The best ways to say thank you after a job interview are ofter overlooked
Those of us who have been through the experience of going on numerous job interviews can probably recite the process by heart: get to the interview location on time, bring your resume, dress professionally, shake hands firmly, answer questions confidently, sell your skills to the prospective employer, and smile as you say goodbye. However, one of the most commonly overlooked steps is probably the most important, and it doesn’t even take place in the office—thanking your interviewer.
Post-Interview ‘No-Brainer’
Following up with a simple ‘thank you’ after an interview is, some would think, a no-brainer. After all, it not only shows that you are polite, considerate and thoughtful, it also shows that you are very interested in the position, and that you are the best candidate for it. Yet many job opportunities are lost because the job seeker doesn’t take the time to express their gratitude for being seen. It’s that kind of attention to detail that stands out with prospective employers.
How to Say Thanks
There are many ways you can—and should—say thank you after an interview. However, you want to make sure that you stand out to the interviewer. Here are a few tips to ensure that you make a memorable exit and a great post-interview impression to a potential boss.
- Get their card. Make sure that you get a business card, either from the interviewer, or from the receptionist on the way out of their office. This will give you all of the information you need to contact them again.
- Email immediately. As soon as you have a chance, preferably within the first 24 hours, email the interviewer and thank him or her for their time. Tell them any other information that you may have forgotten at the interview and answer any questions that they may have had that you were not able to answer right away. Sending an email after a job interview gives you the opportunity to really show them that you want this job.
- Send a handwritten note. There are few things that impress potential employers more than a prospective employee taking the time to handwrite a ‘thank you’ note, getting a stamp and sending it out in the mail. Handwritten notes are very personal, and therefore are seen as a very sincere gesture.
In all instances, make sure that you proofread all of your correspondence, including the spellings of names and company name. Also, remember to respond with a ‘thank you’ as quickly as possible to show your interest in the position.
Two Words Go A Long Way
Saying thank you after a job interview is such a small gesture that goes a very long way. Employers see a ‘thank you’ as a sign of sincerity, honesty, integrity and character, all of them great qualities in a potential employee.
High Profile Staffing wants you to know that the last impression is just as important as the first and we can help you every step of the way.
For more information on what else you can do to make your interview a success, visit our blog or our website.