The Importance of Thank You Notes After an Interview

The importance of saying thank you

November 2021 • By the New Iron Blogger

Our client had told us that the candidate we sent had hit it out of the park during her interview – she checked off all the boxes, except one. Unfortunately, they did not receive a thank-you note (via email) after the interview, so they went with another candidate. The other candidate had similar qualifications, although slightly less stellar in the interview. However, he had taken the time to send a thank you email to express his interest in the position, the projects they were working on going forward, and how he could contribute. Some might suggest the client was shortsighted, but they told us – “No thank you note – no offer.”  A missed opportunity.

In 2019, Jessica Liebman, the Executive Managing Editor of Insider Inc., stated in a Business Insider article that she has a simple rule when she is hiring. “We shouldn’t move a candidate to the next stage in the interview process unless they send a thank-you email.” Liebman went on to state that bringing someone into your company is always risky. However, a thank you email (not snail mail – too slow) signals a candidate’s motivation and desire for the position and generally means they’re a “good egg.” There are only so many data points one can collect in an interview, she reasoned, that sometimes the thank-you note will make the difference in the selection of candidates. Our client obviously agrees.

She further clarified and stated, “To be clear, a thank-you note does not ensure someone will be a successful hire. But using the thank-you email as a barrier to entry has proved beneficial, at least at my company.” So, it makes sense, right? Not necessarily.

Unfortunately, back in 2019, and it continues today, social media went into hyperdrive to cancel her and her statements. Other hiring managers, reputable organizations (SHRM and LinkedIn), and publications joined the fray, with several siding in large part with those who disagreed. It got so bad, Liebman followed up with another article humorously titled, “Thank you for reading my story about thank-you notes!” a few days later to clarify what she meant. Many people were seemingly offended that anyone would actually “require” sending a thank you note after an interview. She went on to explain she was trying to be helpful and shed some light and that, “The biggest factors we consider are a candidate’s talent and fit for the role.” It was a “rule of thumb” and not official company policy.

What are the disagreements with Jessica Liebman’s piece on sending thank you notes after an interview that continue today? Any online search regarding the necessity of thank you notes after the interview will bring up a lot of articles and pundits that say they are not necessary. For example, thank you notes are antiquated and pointless [apparently not to her and the hiring managers and leaders we talk to regularly at New Iron Solutions]. Thank-you notes are to stroke the ego of the interviewer. Seriously? The application and job description said nothing about sending a thank you. Liebman’s response was priceless on this point, “Neither is being on time to the interview.”

Our favorite? Expecting a thank-you note is elitist and shows discrimination and bias because many people have never been taught this skill. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are critical to any organization today. Different perspectives can lead to increased creativity, innovation, productivity, better decision-making, and a better work environment and culture, among many other benefits. Since 2019, we have been through a pandemic and social justice movement that has brought DEI to the forefront in hiring. However, we have never seen it be used as an excuse not to be courteous and to send a thank you. Laziness would be a better excuse. After all, especially in a customer-facing role, would you want anyone on your team that doesn’t know how to say thank you?

But it’s a candidate’s market -you see the news – there are more jobs than people to fill them. So they [the interviewer] should be sending the candidate a thank you. We can concede this point to a degree in that all companies need to do a better job notifying candidates and letting them know why they did not get the position. Point well taken, and it is also something we strive for at New Iron Solutions.

A lot of the consternation on this could be the post-pandemic culturally questioning and upending times we live in – where being contrary on social media is expected and merely aiming for “likes” and that all-important re-share. However, we can only speak to our own experience working with clients and candidates and heartily thank those who disagree (because it is helpful).

As business leaders, hiring managers, and recruiters, it is often about overcoming buyer’s remorse. When a hiring manager or company leader is getting ready to make a hiring decision, they are looking for those elements, however small, that can put a candidate over the edge and calm their fears about making a bad hire. For example, our client mentioned that they liked the candidate, but she had not sent a thank you. To the client, it was a reasonable expectation – another box to check. By sending a thank you note, the other candidate checked that box and received the offer instead.

For the candidates we work with, our resources stress the importance of the post-interview thank you email. A candidate should always ask for the interviewer’s email address during the interview (whether on the phone or in person). Rarely, if ever, has it been questioned. After all, it is another opportunity to sell yourself to the prospective company. It doesn’t have to be a long note – say thank you, say that you want the position, and use it also to state why you are the best fit for the role (one or two reasons you are the best candidate for the job or maybe there was something you missed during the interview) and that you would welcome further discussion. Then, send it within 24-hours while you are still fresh in the interviewer’s mind. Is that so hard?

As the “Great Resignation” continues, there are already hiring and employment trends happening that would have been unthinkable just 2-years ago. But, during the times we live in – more gratitude and simple courtesies go a long way. We have heard it said many times, “I like doing business with him or her because I like him or her.” The same can be said for behavioral, cultural fit, and bringing a new team member on board – and having one who is grateful to be there. So, as we enter the holiday season, a time for giving thanks and reflection, here is hoping the time-honored thank-you note and a spirit of gratitude is a trend that continues and grows.

The Answer for Today and Tomorrow

In this unprecedented business environment, it may also be time to shift your thinking on recruiting and make an investment to bring on an experienced partner. One that can help you acquire the right talent and put your company in a position to grow. We can help.

New Iron Solutions realizes that it is more important than ever not just to fill a position but fill it with a candidate that will take your company to the next level. It may be time to bring on an experienced partner to help you navigate this new age as the cost of IT employee turnover and missed opportunities are just too high to ignore. We help drive the achievement of our client company’s strategic goals by identifying middle management to C-Level leadership professionals. They align with the culture, behaviors, and results valued by your organization.

If you have a temporary, project-based, IT, or direct placement need or want to know how we can help, contact New Iron Solutions online today or call 1-844-388-IRON (4766).

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