No follow-up/thank you email? UPDATE in comments.

loveislouder · January 2015

For what it's worth, when I did my training we were told not to send a note until a week later to follow up.

chibiyui · January 2015

So, not that the jobs I've had are, uh, coveted and contested positions, in general advice I've received from family members as always been, "call in a few days afterwards to express interest and thanks" Actually, I had no way of contacting the sales manager who did my interview when I went to furniture, so that one I really did just have to wait and see. Course, I was already in the company at the time, it was just a department move, though an upward one.

So. Yeah. I personally wouldn't write someone off unless it was more then a week, and I'm really not sure if they teach this or not. I think we might have gone over it one one of my typing classes in high-school, but I can't remember.

princessleia22 · January 2015

I have always sent thank you, but I was told to wait a day or two... so if I interviewed on Friday, I wouldn't contact you to thank you until at least Monday or Tuesday. Or, I would have mailed out a written thank you card and put it in the mail Friday or Saturday, which you would receive probably today or tomorrow. I figure that if I want the job, I would have tried to make that very clear during the interview and made sure to show my appreciation at the end of the interview... calling you an hour later seems a bit redundant to me. And an e-mail is less personal and can easily get lost in the mess of other e-mails. I know many people who get 100-200+ e-mails a day and a thank you e-mail may go unnoticed or not seen right away. But, a hand written thank you usually stands out more, so I usually try to do that after an interview. But, my typical post-interview timeline would be (assuming interview was Friday): Friday interview, write TY note and put in mail Friday or Saturday morning, expect it received Mon-Tues, call interviewer to check in Tues-Wed, if I haven't heard anything by then. Or if interviewer states they are conducting interviews for the next week, I may wait until later in week to call.

But, I think some of this and expectations can also vary by industry.

[Deleted User] · January 2015

I interview for a living. I will say that sending a thank you note is becoming less common- and I don't see it just among a certain generational set.

I still tell everyone who I coach in job interviewing situations to send them with in 1-2 business days, but in my own world, I don't hold it against someone who doesn't send me one; I'd eliminate half my candidates if I did.

I'm going to hire the best person for the job; picking someone who follows "interview etiquette" doesn't equate to picking the best candidate. If I had two candidates I liked equally, and one sent a thank you note, it might give them the slight edge. If the person who sent the thank you note wasn't my top choice though, I wouldn't bump them up just because they sent a note.

Good luck; hope you find someone great!

Kauris · January 2015

I recently had a very casual lunch meet up and mailed a thank you note (I was still in written thank you note mode). I emailed her to make sure she checked her mailbox, which she admitted she didn't check frequently. I'm assuming you checked your mailbox though.

climbingsingle · January 2015

kasmith1 said:

I recently had a very casual lunch meet up and mailed a thank you note (I was still in written thank you note mode). I emailed her to make sure she checked her mailbox, which she admitted she didn't check frequently. I'm assuming you checked your mailbox though.

Yup. We're a very small office. The mailman delivers our mail to my co-worker every day.

Weesh · January 2015

I used to send hand written follow up thank you notes when I was interviewing for teaching positions. It got harder and harder when interviews began to include more than 1-2 people. I've had as many as 8 people there on an interview committee. I would usually just send something to the administrator and the head or chair of the department. I always sent it handwritten because I received a slightly negative response to an e-mail. I phrased it as many of you said, that I was very interested in the position, thought I would be a good fit, and I looked forward to hearing from them. I don't remember exactly what the head of the department said, but she insinuated that she couldn't or wasn't able to communicate with me via e-mail and that she didn't have any further information about the position. I was so confused because that wasn't what I asked for, but she must have thought I was searching for more information about the position.

I'm glad that one reached out to you. I think in some fields and with some people, following up makes a huge difference and might give you an edge.

arrippa · January 2015

I have not job searched in almost 10 years but when I was searching I would send a thank you card in the mail. Is this not the way anymore? Is it strictly email now? I am planning on looking for a new job this year so this would be helpful info.

ashley8918 · January 2015

I always send a follow-up email within a day or two.

I will be doing a lot of interviewing this week, looking to fill my old position. I 100% expect follow-up emails/calls/whatever (and suits), or I will assume that the candidate isn't all that interested in the position.

Not really related: It sucks, but I am honestly already judging one of the candidates as a probable no because her resume is REALLY bad. Like, she has a ton of great experience, but she can't write a coherent sentence to save her life.

jdluvr06 · January 2015

I've never sent a thank you not for an interview. I will usually call a week later to follow up though if I haven't heard anything.

KytchynWitche · January 2015

I have honestly never heard of this before. I don't know whether it's not done in SA, not done in the industries I've worked in, or if I've just been a very bad candidate. Although, we did do "job preparation" (including interview dress and etiquette) my last week in college, so I think they probably would have mentioned it if it was expected of us.

Every interview I've ever done though, the end tone has been very "don't contact us, we'll let you know". Several times I've had the job before I left the interview "can you start tomorrow?", a couple of times I've gotten the call (whether good or bad) by COB, twice they told me that they would contact me within a certain time frame which was done both times.

I've only had one interview where they said they'd be in touch by a certain date (and also told me that they were pretty sure I had the job) and they EMAILED me FOUR MONTHS after the interview to say they didn't think I was what they were looking for. I hadn't followed up because I had interviewed elsewhere the next day, and they offered me the job on the spot, so I took it.

I wonder if sending thank you notes would give me the edge, if no one else here does?

kaitlynmichelle · January 2015

I never had sent thank you notes until I saw on here that some places expected it. I did at my last interview, which was for a promotion at my current job. I gave the two people that interviewed me (my manager and assistant manager) thank you cards the next day. I was wary to because another person had done so before when they just wanted to be hired to the company, and the hiring coordinator eye rolled at it. I thought it was a nice gesture.

I didn't get the promotion, but my boss had a nice chat with me about it after (I was the 2nd choice, which was still a good feeling considering the number of other candidates) and did mention she appreciated the note. She actually told me the thank you note I sent her for our wedding gift is on her fridge because she liked it so much.

TK has made me much more conscious of sending thank you notes in general, really.

climbingsingle · January 2015

Update: I offered her the position and she accepted! She starts on 1/26.

[Deleted User] · January 2015

arrippa said:

I have not job searched in almost 10 years but when I was searching I would send a thank you card in the mail. Is this not the way anymore? Is it strictly email now? I am planning on looking for a new job this year so this would be helpful info.

Either is fine. Some people think hand-written notes are old fashioned and make you look out of touch. Others find the personal touch nice. Most people don't care either way (well, I don't at least).

There's no way to know which camp someone falls into without asking. If you really want to know which is better for the interviewer, I would simply say, "I would like to send a thank you message after I've had a chance to review what we spoke about today; do you have a preference between email and postal mail?"

[Deleted User] · January 2015

ashley8918 said:

I always send a follow-up email within a day or two.

I will be doing a lot of interviewing this week, looking to fill my old position. I 100% expect follow-up emails/calls/whatever (and suits), or I will assume that the candidate isn't all that interested in the position.

Not really related: It sucks, but I am honestly already judging one of the candidates as a probable no because her resume is REALLY bad. Like, she has a ton of great experience, but she can't write a coherent sentence to save her life.

To me, this is a disqualifier for almost any position, but especially if writing is a big part of a role.

climbingsingle · January 2015

FeeleyToBe said:

ashley8918 said:

I always send a follow-up email within a day or two.

I will be doing a lot of interviewing this week, looking to fill my old position. I 100% expect follow-up emails/calls/whatever (and suits), or I will assume that the candidate isn't all that interested in the position.

Not really related: It sucks, but I am honestly already judging one of the candidates as a probable no because her resume is REALLY bad. Like, she has a ton of great experience, but she can't write a coherent sentence to save her life.

To me, this is a disqualifier for almost any position, but especially if writing is a big part of a role.

Totally agree. If your cover letter and/or resume contains grammatical errors, I won't be contacting you for an interview. But we're constantly having to communicate with customers, and that's a very important aspect of the job.

dcbride86 · January 2015

climbingwife said:

FeeleyToBe said:

ashley8918 said:

I always send a follow-up email within a day or two.

I will be doing a lot of interviewing this week, looking to fill my old position. I 100% expect follow-up emails/calls/whatever (and suits), or I will assume that the candidate isn't all that interested in the position.

Not really related: It sucks, but I am honestly already judging one of the candidates as a probable no because her resume is REALLY bad. Like, she has a ton of great experience, but she can't write a coherent sentence to save her life.

To me, this is a disqualifier for almost any position, but especially if writing is a big part of a role.

Totally agree. If your cover letter and/or resume contains grammatical errors, I won't be contacting you for an interview. But we're constantly having to communicate with customers, and that's a very important aspect of the job.

One time I put the wrong name on the cover letter. I obviously didn't get that job. In my defense, though, law students apply for like 200 jobs every fall. I hate that I let 1 slip through the cracks, but it is what it is. At least it lead to my current system - I highlight the names of the interviewer and company on the template cover letter so I never forget to change it. I do the same for my standard "thank you for the interview" email

thespeshulestsnowflake · January 2015

dcbride86 said:

climbingwife said:

FeeleyToBe said:

ashley8918 said:

I always send a follow-up email within a day or two.

I will be doing a lot of interviewing this week, looking to fill my old position. I 100% expect follow-up emails/calls/whatever (and suits), or I will assume that the candidate isn't all that interested in the position.

Not really related: It sucks, but I am honestly already judging one of the candidates as a probable no because her resume is REALLY bad. Like, she has a ton of great experience, but she can't write a coherent sentence to save her life.

To me, this is a disqualifier for almost any position, but especially if writing is a big part of a role.

Totally agree. If your cover letter and/or resume contains grammatical errors, I won't be contacting you for an interview. But we're constantly having to communicate with customers, and that's a very important aspect of the job.

One time I put the wrong name on the cover letter. I obviously didn't get that job. In my defense, though, law students apply for like 200 jobs every fall. I hate that I let 1 slip through the cracks, but it is what it is. At least it lead to my current system - I highlight the names of the interviewer and company on the template cover letter so I never forget to change it. I do the same for my standard "thank you for the interview" email

I had the wrong phone number on my resume for a while, I had two phones for a while and had the first 3 digits of one number and the last 4 of the other one. It was when I was in college and didn't actually apply for any jobs (thankfully), but once I was updating to start job searching I noticed.

dcbride86 · January 2015

thespeshulestsnowflake said:

dcbride86 said:

climbingwife said:

FeeleyToBe said:

ashley8918 said:

I always send a follow-up email within a day or two.

I will be doing a lot of interviewing this week, looking to fill my old position. I 100% expect follow-up emails/calls/whatever (and suits), or I will assume that the candidate isn't all that interested in the position.

Not really related: It sucks, but I am honestly already judging one of the candidates as a probable no because her resume is REALLY bad. Like, she has a ton of great experience, but she can't write a coherent sentence to save her life.

To me, this is a disqualifier for almost any position, but especially if writing is a big part of a role.

Totally agree. If your cover letter and/or resume contains grammatical errors, I won't be contacting you for an interview. But we're constantly having to communicate with customers, and that's a very important aspect of the job.

One time I put the wrong name on the cover letter. I obviously didn't get that job. In my defense, though, law students apply for like 200 jobs every fall. I hate that I let 1 slip through the cracks, but it is what it is. At least it lead to my current system - I highlight the names of the interviewer and company on the template cover letter so I never forget to change it. I do the same for my standard "thank you for the interview" email

I had the wrong phone number on my resume for a while, I had two phones for a while and had the first 3 digits of one number and the last 4 of the other one. It was when I was in college and didn't actually apply for any jobs (thankfully), but once I was updating to start job searching I noticed.

Oh I meant I put the wrong name of the interviewer haha. I had been applying to so many jobs, and I forgot to change the name in my cover letter from [law firm #198] to [law firm #199]

ShesSoCold · January 2015

My sister and I were recently working on my resume and opened an old version. I HOPE it was one we had saved before we revised it again because it listed this as one of my duties - "overseas new business department and blah blah blah" Overseas. Yeah. I'm a freaking moron. I hope I didn't send that version out.

jenna8984 · January 2015

Glad you found someone, hope training goes well and she picks it up quickly

dcbride86 · January 2015

ShesSoCold said:

My sister and I were recently working on my resume and opened an old version. I HOPE it was one we had saved before we revised it again because it listed this as one of my duties - "overseas new business department and blah blah blah" Overseas. Yeah. I'm a freaking moron. I hope I didn't send that version out.

I literally thought you meant you previously started up a new business department overseas or something. I was so jealous!

ShesSoCold · January 2015

dcbride86 said:

ShesSoCold said:

My sister and I were recently working on my resume and opened an old version. I HOPE it was one we had saved before we revised it again because it listed this as one of my duties - "overseas new business department and blah blah blah" Overseas. Yeah. I'm a freaking moron. I hope I didn't send that version out.

I literally thought you meant you previously started up a new business department overseas or something. I was so jealous!

LOL oh no. I'm a department supervisor. I'm just an idiot.

mrsk616 · January 2015

i usually follow up with call a day or so after. in one case i have emailed but I was interviewing for a job within the company. i never got to send a email for the job i am at now because the GM at the store i wanted called me the next day and i interviewed with him 2 days after the initial interview with the HR manager. and the next day after the interview with the GM i was offered the job. so all said and done i really didnt have a chance to send any sort of email or thank you.

ashley8918 · January 2015

climbingwife said:

FeeleyToBe said:

ashley8918 said:

I always send a follow-up email within a day or two.

I will be doing a lot of interviewing this week, looking to fill my old position. I 100% expect follow-up emails/calls/whatever (and suits), or I will assume that the candidate isn't all that interested in the position.

Not really related: It sucks, but I am honestly already judging one of the candidates as a probable no because her resume is REALLY bad. Like, she has a ton of great experience, but she can't write a coherent sentence to save her life.

To me, this is a disqualifier for almost any position, but especially if writing is a big part of a role.

Totally agree. If your cover letter and/or resume contains grammatical errors, I won't be contacting you for an interview. But we're constantly having to communicate with customers, and that's a very important aspect of the job.

----------------
Agreed. Unfortunately, I have no choice but to interview her. Corporate HR/recruiting schedules candidates for interviews without any input from the interviewers/hiring manager.

It's really annoying, because we are CONSTANTLY wasting out time interviewing people that we absolutely will not hire.

ETA: the job I am hiring for is 99% writing investigations which we will then submit to the FDA. So, this chick is a big NOPE.

WinstonsGirl · January 2015

I'm glad you heard from one. I would have given them at least 2-3 business days, cos who knows if things get mailed, etc.

Personally, I haven't sent a note at all in education, cos I always hear before I have the chance. Principals are pretty on the ball and I've heard form them within a day usually. My previous and current position, I was hired on the spot, my current position mid question. I sat there telling myself to shut my mouth and listen before I said something to screw it up!!

fwtx5815 · January 2015

lolo883 said:

jenna8984 said:

lolo883 said:

I've interviewed at least 30 people over the years and only gotten 1 follow up email. Never a written letter. I don't think it's as common as you think.

Weird. Maybe it's different industries but in mine it's VERY common to do a thank you email within the day that you interviewed. Just a short email that not only thanks them for their time, but also says "Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may still have" and express interest in the job. It's not a given that the person is interested just because they interviewed. I have left interviews and said to myself "that place fucking sucks, I definitely don't want that job". In which case, no email back would portray that.
But I'm always shocked hearing about interviews of friends. My best friend said she doesn't own a suit and wears a cardigan to interviews. In my industry/ positions I'd be shown the exit immediatly if I didn't walk in wearing a suit.
It's possible that they have never been taught this practice by school/ career centers/ recruiters. So if they are truly qualified, I wouldn't write them off because of it.

Honestly the one letter I did get, my counterpart looked over at me, rolled his eyes, and said "desperate much?" So the letter didn't help. And to the bolded - I would always feel free to contact an applicant with questions; they applied for the job and gave me their contact info already for that purpose. I feel like it's stating the obvious. It's like how you're not supposed to put "references available upon request" on your resume - it's assumed that you'll give references if asked, and if you don't you'll get an express ticket to the "no" pile. Same with a super obvious objective line on the resume - "to obtain a position in bla bla field/industry/company." Well duh. Use that space/second I spend reading for something more valuable.

---------------------------------------------------------------
I recently graduated college (2013, studied finance) and we're taught to do it. My college, and our business school in particular, focused heavily on preparing us for interviews and landing jobs. And I think in general, Accounting and Finance are way too competitive to sit back and take the hands off approach to getting hired. Showing up for an interview most certainly does not mean I want that job by the time I walk out of there.

Plus I think it's also a great way to demonstrate soft skills. Anyone that graduates with a degree in Finance can perform a discounted cash flow analysis, but not everyone possesses the skills to communicate effectively. If done correctly, the follow-up letter can be really helpful in getting an edge over other candidates - I would always mention something we specifically discussed in the interview and relate it to my skill set, highlight some past relevant experience, and thank them for their time. I don't think it's insulting for the interviewer, as if they forgot what was said. I think they like things that help candidates stand out. I had a two-on-one interview for my current position, and one of my hiring managers still had my follow-up letter sitting on her (tidy) desk 10 months later.

No follow-up/thank you email? UPDATE in comments.

Re: No follow-up/thank you email? UPDATE in comments.

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