Dear Diane,
Should I email a thank you note after a job interview?
Thank you, J
Dear J,
While I believe a handwritten thank you note is still an important part of the interview process, there is no doubt that an email after the interview is not only becoming a common theme, but one that is preferred by many hiring managers.
Often the hiring process moves at lightning speed and a letter sent through USPS can take several days to get to the interviewer. The window of opportunity can easily be lost when the competition is corresponding by email. An email doesn’t take the place of a handwritten note, it just precedes a handwritten note in order to keep your name in the forefront of the hiring process. I work with several different hiring managers and while there is a debate among which is preferred, most agree that an email is a good way to keep a candidate’s name front and center.
I have often been asked if leaving a note behind as you exit the interview is appropriate, both handwritten but timely. The answer is no. Writing a thank you note before the experience is similar to thanking someone for a gift you haven’t yet received. It’s important to mention specific details about the interview and you can’t know how the conversation will go until after the meeting takes place.
I suggest sending an email after the interview and following up with a professional thank you note.
Best of luck!
Diane
