following an interview, or lack thereof, has become increasingly significant.

Putting in the thought and effort to send a thank-you note shows you respect the interviewer(s) and their time and allows for an extra touchpoint to help keep you top of mind. It also gives you an opportunity to make a final sales pitch for your talents, amend any answers you may have fumbled, and reiterate your interest in the company and position.

A little thanks goes a long way. Here are some do’s and don’ts for sending thank-you notes following an interview.  

  • DO (e)Mail it 
    Our top method of delivering thanks is via email. Sending a note electronically ensures it arrives quickly and won’t be missed if employers are working remotely. Snail mail may be a good choice following a highly formal interview, but be sure to consider the company culture. Phone calls aren’t recommended unless one has been discussed in the interview.
  • DON’T Wait
    Send thank-you note(s) within 24 hours of your interview.
  • DO make it personal
    Take the time to reflect on your interview and craft personal thank-you notes unique to you. Mention something from the conversation that makes you excited about the position or affirms that your skills would be an asset to the company and the role. If you interviewed with more than one person, be sure to email each one separately.
  • DON’T overwhelm
    No need for novels. Your thank-you note should be brief and to the point, but long enough to show sincerity.
  • DO proofread
    The last thing you want is for your thoughtful gesture to backfire. Be sure to double check spelling and grammar, and verify names and titles of your interviewer(s).

 

Now that you know what to do after an interview, let us help you get one. Search our job board for open positions or contact us to take the next step in your job search today!