Sending thank-you note is important after interviews

Ask job seekers to name the most important stage of the hiring process, and a common answer is likely to be the interview. But many forget that what they do after the interview can play a part in how they are perceived by hiring managers. For example, in a Robert Half International survey, 88 percent of executives said sending a thank-you letter boosts a candidate's chances of landing the position.Promptly showing your gratitude with a handwritten note (or an e-mail at a minimum) displays good etiquette. It's also a smart way to once again express your interest in the position and re-emphasize the skills and experience that qualify you for the role. Your efforts will backfire, however, if you fail to proofread your note. This candidate interviewed with a hiring manager named Bryn:THANK-YOU NOTE: "Dear Briny."We'll take your goof with a grain of salt.E-MAIL SUBJECT LINE: "Thansk you for your time!"No, "thansk" you!Your note should feature no more than one or two concise paragraphs. Write tight, stay on point and don't try to be too clever.THANK-YOU NOTE: "Hi, Ray. If I don't get the job, that would be 'Hi Ray' robbery. OK, yes, this is a bad pun, but I couldn't help but think about someone stealing the above salutation. Hmm, I definitely took a risk there, as jokes that bad should probably be punishable by fines."No argument here.The job seeker continued:"But anyway, thanks very much for your time on Friday. I enjoyed meeting everyone, and I would be glad to visit again. Should I miss the cut, I'll know it was the bad pun."We're glad you understand.Finally, sign off with a standard closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best Regards."CLOSING LINE: "Architecturally Yours."For more Resumania, and to submit samples you've come across, visit www.resumania.com. Keep the Resumania coming. Examples can be sent to Resumania, c/o Robert Half International, 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, Calif., 94025, or faxed to 650-234-6998.Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm, and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies(r) and Job Hunting For Dummies(r), 2nd Edition. His most recent book is Human Resources Kit For Dummies(r), 2nd Edition.????????2