To thank or not to thank, is that the question?

So you have not found concrete evidence that a thank you note can help you get that job?

When questioning whether to send a thank you note, keep in mind that the end result is always in your favor.  A thank you note is a second chance at making that first impression.  Your expression of gratitude and recapping of the interview makes you stand out while reiterating to the employer how interested (and qualified) you are in the open position.

Thank you notes also remind the employer why you are the best fit by giving you that second chance at selling your strengths and unique contributions.  Writing a thank you note builds rapport and keeps you fresh in the employer’s mind.

Thank you notes have evolved from a simple gesture of courtesy and appreciation to a self-marketing tool. Now you know the advantages, let’s take a look at a few simple rules to live by when sending a thank you note:

• Act fast: Send thank you notes within 24hrs of the interview
• Make an impression: The York Technical Institute reports that less than 4% of applicants send thank you notes. Why not send yours and stand out!
• Brief and to the point: Do use it to remind them of your interest in the position by rambling into an irrelevant story or repeating the obvious.
• Grammatically perfect: Proof read and spell check your letter AND have someone else proof it as well.

As many may question the importance of thank you notes, keep in mind that it cannot hurt.  McClure says “While many recruiters and hiring managers say they don’t care about thank-you notes and don’t pay attention to them, you never know if the person you are interviewing with does care”

Think about it this way, if they do care, you just added to your chances.  If they don’t care, the only thing wasted was time.

Penned by: Louann Alicea Your CC Connection