Is it important to send a thank you email or letter after a face-to-face or telephone interview ?

2016-07-13T09:42:54-04:00

RP Members, Connections, and Civilian Recruiters how important is it to follow-up with a "thank you" letter or email following the face-to-face or telephone interview in today's job market?

We've heard a consensus that the Cover Letter isn't really needed today and that the Resume is the key document, as well as networking in today's job market.

Let's get some feedback on the "thank you" letter or email.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 13 at 2016 9:53 AM

2016-07-13T09:53:20-04:00

I've been taught to always give a hand-written thank you card myself, or a thank you email if the first wasn't possible. But always try for the hand-written note first.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 13 at 2016 9:55 AM

2016-07-13T09:55:53-04:00

I think it is appropriate to send a well-crafted letter after an in-person interview that left room for follow-up COL Mikel J. Burroughs. A simple thank you for their time makes sense for an interview that went nowhere.
Telephone interviews could best be responded via a well-crafted and spell and grammar checked email - which is read by you and somebody you trust before sending

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2016 9:57 AM

2016-07-13T09:57:52-04:00

I usually send thank you notes to people for extending their time associating with me above and beyond their ordinary duties. Thank you notes should be a handwritten note that is tangible and concise. I have written notes to people with whom I interviewed and people with whom have made an impact in my life in one way or another. Emails to express gratitude are impersonal, but it depends on the situation.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2016 10:00 AM

2016-07-13T10:00:28-04:00

Hi, Colonel Burroughs.

The thank you letter, in any form, is an imperative part of the interview process, for a couple of reasons. It's a show of respect, but also it distinguishes the candidate from those that didn't write one.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 13 at 2016 10:02 AM

2016-07-13T10:02:14-04:00

As the resident RP curmudgeon, my experience has shown it's irrelevant. Once the interview is complete for the position, no one cares. The letter MAY be read by an administrative assistant though.

Response by Dan Heverin made Jul 13 at 2016 10:03 AM

2016-07-13T10:03:09-04:00

I believe a follow-up "thank you" email or letter goes a long way especially after a face-to-face interview. If you are writing them make sure you write one to each person to spoke with and note just the hiring manager. In the note mention what you all discussed or something that will help you stand out in their mind. Also make sure to indicate your excitement for the opportunity you interviewed for and how your talents can help/improve their organization, department, and/or team.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 13 at 2016 10:03 AM

2016-07-13T10:03:30-04:00

It's always been my practice to send a hand written note for any situation that requires a thank you, COL Mikel J. Burroughs.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 13 at 2016 10:06 AM

2016-07-13T10:06:59-04:00

I always send a thank you e-mail. It doesn't necessarily get you the job, but might bump up your status.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 13 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-07-13T10:12:03-04:00

Yes, even if it has little bearing on whether you get hired or not. It could be the deciding factor if it came down between you and somebody else equally qualified, but they put more weight on qualifications and experience than a cheesy thank you letter. Hiring managers know that the 'thank you" letters are customary and probably stopped reading all of them by now. If you have what they want and you aced the interview, they probably aren't going to care about the customary letter. But you should do it any way because it is one of those unwritten rules.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2016 10:24 AM

2016-07-13T10:24:24-04:00

Having been on both sides of the interview process, I believe the "thank you" letter or email is just one more piece of information about the candidate's level of performance and principles.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jul 13 at 2016 10:28 AM

2016-07-13T10:28:34-04:00

I'm probably old school, but I say yes. If an individual has taken his/her time to meet with you they deserve to be thanked, if for nothing else, for their time. I always used small "Thank You" cards with a blank interior where I could be specific on something from the interview. Small size of card also helps get past mail room or gate keepers who will think its personal and not open/screen.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 13 at 2016 10:43 AM

2016-07-13T10:43:25-04:00

It's also a great opportunity to deliver your brief "elevator pitch" to reinforce your image

Response by Sgt Edward Padget made Jul 13 at 2016 11:16 AM

2016-07-13T11:16:26-04:00

In DoD contracting networking is everything. After that it's probably people skills, by that I mean how well can you integrate into a culture. Can you "get along" with pretty much everyone on a professional level or at least give the impression you can. As for follow ups, If I was really interested in the position I always sent a follow up email to the interviewers even if it was an over the phone interview.
I'd make it a point to highlight whatever portion of the interview I felt was the best part, even if it wasn't job related. I did this because I figured the interviewers already knew who they had in mind to hire. If I was in the running I wanted to stand out individually so I took advantage of any high points that occurred during our time together I'd try to spin it in such away to make it both personal and professional.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 13 at 2016 11:17 AM

2016-07-13T11:17:02-04:00

Viewpoint: corporate project manager making hire recommendations to corporate officers, Army Civilian manager, conducted hundreds of interviews for jobs in $50K to $90K salary range.

Yes, send a thank you e-mail or letter (rare these days) to the people who interviewed you. Also, to the receptionist or secretary who may have greeted you, shown you courtesy, and helped you find your interviewer's offices. The thank you e-mail does two things: it puts your name back in front of the people making the hiring recommendation or decision; it shows you have good manners and basically give a flip.

Response by LTC Greg Henning made Jul 13 at 2016 11:22 AM

2016-07-13T11:22:57-04:00

Letter is a great follow up!

Response by Kory Freshwater made Jul 13 at 2016 11:29 AM

2016-07-13T11:29:34-04:00

If you are serious about the position, it's a must. Only a few candidates will do this, which is an advantage to those that do. This alone will not win you the job, but if it's a tight decision you can sway the verdict your way with such a classy move. Why not make every effort to land the job you want.

Response by LCpl Dan McTiernan made Jul 13 at 2016 12:02 PM

2016-07-13T12:02:59-04:00

After years of experience Recruiting Talent, I can assure you that most candidates do not send a follow up communication. Which reminds me of tips from the book "What They Don't Teach You at the Harvard Business School" which as I recall was written by Mark McCormick. More common sense than anything else If no one else is doing it, and you do what ever "it" is, you are likely to stand out.

In recruiting this assumes that you are qualified for the position and that you demonstrated those qualifications that make the hiring manager consider you as qualified. Often times one has to walk the hiring manager through ones qualifications and potential impact to the position. And yes, sending a grammatically incorrect note won't help. And spelling the hiring managers name correctly also helps. It is the little things that are often most important.

Response by SGT James Hastings made Jul 13 at 2016 12:34 PM

2016-07-13T12:34:40-04:00

In addition, if you don't get the job then you should call and ask to speak to the person who interviewed you. If you get them, ask them, "For my personal growth, would you tell me what I lacked? This will help direct me in improving myself for a similar position in the future."

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Jul 13 at 2016 1:52 PM

2016-07-13T13:52:03-04:00

Maybe...maybe not...but it sure created a reminder for the employer that you are there still and that stands out even if it is subtle. Kinda like being a crowd where everyone is standing still and then some one waves their hand in the air and waves your direction...

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 13 at 2016 1:54 PM

2016-07-13T13:54:20-04:00

I see 100% positive commentary about follow-up letters. I'll provide some counterpoint.
The letter will typically reinforce something. Better hope it's positive. So you must be a good writer, not sound condescending, whining, etc.

Know if a letter can actually make a difference. For Fed jobs, it had better not as it isn't an item that goes into the merit system considerations. So be aware you are trying to influence things in a non prescribed way and that's like football. Three things can happen and two of them are bad. Some hiring managers see that as improperly trying to influence and ignorance of the system. They are a minority (anal) but you don't know which ones are. My track record with them puts me in the nice touch but mostly irrelevant category. BTW a significant percentage of Vet applicants are poor writers and just reinforced my non hiring decision.

In the commercial sector, most thank you letters don't highlight a follow on opportunity. Saying something positive about what you saw that wasn't related to the specific job you interviewed for demonstrates you were outward looking during your brief visit and gets the hiring manager to ponder other opportunities for you.

What you're trying to do is to encourage the hiring folk to keep you in mind for other stuff that's coming up or perhaps to share your availability in their networking circle. So if you never hear anything back, that's OK. You don't want to go into pester mode. Bad word gets around more readily than good word.

Response by Sgt Christopher Wenzel made Jul 13 at 2016 2:21 PM

2016-07-13T14:21:33-04:00

It's in good taste. That's what they teach Marines at TRS, but I haven't sent one cause I've gotten the job offer at every interview I go to.

Response by LTC Anna Corley made Jul 13 at 2016 2:54 PM

2016-07-13T14:54:17-04:00

At the very least, I tend to send a "thank you card." To not do anything shows a lack of manners. That is my opinion.

Response by SPC John Lebiecki made Jul 13 at 2016 3:31 PM

2016-07-13T15:31:23-04:00

Four things I have always learned from the interview process.
1) Always Always ALWAYS send a thank you e-mail/letter
2) Feel free to ask if there are any concerns about your skillset in relation to the job at the interview
3) ASK for the job during the process
4) Follow up about 2 weeks after the interview if you have not heard anything. The best way I did it was asking if there were any other questions that they had for you. I landed my two full-time civilian jobs this way.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jul 13 at 2016 4:23 PM

2016-07-13T16:23:28-04:00

Definitely.

Response by Jeremy Bonewitz,PRC CIR CDR CSMR CSSR ACIR ECRE made Jul 13 at 2016 5:11 PM

2016-07-13T17:11:14-04:00

I'd say after the face to face interview. I'd actually have one written and sent out the day BEFORE you interview.

Response by Debbie Ruston made Jul 14 at 2016 7:45 AM

2016-07-14T07:45:17-04:00

Thank you notes today are far and few between, especially hand written ones. It is a powerful way to stand out from the crowd.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jul 14 at 2016 6:51 PM

2016-07-14T18:51:22-04:00

MIKE I QUITE AGREE BECAUSE PEOPLE IN GENERAL ARE NOT CONSIDERET TO OTHERS LIKE WHEN WE GREW UP WITH RESPECT TO ARE ELDERS.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 11:21 AM

2016-07-15T11:21:44-04:00

With technology these days its easier than ever to just take the initiative to send out a thank you note. For my current job, the day after my interview I sent an email out to the panel that interviewed me thanking them for their time and for considering me for the position. I was told later that out of 12 candidates only two of us did that and we were placed higher for consideration during the process for it.

Response by Sgt Chris Lima made Jul 15 at 2016 12:25 PM

2016-07-15T12:25:11-04:00

What about for civil service jobs (USAJobs type)? I interview frequently over the phone... and it seems like many of the positions are pre-determined. It's not supposed to be that way, but we all know it is. One interviewer told me before the interview that they were basically going off of resumes and that the interview was just a formality. I wanted to hang up. What's the point?

On the chance that you interview for a job that you actually DO have a fair shot at, they will most likely go with the strongest interviewee. I think that it would have to be VERY close for a follow-up letter to have any effect. That being said... I usually send one. "Thank you for the opportunity. Please let me know if I can provide you with any additional information." Something like that.

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Jul 15 at 2016 12:42 PM

2016-07-15T12:42:03-04:00

Too bad most job applicants can't expect the same courtesy in return.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2016 9:34 AM

2016-07-16T09:34:37-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I always did that and esp after a training session.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jul 16 at 2016 3:25 PM

2016-07-16T15:25:04-04:00

Always. The thank you e-mail goes out in less than 24 hours. I also send a thank you note within a few days. Even if I did not get the job it still leaves a positive impression. We are always branding ourselves and everything is an interview.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2016 1:24 PM

2016-07-17T13:24:20-04:00

Absolutely.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Jul 18 at 2016 9:22 AM

2016-07-18T09:22:01-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I would submit that it is more important than ever. It shows the company that the candidate is engaged in the hiring process, has a basic understanding of etiquette, and is genuinely interested in becoming a part of their company. With resumes being looked at in a flash then recycled, trashed, filed, or set aside for an interview it is important for a candidate to further separate themselves from other candidates. It is not guaranteed to work every time, but it is still the proper action.

Response by LTC Jesse Edwards made Jul 18 at 2016 10:22 AM

2016-07-18T10:22:05-04:00

Nearly no one sends a thank you note these days.
If you do it and it gets there RAPIDLY, it will leave a positive feeling.
Write them as you leave the interview and make it personal. Drop it in the mail as you walk to the car if you can.

Response by SFC Roberto Garza Jr. made Jul 18 at 2016 1:49 PM

2016-07-18T13:49:18-04:00

I believe it is important.

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Jul 18 at 2016 2:15 PM

2016-07-18T14:15:41-04:00

I think it is important to send an email or letter giving thanks for their time in giving an interview. It shows that you are appreciative of the opportunity given - whether it is successful or a failure.

Response by Charles Graul made Jul 19 at 2016 3:03 PM

2016-07-19T15:03:30-04:00

As someone who has hired many, I will say that if someone takes the time to send a 'thank you' email - they DO stand out. It may not make all the difference in the world to the decision, but if it comes down to a couple, and one went the extra mile - That might make the difference. The other thing that has caught my eye in the last few years is that even before the interview, folks generally have my name. Some REAL stand outs have looked me up on LinkedIN (and I can see that) - that shows me initiative that makes them stand out even before the interview. Just pointing that out - because more agencies and companies are looking at LinkedIN as your online 'professional' profile.

And by the way - I just got let go last Friday,, So I am in the same boat with a lot of you - So understanding these things will be KEY to my own welfare. So Use what you see here!

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jul 19 at 2016 7:11 PM

2016-07-19T19:11:45-04:00

I'm not there yet, but in the interviews I've done, I've made it a point to thank them just for considering me. Making it doesn't matter, and I hope if they see the eagerness in my eyes or the happiness from the voice, they know without a doubt, maybe remember this guy for later. Great Post Sir!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 7:46 PM

2016-07-19T19:46:43-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs - Absolutely after face-to-face interview. If you want job otherwise. Sandy :)

Response by SA Jim Arnold made Jul 19 at 2016 8:18 PM

2016-07-19T20:18:25-04:00

I feel it is important and respectful.

Response by SSG Jacey R. made Jul 20 at 2016 11:35 AM

2016-07-20T11:35:34-04:00

Common courtesy goes a long way.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 11:40 AM

2016-07-20T11:40:13-04:00

Every recruiter I've talked to, and every resource I've used on my way out of Active Duty has mentioned 'Thank you' notes as being good practice. It can't hurt, it can only help, it is not a big investment of time or resources, but the return on investment could change the path of your life. My perspective is this, take advantage of every opportunity to give yourself a leg up and to make yourself stand out in a positive way. This is one of those ways.

Response by SGT Shawn Volkmann made Aug 11 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-08-11T14:44:08-04:00

This is something that has never crossed my mind. I am going to give it a try, will let you know how it goes.

Response by SGT Christopher Clarke made Sep 15 at 2016 3:52 PM

2016-09-15T15:52:21-04:00

Sending a hand written note is the best advice I would give to anyone. Yes, it should be mailed the day after the interview occurred.

Another new way that is catching on is a 90 second video of yourself thanking the team. Of course, that would be sent via email. I've seen that utilized once in the past month.

Both are great options!! Hooah

Response by PFC Jay Miner made Sep 15 at 2016 4:03 PM

2016-09-15T16:03:45-04:00

It is VERY important to do so. I think of it as a signature so to speak. It helps leave a lasting impression on the interviewer as well.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Sep 17 at 2016 1:10 AM

2016-09-17T01:10:18-04:00

Yes, it is important. e-mail should go out as soon as you can. Also, follow up with a hand written note to arrive in less than a week.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Sep 23 at 2016 2:18 PM

2016-09-23T14:18:49-04:00

I think it is very important. Especially phone interviews. I have phone interviews sharing information about my published book,
Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World. They didn't have to call. They didn't have to allow you to plug something. I think it is only right to thank them both with an e-mail and a letter.

Response by SPC Phil Norton made Nov 23 at 2016 7:10 PM

2016-11-23T19:10:08-05:00

A thank you letter is not just the right thing to do, but it also shows a level of maturity. The letter serves another purpose it is another chance to make your name stick in the interviewers head. So when they are thumbing through the application of hundreds. Your name could spark a memory. A lot like cramming for a multiple choice quiz. The answer seems to pop out. So send a thank you and make your application pop.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Nov 23 at 2016 7:58 PM

2016-11-23T19:58:56-05:00

So here is the deal as I was taught. Resumes if you have less than 10 years experience need to be limited to a single page, more than 10 years experience 2 pages. If you think about it, beyond 2 pages and your experience is not really relevant any longer because it happened so long ago. Cover letters are to be used to emphasize the highlights of the resume that sells yourself where you want to cover more detail beyond a summary. Your right though, they are optional these days and not a lot of folks use cover letters anymore. Thank you notes I send out when I have the contact information and sometimes the HR or Recruiter does not leave the contact info even when asked. So in those circumstances I don't send a Thankyou note. However if the Recruiter goes above and beyond for you the candidate.........I always send a thank you note. My very first example of direct hire by EDS when I was a Senior in College the EDS Recruiter went through a rough sketch of how the hiring interview would go. Believe it or not she asked "How much are you going to ask for in Salary?" to my surprise. I told her and she said...."your worth more than that and I would bump that up by $5-7,000 annually". I did as she asked and she was right. The Hiring Manager pulled the used car salesman trick after I told him my asking, got up and started to leave the room "Well I have to talk to my manager to see if we can offer that" (lol). Because I had been coached it had zero impact and I got the salary I was asking for and a little extra. So definitely in that case I sent her a thank you note. That was back in early 1991, my first career job after college. Now if it is someone in HR and I find myself helping them through the interview because they are clueless in areas.......no thank you note for that crap. Or if they refuse to leave their contact email I just extend a verbal thankyou at the end of the phone call.

Response by PO2 Jerri Jackson made Nov 26 at 2016 5:56 PM

2016-11-26T17:56:53-05:00

I think it depends on the type of job your applying for, for government jobs, it's un-necessary. I think for civilian jobs it may be nice, sort of puts you back into their thoughts maybe.

Response by PO3 Paul F. made Dec 2 at 2016 1:16 PM

2016-12-02T13:16:28-05:00

Yes, I think it's important to follow-up. A thank you note might be the thread that keeps the connection alive.

That said, I need to get one into cybermail outbox myself!

Response by Cpl Adam Avitabile made Dec 3 at 2016 1:14 PM

2016-12-03T13:14:43-05:00

Thank you emails should be a standard. If someone takes the extra step to go with a handwritten note, that says something!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2016 8:08 AM

2016-12-22T08:08:02-05:00

I've been on the team that has reviewed candidates for positions. While I strongly agree with a followup contact, snail mail is so rare now that if I received a thank you letter, I would immediately expect I was being gamed.

In my opinion, a followup email is acceptable, unless you interviewed with someone in their 70s, who might be more comfortable with an actual letter.