Knowing When To Give Thanks: TheLadders Thanksgiving Survey

"Many job seekers believe that the interview is over once they step out of the office, but that's simply not the case," said Amanda Augustine, job search expert for TheLadders. "Based on my decade-long experience in conducting interviews, I can attest first-hand that failure to follow-up can be the deciding factor in rejecting a candidate who is otherwise a great fit."

TheLadders' survey reveals that more than 75 percent of interviewers say receiving a thank you note impacts their decision-making process. Based on those results, Augustine says it is always proper etiquette to send a thank you note after an interview. Her following five tips will guide job seekers in giving appropriate thanks to those who can influence their job offer.

1. Stand out in the crowd. More than 10 percent of respondents "rarely" or "never" send thank you notes, and 21 percent admit to only "sometimes" sending them. By sending a thank you message after each interview, you differentiate yourself from other candidates and can help advance your candidacy to the next round. Use this communication as a tool to address any objections expressed by interviewers and demonstrate your qualifications for the job.
2. Make it personal. Nearly 80 percent of job seekers who send thank you notes send them to each person they meet, which is the correct course of action. Tailor each communication by focusing on the most significant points raised during each interview. Don't be afraid to mention little details you learned about the interviewer, such as a shared passion or an upcoming trip – this demonstrates your attention to detail and makes the message more memorable.
3. Timing matters. Only 33 percent of respondents send thank you notes on the same day as an interview. In this mobile age where the expectation of immediacy is higher than ever, it's imperative to send thank you notes within 24 hours of every interview. Make sure to collect business cards or write down the proper spelling of the interviewers' names and email addresses during the interview process to ensure follow-up in a timely manner.
4. Culture counts. While more than 85 percent of respondents say they always send thank you notes via email, it's important to consider the individual and the company culture before sending your messages. A more traditional organization may prefer a hand-written letter, while a technology start-up may expect an email sent immediately.
5. Show interest. Only 11 percent of respondents say that thank you notes have no impact on their hiring decisions, which means that there are a lot of key influencers who value being thanked. In a highly competitive job market, every detail counts. Choosing not to send a thank you note jeopardizes your positive perception as being lazy, ungrateful or disinterested.

On an ongoing basis, TheLadders conducts primary user-experience research and analyzes quantitative data provided by its more than five million members to gauge current behavioral trends in the job-search process. TheLadders uses this research to improve the customer experience and provide expert advice to the marketplace.

About TheLadders
With more than five million members, TheLadders has been committed to finding the right person for the right job since 2003. With a unique suite of personalized products and resume services, this career-focused online service helps job seekers connect with employers and recruiters more effectively and efficiently. Given its heritage as the leader in the $100K+ job search, TheLadders is dedicated to the science behind the job search and optimally positioned to help all career-driven professionals in finding the right jobs. Expanding services to include sub-$100K+ positions allows recruiters and employers more options when looking to hire professionals at other stages of their careers. TheLadders is headquartered in New York. For more information, visit TheLadders Blog and theladders.com. Your career is our job.™

SOURCE TheLadders