A few weeks ago, I uploaded a post that focused on remembering to say thanks to those who have helped you along the way with your career.  However, there was one group I forgot to mention – your interviewers! 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to conduct phone and face-to-face interviews with several candidates.  As I waited for the customary thank you note to come from them, I’ve been amazed at how many of these notes I have not received.  It reminded of the many times over the past 5-10 years that I have not received a thank you note for an interview.  The note doesn’t have to be elaborate, and it can be sent via a hardcopy letter, thank you card, or e-mail, but it needs to be sent. 

When did we lose our sense of good manners in our country?  When did we get to the point that thanking an interviewer for an interview (that you REALLY wanted!) became unimportant?  Did I miss the switch? 

Some people think saying thank you in situations like this really isn’t important anymore.  Well, I’m here to tell you differently.  MANNERS STILL COUNT!  If you don’t believe me, check out these two scenarios: 

     Scenario one:  Five people, including you, interview for the same position within one week of each other.  No one sends a thank you note but you.  What does this say about you? 

     Scenario two:  Five people, including you, interview for the same position within one week of each other.  Everyone sends a thank you note but you.  What does this say about you? 

So, either way you can’t lose by sending a thank you note, right?  

Right.

Until next time….