Why thanks Mr. Interviewer!

Hi, there lovely readers – a big thank you for following my blog! Oh! And while on the subject of ‘thank you’s’ – let’s talk about how valuable a simple thank-you can be in the world of work (after all, this year’s focus is on lovin’ that career of yours!). To the network friend who interrupted their busy schedule to respond to your question. To your new LinkedIn friend for making the effort to connect with you. To the recruiter who positioned you for an opportunity. To the interviewers who took the time to interview you.

My interviewers?

Yes, your interviewers! Sure you might have shaken hands and thanked the panel on the way out the door, patted yourself on the back for acing the interview and are now settling down to await the verdict – but you’re not done yet!

Would it surprise you to know that most hiring managers pay very close attention to how well (and how rapidly) you write a thank you email after the interview? Yes, that thank you may just synch the deal!

Prove it!

Geraldine had diligently crafted robust, quantified responses to questions she’d likely be asked as she prepared to interview for a Chief Financial Officer role. Our coaching session went well, and as I walked her to the door, she asked, ‘any last-minute tips?‘ ‘Don’t forget that follow up note, let me know how it goes and…good luck!’

And did it work?

Geraldine landed the role. Turns out she was the only interviewee out of five strong contenders who took the time to send a personalised thank you note to every member of her interviewing panel. The recruiter later informed her that this small act had clinched the deal. Geraldine had asked for the names of those who’d be interviewing her beforehand then wrote her thank-you emails on her iPad as her family drove to the coast, post-interview.

So what’s your advice?

Do a Geraldine. Follow up as soon as humanly possible by writing a killer interview thank you note. To stand out from the crowd, be specific with your note. Show you were paying attention in the interview and reiterate what a great fit you’d be for the job.

An example?

Hi John,
Thank’s so much for meeting with me today. I really enjoyed learning more about your strategy for the next five years (and hearing what it was like to join as one of the first employees!). I’d love to contribute to the success of that strategy by utilising my expertise in (e.g.) transferring data to the new platform with absolute minimum disruption to day to day business.

To follow up on our conversation, I’ve attached a brief framework outlining my initial ideas for ensuring a seamless transfer. Happy to discuss further if you see it being a helpful resource.

I would be thrilled to join such an innovative, hardworking, and passionate team of individuals. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide to make your hiring decision easier.

Best regards,
Jane

Seriously? 

Yes! Your thank you note sets the tone as your first interview follow-up, so whatever you do, don’t skip it. The above example demonstrating how easy it is to remind the hiring manager(s) how great you are for the role, and how much you actually care. Good luck!

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