The Role of Thank You Notes in Job Interviews: A Comparative Analysis

When it comes to submitting a thank you note after a job interview, opinions vary widely among hiring managers and HR professionals. This article explores the influence of typed versus handwritten thank you notes in different parts of the world, with a particular focus on the United States. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of a thank you note from a key referral source.

Introduction to Thank You Notes

A thank you note after a job interview is a customary practice, aimed at expressing gratitude for the interviewer's time and effort. However, the significance of these notes varies depending on where the role is located. This article aims to provide insight into these varying opinions and guidelines.

The United States: A Tendency Towards Email

In the United States, the trend among hiring managers and HR professionals is to favor an email expressing thanks. According to many inside the industry, a hand-written or typed thank you note after an interview has minimal impact on the hiring decision-making process. The preference for emails is likely due to the fast-paced nature of the job market and the sheer volume of candidates that can be encountered in the hiring process.

Exception: Handwritten Notes from Referrals

The only scenario where a hand-written thank you note stands out is when a friend or former colleague has referred you for a role in their company and you have been subsequently interviewed. In such cases, the minimum you should send is a handwritten thank you note, regardless of the interview outcome. This gesture is crucial to express your appreciation and acknowledges the significant effort they have put into supporting your application through a referral.

Global Perspective: Where It Matters Less

Outside of the United States, there is a different outlook on the importance of thank you notes. In many parts of the world, hiring managers and HR professionals are not particularly concerned with receiving these notes or they are completely forgotten after a few seconds. They are seen as a minor formality that holds little sway over the final decision-making process.

One hiring manager, speaking anonymously, expressed a common sentiment: 'Thank you notes mean absolutely nothing to me. They have no influence on hiring decisions and within seconds I have forgotten who sent it. I open them, read them, and put them straight in the trash.'

Conclusion: Balancing Custom and Practicality

While a thank you note can be a meaningful gesture to show your appreciation, its importance varies greatly depending on the location and context. In the US, it is a good practice to send a thank you note via email, while a handwritten note from a referred source is incredibly valuable. Outside the US, the importance of these notes can be overlooked, but it is still a polite and expected gesture.

Ultimately, the choice of sending a thank you note comes down to balancing tradition with practicality. The key is to ensure that your actions align with the culture and norms of the region in which you are interviewing.