Is it OK to Type a Thank You Letter for an Interview?
Although handwritten notes can be elegant, typed notes look more professional and avoid any misunderstandings that can be caused by illegible handwriting. A typed letter gives a formal impression, and allows you the space to not only express your gratitude, but to remind your interviewer of salient points in your conversations. You can save handwritten notes for support staff and other company employees who helped you during an interrview.
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Mail vs. Email
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It is probably better to send your note via the wrong medium than send no note at all. Applicants should send their letter through the mail on nice stationary with a handwritten signature. Managers at companies that have a formal or traditional culture may also prefer receiving thank-you notes through the mail. However, it is probably acceptable to send a thank-you note by e-mail if any of the contact you had was through electronic means. The Transportation Security Administration notes that mail for federal employees or companies with high security concerns may be screened, which could cause delays.
Added Touches
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Send a note to each person you met at the company. A career counselor at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies notes that you can use handwritten notes for support staff and other company employees who helped you during an interview. For those that receive typed notes, personalize each letter with a handwritten flourish, such as, "Bob, enjoyed meeting you."
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The Big Question
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The big question you should ask during an interview is when a hiring decision will be made. You can e-mail a thank-you note within 48 hours of an interview, but you may also want to mail an additional, typed thank-you note and time it so it will arrive close to the decision date. This will keep you fresh in the interviewer's mind.
It Never Hurts to Say Thank-You Again
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If you have received a salary offer and accepted the job, send another note thanking the hiring manager for the opportunity. This will help start you off on the right foot. You should also send a thank-you note if you need to drop out from consideration, to clear the air and leave the door open for consideration of other opportunities.
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References
- Photo Credit pen image by Rog999 from Fotolia.com
