I’m often surprised (and, quite honestly, a little concerned) when a candidate fails to follow-up after the interview with a simple note of gratitude. Writing a post-interview thank-you note is not an option; it’s a requirement. Here’s why:

Reason #1: Basic Professional Etiquette

In its most basic form, the thank-you note is an expression of appreciation to the individual(s) who took the time to meet with you, discuss the position in detail, and share more about the organization. Writing a thank-you note tells the company that you understand the importance of good manners. Ignoring this courtesy can be construed as less than professional.

According to a CareerBuilder Survey of Hiring Managers, 86 percent of respondents said it showed a lack of follow-through and 22 percent said they were less likely to hire candidates who did not send a thank-you note after the interview.

Candidates can easily express their gratitude in two brief sentences. For example:

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday to discuss the [position title] in greater detail. It was a pleasure meeting with you and the entire Acme team.

Reason #2: A Reaffirmation of Interest and Fit

The thank-you note is your final opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and to emphasize fit. In fact, 56 percent of hiring managers said they would take it as a lack of seriousness in the position if a candidate failed to follow up.

A good thank-you note is highly personalized, with the writer integrating insight shared during the interview and using that information to tie-in his or her interest in the position and suitability within the organization. Asking good questions during the interview can help to build rapport and gain knowledge that can later be used in your correspondence.

Candidates can standout by reiterating their interest and fit for the role. For example:

I also want to thank you for sharing your insights on the challenges associated with this position. Working on large multi-disciplinary research teams, where views and approaches sometimes conflict, is something I am accustomed to. I have grown to appreciate the different perspectives diverse groups bring, and I am confident in my ability to deal with the various (and sometimes conflicting) opinions in a productive way.

Reason #3: Damage Control

It happens to all of us. We’re at a loss for the right words at the moment an interview question is asked. But we think of the perfect response during our commute home. Depending on the severity of the situation, we may still have time to salvage our response and stay in the running.

Thank-you notes present a great opportunity to clarify vague responses, readdress any unanswered or incomplete answers, and potentially eliminate any lingering doubt the interviewer might have. The key is to approach the shortfall without magnifying it, while staying focused on reasons one and two.

Candidates should cycle back on items and issues using a direct and self-assured tone. For example:

As a follow-up to your question regarding my lack of direct experience in nonprofit fundraising and development, I understand your concern and would like to reassure you that the skills I have developed writing research grants are similar to the skills required for success in nonprofit grant writing. This includes the ability to provide information/data in a clear and concise manner and make a case for why it is important for the reader to invest in advancing the project’s agenda. Over the past three years, I have written and have been awarded several highly competitive grants in excess of 300K. I am confident that I can write successfully funded grant proposals for the Acme Foundation and would look forward to the opportunity to advance the Foundation’s mission to….

Can a thank-you note guarantee an offer? Unfortunately, no. But, in a highly competitive job market, it can help a candidate make a great impression while simultaneously showing the level of professionalism he or she would bring to the role.

 

About the author

Dara Wilson-Grant is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her focus is on career-related issues, including career change, professional growth, and workplace challenges. Dara’s career management workshops have been presented at universities, government agencies and research institutions.