Thank-you notes are still important; here’s how to write a good one

Job interviews seem more casual these days. Whether they’re online or in-person, many job seekers can be fooled by the casual approach to interviews— or what they should do afterward. “It’s definitely a perception thing,” says Jacob Willke, an HR specialist in Rochester, New York. “People think that if they interview online or if they, per the interviewer’s request, interview

in business casual clothing instead of a suit, they don’t have to follow the normal protocol of following up.”

Part of that follow-up, Willke says, is sending a thank-you note. “It’s still important,” he says “It’s your last chance to remind your interviewer how qualified you are for the job and how eager you are to begin working.”

Whether or not writing a quick note of thanks has become unfashionable, Willke says those applicants who take the time to send an appreciative message to their interviewers are going to set themselves apart from others.

If you’re looking for a little guidance on writing thank-you notes, here are a few tips to follow:

Double up: When letting someone know you appreciate the interview, don’t skimp on your methods. Email the day of the interview and then drop a handwritten note in the mail. The email becomes a savable reminder of your interest in the job—and send to others on the hiring team—while the written thank-you note hits the right chord with certain employers.

Go big: It’s important to thank everyone you spoke with during the interview, including team members, managers and HR personnel. You’re going for a majority opinion, after all, so the more people you can get on your side, the better.

Don’t wait: Write and send a thankyou note as soon as you have time but remember, it has to be timely. Don’t wait more than 36 hours after the interview. In a perfect scenario, your thank-you email would arrive within a matter of hours and your written note would show up a day or two later.

Keep it brief: Be concise. Remember, this is a note of appreciation, not a recap of your interview or a point-by-point explanation of why you’re perfect for the job. If something came up during the interview that you’d like to address, it’s probably not a good idea to address it here. It’s also recommended not to

address concerns employers expressed during the interview. If anything, bring it up in a general way, like “I am available for a follow-up phone call to address any concerns or questions you might have.”

More than once: Send a note after every interview, not just the first. It’s

important to set a pattern of consistent behavior, which could help solidify your

chances of getting the job.