Do’s and Don’ts of Thank You Notes-Make a Memorable Final Impression After Your Interview

The consummate thank you note will speak volumes to those who took time to consider you  for an opportunity.  It can also provide you with an edge over the competition.  For more highly effective job search strategies, call Schneider Legal Group at (954)306-6313 or email Sherry@SchneiderLegalGroup.com

October 6, 2014 Just how advantageous is it to send a thank you note post interview? A perfectly constructed thank you note can work in your favor in a variety of ways. First, it puts your name back into the short-term memory banks of those you interviewed with. Second, it serves as a promotional tool in your campaign to get the job, letting the potential employer know that you are still interested in the opportunity.  Here’s how to write a thank you note that will set you apart from the other candidates:

Be very thorough to ensure that your note contains no errors or misspellings. The thank you note will be a reflection of your professional character and will signify your attention to detail.  You want to boost, not hinder your consideration for the position.

1. Personalize the thank you note; make it interesting, not generic. Recall something specific in your note, perhaps a detail or two from the interview that made an impact on you, or that you found to be significant. You can even reference a lighter moment from your interview, such as a sports team, child, or recent local event that was touched upon during your meeting.
2. Remind the firm of your candidacy in closing, by expressing your interest in the position, and how you would be an asset to the firm.  This is where the thank you note serves as one last chance to make a great impression. Be assertive, but don’t be pushy or too aggressive.
3. The thank you note should be sent to each interviewer, and to the person who arranged the interview immediately following the interview. Don’t wait. Do this within 48 to 72 hours after your interview took place.
4. Handwritten or Email thank you? While many opinions abound on this one, it seems that either is acceptable. Handwritten notes make a solid impression and show that you spent time on the note’s composition. However, emailed notes offer faster delivery, which may be the route to take if the firm you interviewed with expressed their intentions of making a quick decision.  Also, if your handwriting is on the atrocious side, then an emailed note may serve you better.

At the very least, if your thank you note doesn’t lead to an offer, it can result in a valuable networking opportunity. Interviews are a great way to make contacts and expand your network. In the legal profession, it is not odd for people to move around. You never when you may encounter the same professionals in another capacity during your career, and you may even wind up working for one somewhere down the road. Therefore, it is wise to make as many favorable impressions as possible.

SLG looks forward to helping you advance in your career search. Call today to learn more about Schneider Legal Group and the valuable services we provide to stellar legal professionals, at: (954) 306 – 6313. Best of luck!