Ask HR
Friday, October 31, 2008
Q. Should an applicant send a thank-you note after an interview, and if so, can it be electronically?
Alisa Pittman Cleek, attorney,
Elarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson LLP
A. An applicant should absolutely send a thank-you note after an interview to each person with whom the applicant met during the interview process. While an electronic e-mail is acceptable, an applicant should not underestimate that sending a personal handwritten note is more personal and may make the applicant stand out above others who are applying for the job.
Eric M. Brinson, human resources services manager, U.S. Lumber Group Inc.
A. Personalized thank-you notes should be sent to each person with whom you interviewed. Failure to do so signals indifference to the potential employer. Sending a genuine note through traditional mail shows that you invested more time and effort into the thought rather than sending an
e-mail, which may be seen as instant and impersonal.
Cathy Ergle, vice president, business development & client services, CMI International Inc.
A. Interview follow-up is essential. The purpose of a well-written thank-you letter is twofold: to thank the interviewer for his or her time and to emphasize the value the candidate can bring to that organization. It is recommended to send an e-mailed thank you within the same day of interview and follow up with a snail mail letter or handwritten thank-you note.
Tom Darrow, principal, Talent Connections LLC
A. Yes and yes! Handwritten is recommended if you have good hand writing. Electronic is OK if you were given a business card during the interview. Keep the note brief but refer back to key reasons why you are the perfect candidate, thank them for their time and consideration and ASK for the offer!
The following human resources professionals are members of the Atlanta Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. If you have a question you would like to ask a panel of local experts, please e-mail it to Sharon Belhamel, vice president of public relations for SHRM-Atlanta at sbelhamel@bellsouth.net. For more information about becoming a member of SHRM-Atlanta, please visit their membership section or call 404.442.7335.