Interview Thank You Note Question

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I had an interview today for a position I really want. I already stuck a thank you note in the mail and it should get to the office tomorrow. The guy I interviewed with is stationed out of an office in another state, and he is leaving for the other office this weekend. I mailed the thank you note to the office I was at since that was the only address I had.

I was wondering if I should email him a thank you as well or is that a little to gung ho? I don't want to send a second thank you note to his home office in case he gets the one tomorrow, but what if he doesn't get the note?

He told me to email him if I had any more questions about the position (I hope thats a good sign).

Thanks!

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Anyone?

 

[saucymb]

That's a tough one, I understand about not wanting to sound too "kiss up-y". But you're right, what if he leaves before your note arrives? Would the office possibly forward it to him? If so, would it arrive before they make their hiring decision? Lot's of questions there.

I personally would drop him a quick email, as it sounds like you have a positive feeling about the interview. A second hand-written note to me sounds like overkill, but a simple friendly email sounds fine.

Good luck!

 

[cats mom]

I don't think I'd do another thank you note. Hopefully he will get the one you sent before he leaves, but even if it happens to miss him, most companies have pretty efficient mail systems and it could very well be waiting for him at his other office.

Now if you do come up with a question or concern to e-mail about I think it would be appropriate to tack on another quick thank you.

When my cousin interviewed for the job he has now (and loves) his boss said there were 6 candidates, all pretty equally qualified, and he was actually leaning toward making the offer to one of the other guys - but when J's thank you showed up (he was the only one who sent one) it was all the edge he needed.

I hope it works as well for you.
Good Luck with the job!

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Thank you!

I think I'll send a question email over the weekend (after I think of a good question). That way he'll see it on Monday before he meets with the other manager to make a decision.

 

[lindakmonty]

a question would be good... you don't want to look desperate Good luck on getting the job

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Now I need a good question. I asked every one I had and he answered many that I didn't know I had.

 

[barkley]

things in private industry must be way different than government-those of us that hired would not have been permitted to consider anything outside the confines of the actual interview (thank you notes were never forwarded to hiring supervisors, and an email would likely have been left unopened until after the hiring process was done).

had a peer who had a very unhappy candidate-he was of the school of thought to send a small gift to the person who interviewed along with the thank-you note. when a florist arrived with a single rose in a bud vase and she refused to accept delivery he learned that florists charge no matter if the item is accepted or not-he called hr and demanded to know why candidates were'nt told of these policies before hiring (um, because thank-you notes or gifts for interviews are a fairly recent practice-and even some private companies frown on them).

i'de tread carefully unless i knew it was the accepted practice at a place i was interested in working for.

 

[MareQ]

I'd skip the question and just send an email saying how you appreciated the opportunity for an interview and state that you're motivated, interested and ready to take on this challenge should he decide you're the one for the job.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Thank you Barkley. I was under the impression thank you notes were from the days past, not new. Every class I've taken that has covered interviews always emphasized the importance of sending at thank you note (never a gift).

He did give me his email and told me to email him if I have any questions, so if I can think of one at least I'll still be at the front of his brain.

This job has been posted since May and the guy who is in it is moving on to another position within the company very soon. He also asked me how much notice I'd have to give (2 weeks of course).

I appriciate all input and opnions! Thank you all!

 

[barkley]

Thank you Barkley. I was under the impression thank you notes were from the days past, not new. Every class I've taken that has covered interviews always emphasized the importance of sending at thank you note (never a gift).

He did give me his email and told me to email him if I have any questions, so if I can think of one at least I'll still be at the front of his brain.

This job has been posted since May and the guy who is in it is moving on to another position within the company very soon. He also asked me how much notice I'd have to give (2 weeks of course).

I appriciate all input and opnions! Thank you all!

if he gave you his email-you CAN send a kind of thank you wouldnt come off "brown-nosey" tell him "i just wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to interview with you, i learned a great deal about the 'x' job and your obvious attention/commitment to industry standards by virtue of the questions you asked. it was a tremendous learning experience".

kind of pats him on the back without being gushy.

 

[offwegotoneverland]

Goverment may have different rules re gifts but thank you cards are just a nice touch.

I have always always sent thank you cards regardless of outcomes (sometimes you find out wihtin 24 hours or so in my firm).

I also send thank you cards to clients for any appt. longer than 30 minutes to thank them for their time.

Thanks you cards are just that a thank you...just demonstrating your thanks for some ones time.

I don't think they are new at all...and they can make all the difference in the world to a hire or not hire.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Thanks Barkely and everyone!

I know this needs work.


Dear X,

I just wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to interview with you. I learned a great deal about the X job and it sounds like an exciting challenge I'm looking forward to jumping into.

Thanks again,

WatchinCaptKangaroo

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I'm giving this one last bump for any last minute input before I send the email today.

I really appriciate all the insight that has been given!

 

[nannerbadnanner]

I have a background in HR and career development, and I think it is okay to send the email, especially if you do not think he will the handwritten note you sent. Having worked in both the private sector and now for a government agency, I will say that thank-you notes have always been appreciated. I personally have been offered jobs b/c of thank you notes as have my clients. Gifts, however, are never a good idea.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Thank you NannerBadNanner.

Here is my final work in progress.

Dear X,

I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to interview with you. I learned a great deal about the X position and it sounds like a terrific challenge in a wonderful company that I look forward to being able to take on.

When you're done laughing can someone tell me how this sounds?


Thanks!

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I got the job. YAY!

Thank you everyone!