After an interview....

March 22, 2008 4:15pm CST
do you generally contact the employer with a thank you letter and reminding them of how fanastic an employee you could be. I never used to do it as I thought it was a wee bit pretentious but I went for a job yesterday and was so impressed with the place and wanted to work there so much that I decided to do it. Here is a copy of what I wrote: [i]Hi Patrick, Just in from my shift and wanted to say thanks for meeting me today. It was great how fast you agreed to see me and apologies for missing you this morning. "MYO" appears to be a brilliant place to work and the concept of the sandwich bar is unique and looks like it could be very successful. I left there today feeling like it was a place that I could be very motivated and happy in. Through my experience at my current position, and especially Little Italy I think I could do really well working for you. In Little Italy I was very capable and had good speed with the coffee machine which I think would be a major bonus for you, and obviously the prep involved is extremely manageable. I wanted to give you the telephone number of the woman I have been working for the last couple of years. She has known me a long time and as her only permanent member of staff has relied on me immensely. She knows that I am passing on her number as I told her about you today and she offered it. I hope you enjoy your weekend and I look forward to hearing from you. Many thanks, Claire ***Current Employer: Angela, 07791-745-***"[/i] So have you ever used this or do you think it is a wee bit pretentious too. I suppose it kind of is because it is only a sandwich bar but I so wanted the job. Let me know your opinions. PS I got the job!!!
2 people like this
9 responses
@kezabelle (2974)
22 Mar 08
Congrats on getting the job. personally no its not something I would do id do the interveiw to the best i could and go home probably arrange a few more just incase and then just wait and see. I think especially with interveiws that first impressions are what counts so id rather just put all my efforts into that and making a lasting impression to not need any letter I also think they will know when they see you if they want to emply you so a letter afterwards would make no difference
1 person likes this
@Stiletto (4579)
23 Mar 08
I agree that first impressions are very important at an interview and it is usually the case that a decision is made quickly but it isn't always. I've sat on interview panels where there have been at least two "favourites" and its been tough to choose between them. I can also think of at least two occasions when I've just simply taken a liking to someone who's been interviewed and am trying to justify selecting them. In those situations a letter like the one Claire sent might just be enough to tip the balance in a candidates favour.
• Canada
22 Mar 08
Wow Claire, this looks great! I've always found this idea fairly intimidating. I know it would probably help a lot in securing a position somewhere, but I can never muster up the courage. Congratulations on getting the job. You obviously showed your new employer that you were dedicated to the position and took it a step above the rest of the applicants.
1 person likes this
22 Mar 08
Well I had never done it before but as you can see I really really wanted the job. I think it would be perfect for me and I would be really good at it so I think that did genuinely show in the letter.
@chiyosan (30184)
• Philippines
23 Mar 08
No. I have been through a lot of job interviews and never did i send out a letter of thanks for them meeting with me. I guess it is not a practice in the Philippines, thoughi have read somewhere that it can be done too. If i am going for another job interview, i might try it out especially if i really liked to be hired in that company. congrats to you by the way for getting the job.
@Eskimo (2315)
23 Mar 08
I've never done this before, so perhaps that's the reason I've been stuck in the same job for over 40 years. Why do you think this is pretentious, and 'Only a sandwich bar' if this is the job you want at the moment then it is a BIGdeal for you. The fact that you have been given the job shows that your potential has been noted. I hope the payments you get are to your likeing as well.
@urbandekay (18278)
23 Mar 08
Usually, I send them flowers and chocolates unless they have been rude enough to actually offer me the job in which case a horses head suffices. all the best urban
@lexus54 (3572)
• Singapore
23 Mar 08
I've never used a tactic like this for securing a job. A letter like this can work both ways. It really depends on how receptive the prospective employer is. On the plus side, it can demonstrate to the employer that here is one person who shows enthusiasm and keenness for the job, and obviously someone who has the potential experience and capability from a current job to be able to fit in to the job at hand. That can differentiate you from other interviewees because most people won't write to the employer as a follow-up to the interview. You did thank the employer for having granted you his time to meet you, and that's a good and polite gesture. It's important to word a letter like this properly, else it may appear to be pretentious and the person may end up coming across as one who is desperate for the job. Based on what you have written, I detect positive sincerity on your part and I feel that will augment your interview and give you some edge in the final selection of the successful candidate. Your letter is also reasonably well written. Of course, to the employer, factors like suitability for the job, qualification and work experience will still feature largely in the selection process, and if you do not have a good fit for the job in these factors, the employer may not select you even if you write him a sweet well-intended letter.
@lexus54 (3572)
• Singapore
23 Mar 08
I didn't see your last line in the PS part when I first wrote the above feedback. Congratulations! I think your letter did it for you, in addition of course to your suitability for the job. I do wish you every success in your new job.
@icyorchid (2564)
• United States
23 Mar 08
Congrats on getting the job. I have never done that, and some people would think it was pretentious and other's would like it, so it is hard to say. It is obvious that the mgr liked the letter and the person he interviewed, that is why he hired you. Glad you got the job you wanted.
@Stiletto (4579)
22 Mar 08
First of all well done on getting the job! I haven't used that before but I don't think it's pretentious at all. Doesn't matter what the job is - what matters is how much you want it. If I was recruiting staff it would impress me that someone was motivated enough to make that effort.
@skysuccess (8858)
• Singapore
23 Mar 08
Coming from your employer's point, I do not think that your letter is in anyway pretentious. I think everyone who comes in for an interview is actually interested to secure a job. Sometimes, we just need to hire staff who possesses the added flair, x-factor, and higher EQ status. Your letter tells that you have a certain enthusiasm, drive and positive attitude. It personifies your character besides it has also provided the management, though is a small snack bar, a valuable feedback on how you felt about the working environment. Also, with your positive outlook on a small snack bar I think as a boss that goes a long way for a good and healthy working relationship. So keep up the good work and all the best.