You revised your cover letter and resume, secured the interview, researched your potential employer, practiced your closing statement and closing handshake, interviewed and then returned home to recap.  All that’s left is waiting to hear if you were hired.  Right? Wrong!  The last step in the interview process is sometimes overlooked… sending a “thank you” email to the interviewer.  A CareerBuilder survey of hiring managers revealed that not sending a note of thanks raises red flags both about the candidate’s seriousness and about their follow through capabilities.

Whether this is your first, second, or even third interview with the same company, a thank you note is in order.  In addition to showing your strong interest, your response will remind the interviewer of your expertise in the field and your qualifications for the position.  Here are a few “Dos and Donts” to keep in mind:

• The Early Bird Catches the Worm – Don’t allow time to elapse post-interview or you may find that someone else has beat you to the job.  Do send your thank you within 24 hours of that closing handshake.
• Make a Long Story Short – Don’t make that note longer than a page in length.  Do however make sure to highlight the core strengths you cited in your interview and how you will be an asset to the company.
• It’s Personal – Don’t use templates, generic formats or blanket letters.  Do personalize each letter. In the case of multiple interviewers, each one must receive their own thank you personalized to their interaction with you.
• Hey is For Horses – Don’t use casual, informal language in your thank yous.  Do use the full name of each interviewer in your greeting line, and your full name in the closing line.  Unsure of any spellings?  Check business cards that you acquired at the end of your interview or verify information directly with the company.

As we said above, don’t skip this step in the process.  Do make the time to write those thank yous – it could be the difference in landing that dream job or not.  The Centra Team has the knowledge and expertise to help you every step of the way.  Call us at 800 535 0076.