It never really occurred to me to send thank you notes after an interview. It was my boyfriend who pointed that out to me. Sending a note to thank the interviewer is akin to following up your application. So whether you get the job or not, send a thank you note. Now, it has become part of my interview protocol.
Just remember not to overdo it. Here are some scenarios that one should avoid:
Lengthy thank you notes
Make it brief. Two to three sentences would suffice. Writing a long letter to the hiring manager projects lack of self-confidence.
Correcting an interview mistake in the thank you letter
Okay, you made a wrong answer during the interview. You should have corrected the mistake after the interview is over. Telling the hiring manager in writing that you've made a mistake in your answer earlier in the interview doesn't sound right. You had your chance in the interview. And most importantly, never sound apologetic in your thank you note.
Bombarding the hiring manager with follow-ups
You've said your thanks and that's enough. Don't bombard the hiring manager with constant follow ups i.e. emails, phone calls and voice messages. You need a job alright but try to keep your integrity intact: don't sound too needy.
Remember, if they want you in their payroll, they'd never hesitate to offer you a job. I know the waiting is sometimes frustrating but that's how the system works.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Thank you notes
Labels: Career advice
Posted by Mari at 3/08/2009
5 comments:
It is quite unfortunate that this particular practice has not caught on in the Philippines, a supposedly "polite and respectful" country. But it makes for very good business and personal practice and it also has the effect of making you stand out against the other candidates who don't engage in it.
Well written piece. I'm pretty sure the bf's pretty proud of you.
That's definitely a nice gesture. The only problem is in a culture where hiring managers are ignorant of such protocol, it could be misinterpreted as trying to pull strings or "buttering" the application. But it is a good practice, nothing to be ashamed of and reflects professionalism.
I've seen some hiring managers who don't know what to do with thank-you letters. They themselves have never written one to obtain a job, so they think anyone who does is desperate.
When I write one, I typically do so because I really feel it. I make it such that it's apparent that we connected and I want to be part of that organization. I make it long enough so it shows it's not generic, short enough to make them want to invite me for more.
I also know that in this day and age of overworked people who don't get any praise, recognizing them for a duty well done like an interview can work wonders. Their own bosses don't say thank you, their own spouses don't say thank you, their own kids don't say thank you. So when I really feel grateful for an employer I let them know.
That said, if some fellow manager wants to view my gratitude as a form of begging, it's their loss. Some treat their candidates like trash. To those who don't I say, you didn't have to love me like you did, but you did, yes you did -- and I thank you!
Lonely on a Sunday,
It's not yet an accepted practice here. Nonetheless, it won't stop me from sending thank you notes. It's an appreciative gesture and indeed very polite and not to mention, professional.
BW,
You're right. Especially here in Pinas, people might think you're trying to increase your chances of getting hired by "buttering up", as you said.
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