Should we still send cover letters and thank you emails to those we interview with?

13 Comments

1. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netSeptember 3,2024 at 12:18PM UTC

   It is always appreciated and noticed.

2. Kristin KnisleySeptember 3,2024 at 12:20PM UTC

   If the application asks for a cover letter or you feel you have items on your resume you would like to expand on, then yes. I think cover letters are on their way out, but some still expect them. I think I will always send thank yous. I have seen them directly impact a hiring manager’s decision and that sticks in my mind.

3. RhondaSeptember 3,2024 at 12:43PM UTC

   always send thank you notes.

4. AnonymousSeptember 3,2024 at 12:56PM UTC

   i say always send one. It can’t hurt. The question is whether to send by email or snail mail. I assume email these days.

5. Katherine ValenteSeptember 3,2024 at 1:19PM UTC

   I always love a thank you letter. It is not going to necessarily "get you the job" BUT it certainly does not hurt and in my opinion, gives you extra points. The best thank you letters include specific points brought up in the interview and a reminder of how you can meet that need or help them with that pain point.

6. AnonymousSeptember 3,2024 at 2:40PM UTC

   I think the human touch is important. Much of the application process is detached from who you are as a human being. Cover letters and thank you's are a nice way to connect on a human level.

7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 3,2024 at 6:39PM UTC

   Thank you notes, I still say yes. They're probably not going to get someone a job but I think it's a way to set yourself apart.

   Regarding cover letters - Unless they're required, no - I don't consider them a good investment of time.

   As a recruiter, I do not read them. All your relevant experience should be reflected in the resume.

   Cover letters are opinion pieces. Resumes should be factual documents. I'm interested in facts.

   As a candidate I really never did cover letters. If they were required/requested, I usually exited the application.

   Especially if it was one of those "tell us why you're just dying to work here" ones. Well, I haven't interviewed with you yet, I haven't spoken with the team yet, haven't spoken with anyone about the position, so I have no idea if I'm dying to work there nor do I have time nor inclination to blow smoke up your butt. So no.

   A cover letter is never going to make someone who is not a fit for my position be a fit.

8. Pea WriteSeptember 4,2024 at 5:26AM UTC

   No to the cover letters, but yes to the thank you notes once you’ve had an interview.

9. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdSeptember 4,2024 at 12:55PM UTC

   Hello!

   Many companies require a cover letter to be sent. I would look to see if that's listed in the job description.

   After-interview thank you notes can literally set you apart from other candidates. Often if companies are busy they won't respond to all candidates regarding the status of a position. However, even these companies will respond to someone who sends a thank you note.

10. AnonymousSeptember 4,2024 at 2:18PM UTC

    IMHO, the thank-you note reminds them of who you are, especially if they did four interviews in one day. It gives you the opportunity to clarify anything you didn't have a chance to share during the interview and shows them you are still interested in the job. I have walked out of interviews knowing that I did not want to work at the place, so just because you complete an interview doesn't mean you leave it wanting to work there. If the company wowed you, by all means, let them know how they did. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.

11. Cindy GloverSeptember 4,2024 at 6:26PM UTC

    Thank you notes a must (I think so anyway) ?

12. AnonymousSeptember 5,2024 at 3:22AM UTC

    Thanks! That’s what I thought. Hopefully I never have to look for a job again but maybe your advice might help another member. :)

13. Sarah BojorquezSeptember 5,2024 at 12:43PM UTC

    Thank you emails are great, cover letters are a waste of time (I am a recruiter and never read them tbh.)