{"id":13471,"date":"2014-05-26T07:00:21","date_gmt":"2014-05-26T12:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inalj.com\/?p=13471"},"modified":"2014-05-24T21:30:01","modified_gmt":"2014-05-25T02:30:01","slug":"7-tips-about-the-all-important-thank-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inalj.com\/?p=13471","title":{"rendered":"7 Tips About the All-Important Thank You"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Alexis Stapp, former Head Editor, INALJ Minnesota<\/a>
\npreviously published 3\/18\/13<\/em><\/p>\n

7 Tips About the All-Important Thank You<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"alexiss\"<\/a>Thank you notes always seem like such a chore, don\u2019t they? \u00a0Aside from the tediousness factor, sometimes they can make us feel downright dishonest (\u201cDear Aunt Suzy, Thank you for the beautiful sweater you knitted for me\u201d\u2026). \u00a0The temptation to skip them can be powerful.<\/p>\n

However, if you aren\u2019t writing thank you notes after your interviews, you could be doing yourself a disservice when it comes to hiring decision time. \u00a0Thank yous are a very simple, very classy way to follow up after an interview. \u00a0It sends the message that you appreciated your interviewer\u2019s time, gives you a chance to re-state your interest in the job, and possibly sets you apart from the rest of the pack.<\/p>\n

What are the components of a good thank you? \u00a0Does it have to be written on handcrafted letterpress stationery and mailed? \u00a0Will a more casual e-mail suffice? \u00a0Here are some tips on writing thank yous:<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Mail or e-mail?<\/strong> \u00a0This is completely up to the individual but general rule of thumb is handwritten thank you notes if you have the time i.e. the hiring committee won\u2019t be making their decision tomorrow! \u00a0E -mail if you\u2019re a little shorter on time or after a phone interview. \u00a0Whatever you opt for, make sure you keep it somewhat formal \u2013 it\u2019s all too easy to slip into a casual tone in an e-mail.
\n2. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Start out with the thank you!<\/strong> \u00a0Get that part out of the way so the purpose of the note is clear from the outset. \u00a0Thank the interviewer for his or her time. \u00a0If you spoke with a committee, make sure to send each person a note, even if one person on that committee would be your boss. \u00a0The other interviewers also gave their time and are just as worthy of your gratitude, but make sure you don\u2019t send cookie cutter notes. \u00a0Try to tailor it to the individual where possible.
\n3. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Remind the interviewer again of your strengths<\/strong>\/qualities\/skills\/experiences that make you a particularly good fit for the job. \u00a0This can also be the time to strengthen a weak answer or build on an answer where you may have run out of time.
\n4. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0If you can, tie back to something discussed<\/strong> and say how you look forward to continuing the discussion, whether it was a question you were asked or a conversation you had before or after the interview.
\n5. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Thank them again<\/strong> and let them know when you\u2019ll follow up on the position (but only if you\u2019re actually going to do it).
\n6. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Be sincere. \u00a0Be honest. \u00a0Be brief.<\/strong> \u00a0This person probably has a lot going on and while he or she will appreciate your note, they probably won\u2019t appreciate a two-page flowery letter singing their and the library\u2019s praises.
\n7. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Send a thank you even if you don\u2019t think it\u2019s a good fit for you. \u00a0<\/strong>Yep, send a thank you even if you don\u2019t want the job (hey, it happens!). \u00a0Be polite, thank them for their time, and set a good precedent. \u00a0Maybe you won\u2019t work for this person now but you might run into them again at some point in your career.<\/p>\n

For more information on writing thank yous, check out these resources:<\/p>\n