Look Around HR

You spend hours getting your resume ready, hours preparing for the interview when you get the call, and you probably spend a good amount of time picking the appropriate attire. But all the preparation could go for not if you do not follow-up the interview with a simple thank you note (or e-mail even).

Syndicated columnist and Ask The Headhunter host Nick Corcodilos offers his thoughts on the importance of the thank you note, and (more importantly) what to put it in.

A thank-you note should be designed carefully to gain you an extra edge on your competition- not just to express your politeness. It can make or break a job offer. But let’s work our way through all the options before we design that special note.

Here is what he advises you to include in the letter:

There are things you can include with a thank-you note to make it “sticky,” so the manager will continue to think about you:

• A clipping from a relevant publication that might be useful to the manager, with your notes in the margins. A good clipping will get passed around the office and your name will be on it.
• “Afterthought” suggestions about how you could help the manager solve a specific problem that was discussed in the interview. (Be brief.)
• A sales lead to be passed on to the company’s sales force, along with your suggestion about how the company might compete more effectively.
• The name of a person who might be a good potential candidate for another job in the company

I think he is right on with what to put in the thank you letter. I will just add this- if the position is down to two candidates (you and another guy) who are pretty equal in terms of experience, education, and what they can bring the company, and one person sends a thank you letter and one does not- who do you think the hiring manager would be inclined to make an offer to? It might not seal the deal, but it doesn’t hurt- so why not take the time to send the note?