Job Interview "Thank You" Letter

[ice4277]

I had an interview for a new job today, and was going to send "thank you" notes to the folks I talked with. This is much more of a "corporate" position, and with a much bigger company, than I have dealt with in the past. What is the proper etiquette on one of these letters these days? Should it be handwritten, or can I type it? I seem to remember hearing that faxing it would be ok, but that sounds kind of questionable. Any recommendations?

[Ksyrup]

When I went through the process last March, I simply sent emails. But I had also been corresponding by email with all of the firms I interviewed with, so that might have made it more appropriate than it otherwise would be.

[digamma]

I think e-mails are perfectly acceptable these days.

[jeff061]

I've gone the email route as well.

[Toddzilla]

Never underestimate the power of a well-written letter. An email is fine, but you absolutely positively have to follow it up with a letter.

And make sure you write *everyone* that was involved with your interview, right down to the receptionist.

[Young Drachma]

I sent emails, too.

[DeToxRox]

I had an interview for a new job today, and was going to send "thank you" notes to the folks I talked with. This is much more of a "corporate" position, and with a much bigger company, than I have dealt with in the past. What is the proper etiquette on one of these letters these days? Should it be handwritten, or can I type it? I seem to remember hearing that faxing it would be ok, but that sounds kind of questionable. Any recommendations?

Why send a thank you when it's obvious you won't get the job. Comcast Local is your calling, Joe!

[Eaglesfan27]

I've always sent hand written letters. I've gotten many compliments on it after I've gotten the residency or job.

[dj_morton]

e-mail is the way to go

[terpkristin]

According to the website I looked at in '05 when I was applying for jobs, email is quite satisfactory. That said, I did emails and also sent hand-written thank you notes to my interviewers. Of course, by the time I got the Thank You notes in the mail, I'd already been offered a job (this was a weird case, I interviewed on a Tuesday, got the offer Wednesday, and started the following Monday--I still think they were desparate for some more bodies).

That's my $0.02.

/tk

[Greyroofoo]

emails as a "thank you" letter are worthless imo

[Raiders Army]

Handwritten notes take about 5 minutes to write and maybe two minutes to put into your mailbox.

Emails are freakin lazy.

[wbonnell]

"Handwritten notes take about 5 minutes to write and maybe two minutes to put into your mailbox."

...and about 1 second to be lost by the large company mail system. When the manager remembers to check her "inbox" in the mailroom 2 months from now, she'll be impressed with your thank you letter.

[CU Tiger]

I think emails are perfectly acceptable.
But I would compose them in letter form.

When I went through the hiring process back in May. I actually typed them converted to pdf and emailed. Mayeb overkill but the HR lady complimented me on the professionalism my first day.

[chrisj]

"Handwritten notes take about 5 minutes to write and maybe two minutes to put into your mailbox."

...and about 1 second to be lost by the large company mail system. When the manager remembers to check her "inbox" in the mailroom 2 months from now, she'll be impressed with your thank you letter.

I was going to say the same. I know many people who go days without checking their work mail box (I check mine once a week), but check my e-mail - well - it's always open.

They could have easily made the decision by the time they get your letter.

(with that being said, it doesn't hurt for both)

[Raiders Army]

"Handwritten notes take about 5 minutes to write and maybe two minutes to put into your mailbox."

...and about 1 second to be lost by the large company mail system. When the manager remembers to check her "inbox" in the mailroom 2 months from now, she'll be impressed with your thank you letter.

Every follow-up interview I've had, they've received the Thank You note. I guess I trust the system. ;)

[st.cronin]

I know plenty of people who don't read their email, either.

[ice4277]

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

I emailed thank-you notes this morning. I will also send out thank-yous through the mail. I guess I also should have mentioned, they are making the decision on this job in the next day or two, so I definitely wanted to be sure they got something quick. Thanks for all the replies.

[ice4277]

dola

Why send a thank you when it's obvious you won't get the job. Comcast Local is your calling, Joe!

Its all good. I will still be able to do the Comcast stuff.

[lynchjm24]

I interview and hire a lot of people. I hate when I get thank you notes for the interview. Unless it's extremely sincere, it just feels like weak, and it's extremely hard to seem sincere.

[Ryan S]

Maybe it is just a North American thing, but I have never heard of someone sending thank you letters after an interview.

[KevinNU7]

I send thank you emails because I always find a way to ask a question that the manager has to say, "Oh, I'd have to get back to you on that." Then I can ask that same question in the email.