In a recent column, I emphasized the importance of controlling pre-interview jitters. It's no secret that a job interview may be quite stressful regardless of how well you prepared and performed in a challenging atmosphere.
Were you composed? Did you answer all of the questions thoughtfully and succinctly? Did the interviewer convey any positive vibes about you? Was the interviewer preoccupied with family related issues? There are just too many variables that can influence the outcome of any interview.
Fortunately, as a candidate, you have a vital tool in your arsenal to try and remedy any potential misconceptions or poor impressions left behind. It's called a thank-you note.
Refine your thoughts
Crafting a thank-you letter after an interview allows you to present your case in a totally controlled environment, without the pressure or anxiety. You're thinking clearly, and consequently this is your opportunity to present yourself in a positive way, which may not have been noticed or conveyed during the interview session.
It's also a considerate and courteous gesture to the individual who allocated the time to meet with you. Most employers not only consider a thank-you letter a good idea, but also actually expect one, and it makes them feel appreciated and respected. It reflects that you are a candidate who is truly committed to the company and serious about the position.
An opportunity to rewind
Interviewers see numerous candidates during the week. After just one day, it's virtually impossible to reflect and associate skills and attributes with any particular candidate. With the drain on corporate resources, the interviewer is just as stressed as any candidate he interviews. Faces, gestures, personalities and perceptions pass quickly. The positive impression that you conveyed during your interview is invariably transformed into a mass of convoluted, cryptic notes.
By writing a thank-you-letter email after the interview, you can re-emphasize your core skills, competencies and value to the organization. You're afforded an opportunity to justify, if hired, how the company will benefit from your immediate contribution. You're divulging information that reinforces why you would be a valuable asset to the organization.
A professional gesture
With fierce competition for each corporate job posting, astute job-seekers wish to differentiate themselves from the competition. By taking the time to thank the interviewer for seeing you, you generate positive feelings - because such a gesture is not commonplace in today's rather chaotic, fast-paced environment. A thank-you-letter email also demonstrates you are a self-confident and proactive candidate - professional traits that employers value. Your note may even motivate the interviewer to revisit your resume, escalating your ranking before any final decision is made.
If your perception is that a negative judgment call has already been made about you, so why waste the time to craft a thank-you letter, I encourage you not to underestimate the potential impact of this vital piece of correspondence.
Lenny Keitel runs Hudson Valley Resumes in Monroe, NY, a premier nationwide Resume Writing Service with a penchant for crafting compelling resumes that motivate the hiring manager through its inspirational content, clarity, and visual appeal. Contact us for a free copy of our 'Interview Tune-Up Guide'.
http://www.hudsonvalleyresumes.com/
info@hudsonvalleyresumes.com (email), (845) 782-6714 (phone/fax), (914) 782-6714 (mobile)
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