Importance of a Thank You note after the job interview
Credit to Author: Murali Murthy| Date: Sat, 25 May 2019 21:28:39 +0000
From the HR point of view, making someone an offer to join an organization is always risky. The Hiring Manager is often making decisions based on a limited amount of data collected during a few hours of speaking with you (the candidate) and often online.
Sure, some may give you an assignment to test your skills and also talk to your references but it never gives the complete picture. And that’s why even in the best of scenarios, often times, promising opportunities could turn out to be the wrong fit.
As a proactive candidate, you need to apply every resource to tilt the scales. A simple and effective resource is a Thank You note – ideally an email you send after your interview.
Why do it?
A Thank You note signals that you are thinking about the job and that you do want the job. While sending the note doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you will be a good hire, it provides a tiny bit more data to consider: that you are eager, organized and well-mannered enough to be considered.
Demonstrate initiative
It demonstrates initiative on your part, because if the interviewer did not give you their Email ID, you somehow found a way to get it. In such a scenario, the ‘Thank You’ email is definitely a show of resourcefulness.
Here is another way to look at it. When you are really passionate about the job, you would do everything in your power, including find an excuse to follow up – which is all a Thank You note really is.
Make the ‘final pitch’
It’s also the ‘final pitch’, a chance to follow-through, remind them of your talents, and signal that you are still interested in the role. Smart Thank You notes are tailored to reflect the specific conversation that happened during the interview – again, a great opportunity to showcase that you are engaged and a great listener.
Personalize further
Personalize your note further by highlighting a particular skill set that was discussed and expand on it based on what it seemed the employer was looking for. Keep in mind that you should only bring this up if it is of vital interest in the role you are interviewing for.
Making the effort to send a quick note also emphasizes your written communication skills to the employer and that you are thankful for their time and consideration. Besides your application, this will be one of the first times an employer can see how you would potentially be perceived when communicating with clients or customers in this role.
In summary:
A person’s talent, qualifications, enthusiasm, and likely effectiveness in the job are all evaluated. A Thank You note is just one of many considerations that could tip the scales in your favour. It could go much further than you may think, so just go for it. And one day you will be thanking us for this article.
[Our next Career Coach Column will guide you on writing a good Thank You Note.]