Job Interview "Thank You" Letter
 

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?

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.

I think e-mails are perfectly acceptable these days.

I've gone the email route as well.

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.

I sent emails, too.

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

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

e-mail is the way to go

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

emails as a "thank you" letter are worthless imo

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

Emails are freakin lazy.

"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 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.

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)

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

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

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.

dola


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

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.

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

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.