Q: A colleague and I have been debating the appropriate business etiquette for sending a thank-you note following a job interview. I think it’s fine to send an email, but my colleague insists a handwritten note is the way to go. What are your thoughts?
—Don’t Want to be ‘Misread’
A: There are several schools of thought on the appropriateness of electronic versus handwritten thank-you notes following an interview. My thought is: Why not convey to your potential employer that you are both tech savvy and traditional by sending an email and a handwritten note? This simple one-two combination can deliver a powerful punch by showing off one of the most essential people skills—gratitude. Following my interview, I would begin by sending an email, within 24 hours, not only to ensure that my thank-you note immediately finds its way to the hiring manager’s inbox, but also to keep my interview fresh on his/her mind. I also would send electronic notes to everyone I had met with, including any administrative staff who helped arrange my interview(s). (I have seen executive-level candidates who were front-runners rejected for not acknowledging or treating the administrative staff well during the interview process.) I would not send a group thank-you email. To me, this is an impersonal and, frankly, a lazy way to thank individuals for their help. And, if you are trying to keep your job search strictly on the Q.T., I’d prepare your e-thank-you from your personal rather than your work email address. For a high-touch finish, send a handwritten note to your interview team. Although it will take a few days to reach them, I think this added layer of communication allows you to further reinforce your brand and distinguish yourself from the other candidates. According to a number of highly successful brand managers, if you want to make your message resonate, it takes a multi-channel, multi-touch approach to yield a high return. So, considering how important your brand is, why not go the extra mile to stand out from the competition by sending both an electronic and a handwritten note?
[If you have a question for Joan, send it to business@townandstyle.com. Joan Lee Berkman is a marketing and public relations consultant.]