Post-Interview Thank You Notes

Someone asked me a question about thank you notes, and I got carried away with my response.  However, despite the wordiness, I thought it would be worthwhile to share it here.

First of all, I hope you are all asking for the job while you are still in the interview. I do that towards the end of each interview (if I want the job, of course).

Now, about the content of the thank you note.  I bring something up that impressed me from our discussion: a particularly good question on which we had some thoughtful exchanges, attention to a particular function in my field and an approach that I might value, a juicy challenge that I think I can help with.  Keep it very business focused.  Avoid saying something like 'I felt we had an interesting exchange.'  Feelings are subjective.  It is more appropriate to say, 'Our exchange about (problem) has captured my attention, and I find myself generating a series of ideas to tackle it productively.'  Identifying a problem and your interest in finding a workable solution is business oriented.  Letting them know you are ready to contribute is a wonderful way of reiterating your interest - and a great way to ask for the job.

If you are engaged in an interview process where appointments follow each other very closely, sending a Send Out Card will not work because the card will arrive days after your third or fourth interview.  Keeping cards to deliver immediately doesn't always work for me; I need to think quietly about what happened in the interview before I say anything, and to pare down my wordiness (witness the length of this blog!).

In an email, I can write three paragraphs about something meaningful, and it will get timely attention, even if it's zapped out of the recipient's mail box sooner rather than later.  Three paragraphs won't fit in a card.

But the usefulness of a card or note goes beyond the card itself. 

First, it is a very personal and classy touch.  No matter if you remain in the running for the job or not, it will distinguish you as an interested, thoughtful candidate, and that's the kind of reputation you want to build for yourself.  It's a small world out there and you're always on display.  Thank you cards and notes show you in a very positive light.

Second, writing your "thank-yous" allows you to articulate positive things about yourself, the opportunity and the people who interviewed you.  When job seeking, staying positive can be difficult, and it's key. As an HR professional interviewing at all levels, I have met candidates with all kinds of attitudes.  It shows when you aren't positive, so cultivate it whenever you can.

Third, it makes you articulate whether you want the opportunity or not.  Is it too hard to find something positive to say about the interview, the process, the approach, the job, the people, the challenges?  If so, you have some private thinking to do.  Be gracious; send the card or note anyway.

And don't spend too much time feeling guilty if you didn't write a card or a note.  Sometimes, it just isn't going to happen and obsessing about 'doing it wrong' won't get you anywhere.  Sometimes, you just have to move on.

I hope some of these thoughts resonate with you.