Thank you note/follow up letter, do you send them?

I just wanted to know your opinions on thank you notes and follow up letters. Are they worth sending? Can it really be the difference between getting a job and not getting a job? How do you go about getting the right address so the hiring manager receives it?

I've had a couple of interviews where the recruiters(one internal and one external) said that I would hear back in a certain period of time and I never heard back. I've been interpreting this as the company wasn't interested in me and since I wasn't selected the recruiter forgot about me while searching for candidates to fill other positions. Should I be following up with the recruiters in these cases? I would hate to eliminated from a job because I showed a "lack of interest" by not following up with the recruiters when they said they would be in touch with me.

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Comments

scaredoftests

Yes, they are worth sending. Shows that you care about interviewing etc. Yes, follow up with recruiters..sometimes they do find out why a person was not selected...

Params7

I did for a couple of internships and never again. I would advise people who are trying to get into the industry to do it obviously. The more skilled/experienced you get, the less there is a need to "pander" to the organizations but until you get to that level, you have to show special interest to differentiate yourself from other candidates.

636-555-3226

Yes. If you can only do the generic "thanks" then that's OK, but try to put something personal in there about something you talked about. Not necessarily job related, if the interviewer has kids & you mentioned something that you can relate to, talk about it in a sentence or two, etc.

thomas_

Where do you get the address? Do you just send it to the location you did the interview at and put the hiring manager's name on it? Or would it be better to send to the recruiter and ask them to deliver to the hiring manager?

scaredoftests

Faster way is email these days. Ask for their cards at the end of the interview. Email addresses are there.

SteveLord

Simple email. Reference something from the interview. Example "I was particularly interested in your future upgrade plans for X."

Verities

Its worth it to send a thank you email as it leaves a good impression with the HR person/interviewer who may call you either back for the position you interviewed for or possibly for another position in the future. It takes a few minutes of your time to say thanks for considering you and you are excited about working with company XYZ.

After an interview a few years back, I didn't hear anything for about a week and half, so I sent an email to the HR person saying thanks for the interview, etc. Shortly afterward she sent me an email back with an offer letter saying she had went on vacation right after the interview and forgot to email me back. I literally got the job because of a thank you email.

colemic

I disagree with this - I even send thank you notes to vendors who come onsite, and ALWAYS to people I interview with. Handwritten, in blue ink. It is one of the effective ways to leave a positive impression, costs next to nothing, and can be the difference when a new job opens up, that they think of you first.

Besides, I don't think I've ever seen anyone receive a thank you note and NOT have it brighten their day a little - it's just crazy not to, it's one of the best ways to build positive relationships. It's not pandering, if it's a sincere note of appreciation (or it SHOULD be.)

Params7 wrote: »

I did for a couple of internships and never again. I would advise people who are trying to get into the industry to do it obviously. The more skilled/experienced you get, the less there is a need to "pander" to the organizations but until you get to that level, you have to show special interest to differentiate yourself from other candidates.

scaredoftests

It is good to send a handwritten note, BUT these days it is also good to send an email right after the interview. Sometimes, the decision is made quickly and snail mail sometimes takes a few days to get there and by then the decision has already been made.

Kinet1c

Starting out and you've no experience, I'd certainly advise you to do it. I haven't done it in several years as I don't feel the need to. I can protray my skillset enough that I don't need to send them in.