THE POWER OF A THANK YOU NOTE AFTER AN INTERVIEW

In a world where digital interaction is increasingly overshadowing face-to-face engagement, some may argue that certain social courtesies are becoming outdated or unnecessary. However, there is one tradition that remains as significant as ever: sending a thank you note after a job interview. While the gesture may seem small or even trivial to some, it can make a considerable difference in the impression you leave with a potential employer.

First Impressions Count, But So Do Lasting Ones

A job interview is a chance to make a strong first impression. You dress well, speak clearly, and present your qualifications in the best possible light. Yet, once the interview is over, the process of forming impressions doesn't stop there. A well-crafted thank you note offers a final opportunity to leave a lasting impression that sets you apart from other candidates.

The Good Egg Test 

As a recruiter I believe sending a thank you note is an indication that the candidate passed the “good egg” test. I believe that the thank you note lets me know that a candidate is a person who is pleasant, agreeable, follows through and is trustworthy.  I constantly hear from clients that they form an impression based on two things in the interview process.

  1. The candidate ended the interview by asking for next steps, 

  2. They are always impressed by the follow up Thank You note. 

The Good Egg test goes both ways

As a hiring authority, I recommend that you respond appropriately to the thank you note, after all candidates are looking at your actions and the company as much as you are screening them for the role.  By not sending back a simple acknowledgement of the thank you note you may give the candidate the wrong impression that you are too busy or disinterested. 

Why a Thank You Note Matters

Gratitude is a Virtue

Expressing gratitude is not just polite; it shows a positive character trait. Hiring managers are not just looking for the most skilled individuals but also people who would be a good fit for the company culture. A thank you note demonstrates that you are appreciative, courteous, and proactive.

It Keeps You in the Loop

Sending a thank you note can also serve as a timely follow-up. It keeps your name fresh in the interviewer's mind and may even put you one step ahead of other candidates who neglect this simple act.

Opportunity for Recap and Reinforcement

A thank you note offers a chance to recap some of the essential points discussed during the interview. It allows you to reiterate why you are a strong candidate for the position and how you can contribute to the organization.

Differentiate Yourself

When all candidates have similar qualifications, it's the little things that set you apart. A thank you note could be that extra touch that makes you more memorable and casts you in a favorable light.

How to Write an Effective Thank You Note

Make it Prompt

Send the thank you note within 24-48 hours of your interview. The sooner, the better.

Personalize It

Use the interviewer's name and refer to specific topics or conversations that came up during the interview. This personal touch shows that you were attentive and engaged.

Keep it Professional

While it’s okay to be appreciative and enthusiastic, remember to maintain a professional tone. The thank you note is not just a courtesy but also another element in your professional portfolio.

Format

Whether you opt for email or handwritten notes will depend on the company culture. Tech startups might be more comfortable with emails, while traditional firms may appreciate a handwritten note.

Proofread

Before sending it off, make sure to proofread your note carefully. An error could undo all the positive effects you’re trying to achieve.

In conclusion, the art of saying "thank you" may seem old-fashioned to some, but its impact is as powerful today as ever. A thank you note is more than just a polite gesture; it's a strategic tool that can set you apart in a competitive job market. In a world where everyone is rushing to the next big thing, taking the time to say thank you shows that you are thoughtful, considerate, and just the kind of person a company would want to have on board.  

So why not stand out and pass the test and make sure you fall into the “GOOD EGG” category. 


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23 Hiring Tips for 2023


Bill O’Malley is President of Connector Team Recruiting a firm headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia specializing in the Furniture | Appliance and Sleep verticals. Connector Team is a full-service Search Firm offering permanent placement recruiting and interim staffing solutions.

Feel free to contact Bill at bill@connectorteamrecruiting.com.

© 2023 Connector Team Recruiting

DEMOGRAPHIC SHIFTS THAT WILL IMPACT HIRING

So succession planning driven by retiring baby boomers is accelerating.  I guess that would be what we call job security for great recruiters. 😂

This graphic below shows the current population by category. This chart stops at 2012 with generation Z  and there is now a new generation that has been named and added as…

Statistic: Population distribution in the United States in 2022, by generation  | Statista
Find more statistics at Statista

Generation Alpha

Generational definitions are most useful when they span a set age range and so allow meaningful comparisons across generations. That is why the generations today each span 15 years with Generation Y (Millennials) born from 1980 to 1994; Generation Z from 1995 to 2009 and Generation Alpha from 2010 to 2024.

What will Gen Alpha be like what drives them…they are sometimes called the IPAD generation and many Alpha children are permanently connected from a very young age.  To put it in perspective…the IPAD came out in the same year 2010 as the start of the generation.

Such is their attention to new technologies that it becomes a way of life. Independents. They are independent when it comes to making their own decisions and managing their digital identities, and they expect their individual needs and preferences to be taken into account. 

Baby Boomers remain the biggest demographic force in hiring and the general population and the workforce. According to Forbes Now that a good chunk of Baby Boomer cohorts have surpassed the age of 65, they are a major influence on the aging of the U.S. population. Experts have warned that the country is unprepared for these changes that are ongoing. However, in an international comparison, the United States is only at the beginning of its journey towards demographic change. The world's most prominent aging society, Japan, already counted a 28.5% share of residents who were 65 or older in 2020, while Italy, Greece, Germany and Finland were looking at more than 22% each for this metric. The United States is Getting Older, But Still Younger Than Many countries according to the census bureau. 

So my message to companies is simple when confronting changing demographics.  If you read about GEN ALPHA they are wired and connected like never before.   

Here are a few tips to stay on top of Talent Acquisition: 

  1. Technology - Technology and AI is changing rapidly and accelerating.  

  2. Recruiting practices - integrate the new technology to get better results.

  3. Brand Identity - Be clear what you stand for because how you communicate  your company mission and focus has never been more important.

Demographics - pay attention to the change and hire from all generations - companies that tap talent from all categories and WIN!


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23 Hiring Tips for 2023


Bill O’Malley is President of Connector Team Recruiting a firm headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia specializing in the Furniture | Appliance and Sleep verticals. Connector Team is a full-service Search Firm offering permanent placement recruiting and interim staffing solutions.

Feel free to contact Bill at bill@connectorteamrecruiting.com.

© 2023 Connector Team Recruiting

DON’T MISS A KEY DEMOGRAPHIC...HIRE PERENNIALS (Older Skilled Workers)

A rising category that continues to gain traction in a tight labor market is the older worker.  Just tell those over 55 that they need to retire and many will tell you very quickly…why should I do that! I have so much knowledge and experience to give and I don’t want to stay home.  I really want to contribute and still be productive.

So what is a perennial?  Here is the Google definition

per·en·ni·al

lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring

The last wave of the baby boomer generation s is reaching their mid-50s, there is no evidence to suggest they will be in a hurry to retire. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting that by 2024 workers that are over 55 will be the largest segment of that country’s workforce. 

It’s not hard to find these folks; many can be recruited and they have valuable skills, a strong work ethic and they still wish to contribute.  What they require is more flexibility on the employer’s part, many are seeking part-time and fewer hours. 

ELIMINATE THE MYTH ABOUT OLDER WORKERS 

Let’s try to dispel the myth that older workers are slow and less productive. There is some research about the perception that older workers are less productive…the AARP found exciting new research by German economist Axel Borsch-Supan. He found that there is some reduction in productivity for very unskilled jobs. But with knowledge-based jobs, you see an increase in productivity with age. Then it levels off. It doesn’t go down.

A few years back I wrote about coming across this labor pool purely by accident as a retail manager. We tapped into this pool for Office and Customer Service roles within the company.  The myth and bias including my own that I had to overcome included; older workers tend to be more methodical and slower. 

I found just the opposite was true, in fact; they proved to be very committed, had lower absenteeism rates, and had higher overall accuracy. 

So pull out your list of alumni, those that have retired, check in on them and you might find that a former sales associate now wants to return and just work part-time, maybe do something different in administration or the office.

What have you got to lose? Perennials are going to be significant and active contributors in the decades to come. So make sure you don’t ignore this hidden gem category. After all, everyone wants people that will show up, do their job, and contribute in the workplace.  In addition, blending this group is a plus benefit too. I think there is a lot of knowledge that can be shared both ways across the board and generations!

For more hiring tips like this, click the link below to download our free guide: 23 Hiring Tips for 2023!


FREE DOWNLOAD!

23 Hiring Tips for 2023


Bill O’Malley is President of Connector Team Recruiting a firm headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia specializing in the Furniture | Appliance and Sleep verticals. Connector Team is a full-service Search Firm offering permanent placement recruiting and interim staffing solutions.

Feel free to contact Bill at bill@connectorteamrecruiting.com.

© 2023 Connector Team Recruiting