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To “Thank You” or not to “Thank You”?

Written by Bernie

Bernie Frazier, SPHR is the Founder and President of CAREERCompass, LLC, a speaking and career coaching firm in St. Louis, MO. She also spent almost 25 years recruiting talent to six organizations across four industries and led the talent acquisition function for four of those organizations, including one global team.

Back in the day, there were certain protocols that were part of the job search process which have all but disappeared today:

  • Showing up in-person to apply for a position
  • The hideous women’s skirt suits that were designed to mimic men’s suits which also including some sort of Colonel Sanders neck tie – Ugh!
  • Sending “thank you” notes/letter

Sending thank you notes/letters?!?!

Yes! Over the past 15+ years, I’ve noticed that the thank you note has almost disappeared from the interview process. If I think back, I would guess that less than 15 percent of the candidates I’ve interviewed followed up with a thank you note.

I’m not talking about buying the fancy resume paper we used to buy, and typing up a nice letter to mail to each interviewer after your interviews. I’m talking about a simple email note to thank the interviewer for his/her time.

For those who think this is an outdated practice, consider this:

  • If you’re one of six interview candidates, and EVERYONE except you sends a thank you note, what does that say about you?
  • If you’re one of six interview candidates, and NO ONE but you send a thank you note, what does this say about you?

Of course, sending or not sending a note won’t be the major decider between you and other candidates, but if your results are incredibly close to another candidate, something small like a thank you note could be the deciding factor between you hearing the words, “You’re hired!” and “Thanks, but…”

It takes just a few minutes, but may be the very thing to take you across the finish line so, do what your mother and kindergarten teacher taught you – say thank you.

Until next time….