A|E|C Industry insights

Manners Still Matter by Design Force Solutions

How thank you notes can land you the job

Most candidates think that their interview ends after the final handshake from the interviewers. However, you do have one last chance to make a great impression – your thank you note.

Thank you notes are a valuable tool for a candidate to make an impact on their interviewers. The concept may seem outdated; more suited for back when the interview process was slower, more formal and notes had to be hand-written. This is not true. A thoughtful, well-written thank you note can give you the bump past your competition for the position. It conveys the level of your interest: that you took the time to sit down and express your gratitude for being considered and show your desire to proceed with the process.

Immediacy is key – thank you notes should be emailed within 24 hours. Hand-written notes are still appreciated, but timing is everything, and nothing is faster than an email. You want the interviewers to have your meeting fresh in their minds. When interviewing, make sure you collect a business card from each person in the room so you have their full contact information before you leave.

Thank you notes should be concise, but never generic. If you have met with more than one person, be sure to make each note different; you never know if the interviewers will be comparing. Include details from your meeting – particular characteristics of the job that you discussed and how your experience makes the most qualified person for the role. The best thank you notes succinctly and seamlessly tie responsibilities discussed in the meeting directly to your own experience. This is usually the first exposure your potential future employers will have to your writing. Be clear, sell yourself, and be sure to thank your interviewers for taking the time to meet with you.

Although first impressions may be the most important, the last impression could be what takes you across the finish line.