Jobseeker FAQs On Thank You Notes

by Mickey Mixon

Career advisers tell jobseekers to send a thank you note after an interview. To address the most frequently asked questions on how and what to send in a thank you note, here are some tips.

Won't the employer think that an applicant is desperate and a sissy if he sends a thank-you letter?

Of course not. Rarely does an employer not pleased to receive a thank-you letter. It is considered as a common way of showing politeness, a gesture of courtesy, one way to outshine the rest of the interviewees, and a way to keep your name upfront.

Will it not jeopardize the possibility of getting the job?

Not in the least. In fact, it actually enhances the chance of landing that job. When the boss wavers between the two most promising applicants, a thank you note could be the tie breaker. When the boss gets a thank-you letter from one of the applicants, it made all the difference. Because of that simple well mannered gesture, he lands on the job.

Can it be handwritten or should it be typewritten?

Actually, it does not matter. What's important is the thought of doing it. It must be tailored to your prospective company and the person who did the interview. However, if the company, interviewer or the position being applied for calls for a formal business letter, then do so. But generally, a handwritten note is okay.

Will it be okay to e-mail the thank you note?

It depends on the company's culture. If the people in the company use e-mail in all of their communication and correspondence, then it should be acceptable. This will also apply if the company is into fast decision making when hiring applicants. Always remember that even if e-mails fit in with the culture of the company, it's still a better idea to follow up the email with a hard copy of your thank you.

Will a sloppy thank you note hurt my chances?

YES. If you send in a sloppy, ill-formed thank you letter, with typographical errors and misspelled words, it will hurt your chances for getting the job. A part of having a good communication skills is being able to write effectively, and companies do not need employees who must be taught simple writing skills.

Will a copied thank-you letter do?

Yes, copying from another’s example is fine. But make sure to look at the basic structure of the letter. Never plagiarize the whole letter, but change it up a bit. The style and format is what is important.

If it was a panel interview should the same thank you letter be sent to all interviewers?

The same letter can be sent to each, but you need to change it up a little to for personalization.

How soon should a thank-you note be sent?

The golden rule is to send thank you notes within 24 hours after the interview.

Will it still be okay to mail the thank you note if the hiring decision will be made sooner than when the mailed thank you note is received?

If the mail is too slow to make it to the hiring decision makers before the decision is made, then email or fax it.

Always find a way to make the note as personalized as possible. Try to think outside the box. You may even add a comment about something you have observed the interviewer has in the office during the interview.

Whatever method you use, make it fast and professional.

About the Author - Mickey Mixon
Sugar Land Businessman Mickey Mixon is a Licensed Private Investigator, and a Talented Internet Marketer specializing in Affiliate Marketing. Mickey’s career includes a 15 year career in Houston Texas area retailing, owning stores in 5 malls until 1998. In 1997 he formed the PI firm American Information Bureau/American Investigation Brokers LLC. In 1996 he published his first book, Job Search Survival ,with an updated edition released on July 4, 2009. He is also Ministry Coordinator for the SCBC Job’s Ministry in Sugar Land TX. Contact Mickey at JobSearchSurvival@gmail.com http://www.JobSearchSurvival.com