Walton Search Blog

The new age of “Thank You” by Email

In the spirit of Thanksgiving I want to touch upon a subject a lot of candidates skip in the interview process and is a lost opportunity and that is the Thank You Note.  This simple gesture can go a long way to help you stand out in the interview process.

Thank You Notes were traditionally a hand written card mailed after an interview. While handwritten notes are still in use, with today’s technology and competitive environment for positions the Thank You Note can now take on a different form as a Thank You email. So what is different about an email over waiting to mail a card? An email can be seen immediately while you are still fresh in the interviewer’s mind, can be shared easily with colleagues who also may have an impact on the hiring decision and is a great way to show your strong interest in the position.  

Some tips on the Thank You Email:

• Pre-write the essentials of an email ready to add key points.  For most people when it comes to writing resumes and thank you notes, even the best writer gets writer block under pressure.  Writing a generalized Thank You email and then personalizing it later is usually much easier.
• When you are doing your research on the people who will be interviewing (another important step) you be sure to note the correct spelling of their name and email if it is listed anywhere. Be sure to get any names of additional people you meet with.
• Take notes during your interview or write them down immediately after the interview so you remember the key points to add once you are back in front of your computer.
• The two things you want to address in your email is why you feel you are a fit for the position based on the interview and to address any questions you might have not answered well or feel like you need to elaborate on especially if it is something not covered in your resume.  
• Keep the email short and direct. You want to thank the person for interviewing you, show your continued interest and enthusiasm for the position, address any key points you believe relate to the position.
• Remember to check your spelling and grammar. If you can, have someone else proof read it a second time before you send it but do not delay more than a day before getting the note out.