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Can't you thank them when you wrap up the interview?
Yes. But how much effort is it to just write a thank you note saying you enjoyed the conversation and reiterating your interest/skills?
Can you overdo it? Absolutely. But keep in mind that even if you scored an interview, so did 3-5 others. So sending a thank you note may differentiate you. Of course, if you bombed the interview or if another candidate is head and shoulder above you, then yea, your effort will be in vain. But again, it's a 2 min. effort.
In the end, whether or not there's any benefit will depend on the situation and recipient. But it is a courtesy.
I don't buy the angle that simply by following-up, you are showing desperation. How you follow-up can certainly do that. On the flip side, one can also say that not following-up can show lack of interest.
Why is following up so controversial? Either do it or don't.
As far as showing desperation, what's wrong with someone really wanting the job they applied for and took the time to interview for? If that's viewed as desperation, then so be it.
I see following up as simply another opportunity to keep my name in front of the decision makers after they may have seen a slew of different people.
I started my current job 3 years ago. I ended up following up multiple times. I was surprised that I had to but it was apparently positive since I got the job! I was getting good feedback from the hiring manager all along, or I might not have felt as comfortable following up. I wasn't being pushy and calling/emailing too often - the process ended up taking a few months. But if I had been expecting to hear back about a next step that the mgr had already told me was going to happen, I'd follow up every couple of weeks or so. I think that she was just very busy and the follow up acted as a true reminder for her so it worked out. But like I said, if the ongoing feedback wasn't positive to start with, I might not have. Things like being told "I want you to talk to the EVP, and I'll go ahead and set that up and let you know" vs. a more generic "I'll be in touch." So I knew I had made it to the next stage in the process and it was just the logistics that were hung up.
As a hiring manager, I'm not a fan. (I realize that there are others who love seeing follow-up and love getting thank you notes. Too bad there's not a way to tell which of us are interviewing you!)
Picture this: You post a req. 100+ people apply. You phone screen the best 25, and bring in 5-10 for in-person interviews. And they're all following up, via phone/email/etc. Talk about distractions and disruptions!
I had a phone interview yesterday (we were supposed to do it via Skype but had issues so they settled for a phone interview) this is out of town btw... Anyways, after the interview (few hours later) i sent an email thanking them for their time. Today I got an email with a job offer
I used to send thank you notes. Then I realized they were pointless when I was on the receiving end of a thank you note. The worse candidate sent one, didn't improve their chances one bit. IMO they do nothing and are pointless, I want to hire you because of your skill set, not because of a thank you note.
I used to send thank you notes. Then I realized they were pointless when I was on the receiving end of a thank you note. The worse candidate sent one, didn't improve their chances one bit. IMO they do nothing and are pointless, I want to hire you because of your skill set, not because of a thank you note.
Ask a Manager lady states it's not a good idea to send a silly note just saying "Thanks for your time!" A follow up email is a much smarter idea.
Ask a Manager lady states it's not a good idea to send a silly note just saying "Thanks for your time!" A follow up email is a much smarter idea.
To the OP questions, following up is also pointless. If they want you they will call you.
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