I just had a phone interview for a job I applied for (crossing fingers). Although there was one guy who did all the question-asking, there were two other people in the room with him, listening in on my responses.
Do I send each of the people a thank-you card? I wrote down their names, so theoretically I could. But they said nothing during the interview, except at the end when everyone gave a simultanous “goodbye”.
Or should I send the note to the main guy, the one who did all the talking?
I’ve done both, depending on the interview. Haven’t gotten a job offer from a phone interview yet–probably for reasons not related to the thank you note. In your particular case, today, I’d just send a note to the main guy. I reserve the right to not follow my own advice next time I have a phone interview.
I “think” you’re supposed to send to all…and when not sure, do instead of don’t. This is what I’m being told in the “Re-employment Seminars” I’ve attended recently.
Since they didn’t say anything, I would only send it to the main guy. Otherwise, all you are going to be able to write is a generic “Thanks for the interview.” Ideally, the letter should mention/expand on something that was touched on in the actual interview. You could say, “Please convey my best wishes (or whatever) to X and Y, too.” Then at least you would get the points for knowing their names.
Send each one a personal thank-you. If they are on the ball, they will communicate with each other as they recieve them, and it will be noted as positive and professional.
Even if they didn’t speak, they took the time to attend and will have an opinion in the selection process. Thank them for their time and reiterate what would make you a good candidate in light of the conversation.
I’m going to send out individual notes. I’m still worried that it may seem obsequious, but I’d rather go overboard than under.
Another question…
The agency I interviewed with is thousands of miles away. Snail mail won’t get the letters there until the end of the week, and that’s when the decision-making will be made.
Should I send out individual emails? Or is that considered too lazy?
Depending on the type of job, I would go with email. People at work don’t usually get snail mail at work, and getting it might be a bit weird.
Send the e-mails. ( You could send a snail mail note as well, although that really might be overkill). Better to go with something that you know they will recieve before they make the decision than something that may not arrive until it’s too late. Use your tone to set an appropriate degree of formality, not the format of the note.
First of all send everybody a thank you. It may not help, but it sure won’t hurt. It’s not like they’re going to say “Why did that dumbass send ME a thank you note? There’s no way I’m going to hire him now!”. No. It’s more likely that it will generate conversation with the other interviewers and remind them of you again (note: that is also why you don’t want to use the exact same text in each thank-you).
Emails are not a bad plan. Send a unique email to all. If you have several rounds of interviews, I like to keep things fresh. After one round I sent emails. After another round I sent a personal letter via overnight delivery (I’d say it was worth it, as I got the job).
E3