Personal Touch After the Interview
In todays world how frequently do you receive letters in the mail? If your like myself, your answer is 'not often'.
Mail or 'snail mail' - aka not an email - has become uncommon as a way to communicate. Many will argue: why send a letter - which will take 2-3 days or more to get to the person- when you can send an email, which they will receive immediately? I get it. Emails revolutionized the way we communicate with one another. Email is fast and easy, it allows you to directly communicate with your correspondents, spreading thoughts and information in real-time.
As I understand the importance of emails in our modern world, I still find something special about receiving a letter (although very rarely) in the mail. The fact that someone took time out of their day to write me a hand written note, found my address and was able to then get it to the post office - going out of their way - makes me feel special.
Why not make the interviewer (who has a say in hiring you or not at the company) feel special after your interview?
I have heard friends countless times say, 'isn't sending a hand written note over kill' or 'doesn't it make me seem desperate?' The answer: NO. It will make the hiring team and mangers say, 'if this person is writing us a hand written thank you, then they are going to go the extra mile in their job'. Typically, those people - that go the extra mile- are the type of people hiring managers want to bring on their team.
FACT: a thank you note can sometimes be the difference of getting the job or not getting the job...
My advice for thank you notes:
a) Always write one after an interview
b) Go buy a stationary (links in my online store)
c) Personalize each thank you note and keep it short. An example below...
Dear Karen,
Thank you so much for your time on Tuesday.
I really appreciate all the information you shared on your company, SmallBox. It was great to learn about your experiences as a Analysts and how you transitioned from University into your role. Can't believe we both went to UCSB - small world!
I look forward to speaking again soon.
Best regards,
Mike
To summarize, make your interviewer feel special and write a hand written 'thank you' letter, personalize the note, and keep it short. Leave nothing to chance and get the job - because you went the extra mile... Climb higher.