(Untitled)

[cherry_pizza]

Been doing the rounds of various career-building/jobseeking-themed websites (mostly US-based ones), and I keep seeing suggestions that interviewees should send 'thank you' notes to all members of their panel after the interview. The first time I saw it, I thought that it was a bit over-the-top, being nothing but transparent buttkissing. But the

Comments

[weirdedsel]

I think you'd get your ass kicked doin' somethin' like that 'round these parts, man.

[goddessdi]

I usually send them. It makes you stand out too. It's been a standard beauty industry procedure for awhile though.

[dewdropsonrosa]

Sending thank-you notes to interviewers has long been the U.S. custom. However, it's become much less common with the societal shift towards less formal etiquette.

I send notes when I'm particularly excited about the position, felt that the interview was promising, and want to stand out from the pack.

The notes don't need to be elaborate in the same way as, say, a wedding thank-you note. You express appreciation for the interviewer's time and the chance to learn more about the company and its goals, and that you look forward to hearing their decison.

[juniper_mermaid]

Seconding.

[weirdedsel]

I dunno, man. I don't really see how a card plays any significance. The boss isn't going to think, "Hmm.. this person was just okay. I dunno if I really want to hire th--WHOA wait! A thank you card! Look at that subtle off-white coloring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh, my god... it even has a watermark. HIRED!"

I'd argue they're looking to see if you got what it takes to do whatever job it is. Not silly little traditions. They aren't going to pass up someone with 10 years experience and an impressive resume just because they didn't get a li'l colorful piece of cardstock slid under the door.

[juniper_mermaid]

I don't usually send a physical card, just a follow-up email. Obviously you're right in that if you're not a good candidate for the position, won't make a difference. If it's a position where there are a lot of applicants who are fairly closely matched, it's one more chance to put your name in front of their eyes, show you were paying attention at the interview, and that you're hungry for it. It's not seen as ass-kissing where i am, but i guess that varies.

[scarlett_lin]

Hey, I seldom met or heard of it! At least in our country. Usually we attend an interview on time and go on with it and then thank you to each other by speeches and finally it is over. We seldom write any notes expressing our thanks to the employers or the interviewers. And the employers or the interviewers neither write. But we will do so in rare situations if we carry very strong excitements or hopes. But we will write simple thank-you note to the employers or the interviewers once we have received the letter from them congratulating and informing us that we are enrolled. But if that is a rule in the job-seeking process, I think you can send one to them once you think the position is very important to you. :)

[tabular_rasa]

I've always heard the advice, and sometimes I follow it (usually based on how well the interview went). I'm more likely to send a thank-you email than an actual letter, though-- mostly because I'm more likely to have an email than a physical address and sometimes interview processes move so quickly the note wouldn't arrive in time to really benefit me anyway.

It's one of those things that may not be necessary, but it surely can't hurt. It shows good manners and interest in the position, as well as personal investment if you remember interviewer(s)'s names and can mention specifics about the interview in the note. It may give you the edge, especially with older employers who do consider it a vital step. On the other hand, I doubt many people would receive a thank-you note and be like "What an asshole. I would never hire this person in a million years!"