Would any of you say sending thank you notes to the interview panel is a nice gesture? Could it make a difference?

14 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 17,2025 at 6:49PM UTC

   YES! Not only is it professional, it can help you stand out. It's really best these days to email them. As it's a lot faster. Hand written notes are fine too and can follow the emails. If you don't have their email addresses, then go to their website or call the main number and ask for them. Not only did I recruit, I still interview and hire. If I don't get one, they are probably not going to be in my YES pile.

2. AnonymousApril 17,2025 at 7:08PM UTC

   I email them :)

3. AnonymousApril 17,2025 at 7:45PM UTC

   Yes, it registers as professional and someone with manners.

4. AnonymousApril 19,2025 at 12:19PM UTC

   When I am on a hiring panel, I will recommend a candidate who sent thank you notes as a tiebreaker. It won’t advance a bad candidate but will help me choose between two equally qualified ones.

   A note is also a great chance to elaborate on something you thought of after the interview or give a better answer to a question you didn’t handle as well as you would have liked.

5. AnonymousApril 20,2025 at 5:51PM UTC

   Yes, absolutely. It shows interest and in that note you can ask for them to endorse you for the role because you have strong XYZ and look forward to working alongside them. They also gave you great information about how to be successful in the role and that makes you even more interested.

   Go for it! It will matter to the right organization and shows good follow up.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 21,2025 at 3:10AM UTC

   It's a nice gesture but it's never going to make a candidate that is not a fit be a fit.

   Make it short and sweet - restating your interest but I would refrain from long drawnout answers trying to "relitigate" your interview. That could just put a spotlight on something the interviewer didn't even give a second thought to and didn't see as anything negative.

7. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanApril 21,2025 at 6:35PM UTC

   Actually, I have had my resume moved from the No to yes pile due to a good thank you note. Ultimately, that job went to the temp who had been there for a couple of months, but it got me a second interview and referals.

8. Debra WilliamsApril 21,2025 at 12:29PM UTC

   There’s a lot of good feedback in the comments. Based on what’s shared, this is a very complex situation with significant business, legal and team performance/retention implications that needs to be addressed. If you haven’t, I would advise engaging an experienced employment attorney to ensure the owners’ and the company’s interests are protected.

9. AnonymousApril 21,2025 at 3:25PM UTC

   A thank-you email is the best way to go. As someone in HR who sits in on interviews, we always love a good follow-up thank-you email from the candidate.

10. Joann S. LublinApril 21,2025 at 4:50PM UTC

    This has long been a good practice -- as long as you do it right. Here's a link to my WSJ career column about this topic -- from 2008! https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120215930971242053

11. Pamela RosenApril 21,2025 at 6:55PM UTC

    I have always sent thank you notes. The point, though, is to thank them for their time, not to "make a difference" in whether or not you get the job. When I have been on the other side of the interview table, I have very much appreciated receiving such notes.

12. Mich.Fr.April 21,2025 at 8:37PM UTC

    I have always sent a thank you. I think it shows a lot about someone's character when they take the time acknowledge time spent discussing an opportunity.

13. Stacey Edwards NolenApril 21,2025 at 9:10PM UTC

    My college aged daughter just completed three interviews for an internship. She sent an email thank you after each one. Upon offering her the job he specifically referenced her thank you follow ups! They make a candidate stand out!!

14. AnonymousApril 22,2025 at 2:08PM UTC

    Depends on prospective company’s culture which you should be able to get sense of during your meeting. Ex Wakefern Foods—doesn’t matter. Burris Logistics—masters.