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.

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