Thank-You Notes: Your Thoughtfulness will be Rewarded

I get asked these questions over and over: "Should I send separate thank-you notes to everyone who interviewed me? Can I just send one thank-you note to the hiring manager and ask him/her to thank others involved in the process?"

The answers are yes and no, respectively.

Send a separate thank-you note to everyone who interviewed you, whether it was an informal pre-interview phone call, an interview lunch meeting, or the final formal interview after a lengthy process.

Don't be stingy with your thank yous!

It's an easy thing to do, it will only take a few minutes--and it will make the recipients feel good about you!

Why wouldn't you jump at the chance to do that?

You can make your thank-you notes relatively short. They can be sent via snail-mail or email.

(There are differing opinions on which is best. I prefer the now "special" touch of a real letter over the routine method of email; others think email is best because it's faster. Just remember that what you say is more important than how you send it.)

Make each thank-you note slightly different by mentioning something in particular that you and the recipient discussed. This is a good reason to do your thank-you notes right away, while the interview is fresh in your mind. You might even want to take notes for this purpose.

Here's a great tip that will really impress the hiring manager: add a P.S. that mentions how helpful someone was, by name. I'm not talking about people directly involved in the interviews; they should get their own thank-you notes. But if there was a receptionist, an administrative assistant, or someone else who was helpful during your interview process, say so. Those people are rarely recognized, but may have influence with the hiring manager. The boss will think of you as someone who appreciates his team, notices things most other people overlook, and goes the extra mile.

Why make this a P.S.? Studies show that most people read the P.S. before (or even instead of) reading the main body of a letter. This P.S. will get attention and impress the reader, which will get your entire letter read and your thoughtfulness remembered!

Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job Interview Success System and free information-packed ezine, "Career-Life Times." Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips at her website: http://www.best-interview-strategies.com.

---

What To Do When A Co-Worker Turns Nasty

A friend of mine laments that work would be great... Read More

Unemployment Survival: Creating a Sense of Security

In a time of economic downturn, international turmoil, company restructuring... Read More

You Should Interview the Interviewer, Too

I know what you are thinking. You're thinking, "Wait a... Read More

Out Recruit The Competition

We hear from our clients that they "hope the candidate... Read More

Six Factors That Can Cost You the Interview/Job

Most job seekers know that an unprofessional appearance will count... Read More

Your First Job

"Your first job is an extension of your education"Fresh out... Read More

Taking a Survival Type Job Is Good For You.

Ugh! Arg! How can a survivor type job be good... Read More

Pre-Interview Web Research

You have obtained an interview -- congratulations! You feel prepared... Read More

Practice Speaking

For many people, interviewing is not a natural act any... Read More

Are You Ready For A New Career?

Is your current or most recent job truly what you... Read More

Technology in the Workplace - Boon or Curse?

Like all new innovations, technology in the work environment can... Read More

Managing Emotions During Career Change and Job Search, Part One

How can you manage your emotions during your career change... Read More

Job Search Advice for Desperate Job Seekers

Another morning of job hunting lies ahead of you. You... Read More

Knowing and Guessing

The line between average and exceptional work performance is dotted... Read More

Why Are 95% of Job Applicants Not Called Back?

Have you been desperately looking for a job and keep... Read More

Resume Writing - Tips and Advice

Job-hunting is not the most exciting thing in the world... Read More

How to Negotiate The Best Salary and Benefit Packages

Salary and Benefits NegotiationOne of the most difficult aspects of... Read More

18 Career Enhancement Caveats

Core value investing in your careerMany people walk through their... Read More

Unlimit Your Life!

Do you have a tendency to think in absolutes?Is everything... Read More

Ten Things About Your Career Development

There are some tactics you can action whatever you wish... Read More

Evaluating Job Offers -- Eleven Warning Signs You Must Watch Out For

Moving into a new job always involves some degree of... Read More

Ten Questions For Entrepreneurs To Ask Themselves

Ten Questions For Entrepreneurs To Ask Themselves1.Do I have the... Read More

Preparing For Your Job Interview: What You Need To Know To Be Successful

In the limited time an interviewer has with you, their... Read More

Why You Need To Be An Intrapreneur

When a client asks me if I think he or... Read More

Why Do You Want This Job?

Why Do You Want This Job? Is it because any... Read More

What Do Accountants And Doctors Have In Common?

Freshly qualified accounting graduates when asked by the interviewer "Are... Read More

5 Characteristics of a Dynamic Loan Processor

Not everyone is cut out to be a mortgage processor.... Read More

The Role of a Medical Assistant in a Modern Medical Practice

Many physicians are unsure of what tasks are appropriate to... Read More

How to Turn Career Mistakes into Career Wins

I recently talked with a client who was paralyzed at... Read More

We Rejected Your Résumé Today

Hi, I am Mr. Employer.Even though you think I can... Read More

How to Work Effectively With Recruiters

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T / find out what it means to me" is... Read More

How To Win the Job-Hunting Game

When I got over the initial shock of being urged... Read More

Cleaning Houses for a Living Has Some Unexpected Benefits

If you're looking for a way to earn a living... Read More