Posted on Jul 13, 2016
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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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.
Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 54
MSG Readiness Nco
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Absolutely.
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MAJ Raúl Rovira
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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.
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs I always did that and esp after a training session.
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PO1 Tony Holland
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Too bad most job applicants can't expect the same courtesy in return.
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Sgt Chris Lima
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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.
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CSM Bn Ssa
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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.
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SSG Mark Franzen
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MIKE I QUITE AGREE BECAUSE PEOPLE IN GENERAL ARE NOT CONSIDERET TO OTHERS LIKE WHEN WE GREW UP WITH RESPECT TO ARE ELDERS.
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Debbie Ruston
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Thank you notes today are far and few between, especially hand written ones. It is a powerful way to stand out from the crowd.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
>1 y
Debbie Ruston Thanks for your input Debbie!
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Jeremy Bonewitz,PRC CIR CDR CSMR CSSR ACIR ECRE
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I'd say after the face to face interview. I'd actually have one written and sent out the day BEFORE you interview.
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Sgt Chris Lima
Sgt Chris Lima
>1 y
Wouldn't it be embarrassing if the interview were rescheduled for the next week?
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MSgt James Mullis
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Definitely.
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