by Lana Stockton

Created on: January 27, 2010   Last Updated: March 13, 2010

Do not underestimate the power of saying thank you. In a busy, often thankless world, taking time to express your gratitude will stand out to the employer. A note or card should be sent immediately after the interview, before the hiring decision is made. I saw this technique in action one afternoon.

The president of our small bank pondered over which person should be hired for the Human Resource position. It was a tough decision. . .until the cookie bouquet arrived. A dozen beautifully decorated cookies with an office theme had been delivered the day after his final interview sessions. As he stood admiring the gift, praising the sender's thoughtfulness it never registered  with him that it was a public relations move. All he saw was kindness and cookies. The cookie sender was hired and nearly 20 years later is still with the company. Taking the time to express her gratitude for his time was just the push he needed to make that hiring decision.

Choosing the card

Think carefully about the employer's appearance and his office surroundings which will give you a clue as to his personality. Was the office arranged in a clean-cut, logical manner or does it have a cluttered, disorganized fashion? For the logical, simple room and man who stands within it, choose a card that matches his simplicity in taste, his uncluttered approach to life. With clean lines and gentle earth tones, this card would be a good choice. The message inside should be your own. Avoid flowery, syrupy messages that smack of begging for a job. You may be low on cash, but this is not the time to skimp on spending. A cheap card will give the opposite impression you hope to achieve.

What to write

Simply let him know that you appreciate his spending time to meet with you. Leave it at that.  You want to make a favorable impression not bog him down with a lengthy reading assignment. Keep it simple, kind and appreciative without sounding desperate. (Even if you are desperate to find work.)

When to send it off

Immediately. Right after the interview shop for the perfect card and pop it in the mail the same day. He should receive it the day after he met with you.

Is it really that important?

Yes. If you are serious about getting to the second interview it is. And the second interview is situated right next to the job you have your eyes on. A little piece of paper and one lowly stamp can do wonders for keeping you out of the unemployment line.

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