Thanks for your help, no thank you!
When should you send a thank you note? It seems like folks tend to get tripped up over when to or not to send a thank you note. Should you send one following an initial introduction? Should you send one after an interview? After someone secures the position? If you second guess, you should! Think of it this way, what if it’s more to answer or follow up on anything that was left unsaid in the interview or introduction and thank them for taking the time to interview for the position or for just taking time to speak with initially. Depending on the pace of the opportunity or decision, you will need to make a judgment call on the timeframe to send it.
The thank you note should always thank the interviewer(s) for their time and energy spent interviewing. The recruiter should address how their skills match up to the position, and anything extra that stands out that will make them a great fit for the opportunity. If there was a story or common interest that was discussed, make sure there is a line or two referencing that topic in the thank you. Furthermore, it could be that very topic that could trigger the candidate’s thoughts about how they’re a fit for the opportunity and why they want to continue to proceed.
I am still surprised to learn that recruiters who do not know how to write a thank you note or won’t take the time to do so. Most recruiters seem to be surprised to learn that creating a thank you note could be the thin line between an accepted offer and a rejection. A thank you note can give you a step up on the competition of another organization that may have a similar opportunity and a comparable salary.