Be Aware of Thank-You Notes

We have all been told that we should send a thank-you note after an interview. Thank-you notes can set candidates apart, give them an edge in the interview process, and even propel you to be the chosen one.

Be careful though because as quickly as you may have been the leading contender, you can go to the “passing” category. Why? Several reasons (read below) and I see many of them in my staffing company.

• Grammatical errors
• Generic letters
• Poorly written letters
• Coming across overly confident and cocky
• Overstating what you can offer

Potential employers are very critical these days of the candidates they interview. They are looking for not only quality but also candidates who possess a wide range of skills. Today you have to be able to multitask, don many different hats, and do it with a smile. No matter what office job you may be interviewing for, writing skills will come into play. If you are going to send a thank-you note, remember that the note will be another area where you are being evaluated. If you are confident in your writing style, then either put a stamp on it and mail it or hit the send button on your computer. If you are unsure, it is best that you think before moving forward.

Remember, a well-written thank-you note can seal the deal. But a poorly written note can take you out of contention.