Should I Hand-Write a Thank-You Letter for a Job Interview?

Once you've aced the interview, make sure to follow proper protocol for showing your appreciation.

It Depends on the Interviewer

Business etiquette dictates you send thank you notes to your potential employers. A handwritten note carries with it a friendly, slightly more casual air than a typed-up business-style letter. If your aim is to remind the interviewer of your winning personality, and it seems as though a more casual approach would be well-received, handwriting is the way to go.

Any Thanks is Better Than None

A typed-up business-style letter expressing your appreciation for the interviewer's time is also acceptable and appropriate, though it may seem slightly less personable than the handwritten kind. The etiquette jury is still out on emailed thank-yous, but even those are far better than failing to acknowledge the interview at all.

Bottom Line

A handwritten note gives it a more personal touch, while a business letter will come across as professional but perhaps slightly standoffish. Once you've had a chance to observe the company and its employees, you should be better able to gauge which kind of thank you letter--or even email if it seems appropriate to the working environment--would be best received.

References

• VirginiaTech: After interviews/thank-you letters/follow up
• QuintCareers.com: FAQs About Thank You Letters