Ask job candidates to name the most important part of the hiring process, and a common answer is likely to be the interview. But many applicants forget that what they do after the interview also impacts how employers perceive them. For instance, 91 percent of managers said it’s helpful for a candidate to send a thank-you note following an interview, according to a survey by our company.
Promptly showing your gratitude displays good etiquette. It’s also a smart way to again express your interest in the job and re-emphasize the relevant skills that qualify you for the role. But as with your resume and cover letter, your efforts will backfire if you fail to proofread your thank-you note or take the wrong tone. Here are some thank-you note mishaps we’ve collected over the years:
THANK-YOU NOTE: “Tank you again and have a good day.”
Unfortunately, this typo may have tanked the candidate’s chances.
THANK-YOU NOTE: “Hi Ray. If I don’t get the job, that would be ‘Hi Ray’ robbery. OK, yes, this is a bad pun, but I couldn’t help but think about someone stealing the above salutation. Hmm, I definitely took a risk there, as jokes that bad should probably be punishable by fines.”
No argument here.
THANK-YOU NOTE: “Thank you for all of your time. I realize you’re busy so I’ll just leave you with a short rhyme. I feel my background is everything you ask, what you see is what you get — me without a mask.”
Do you make exceptions for Halloween parties.
THANK-YOU NOTE: “Thansk you for your time!”
No, “thansk” you!
Finally, sign off with a standard closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards.”
THANK-YOU NOTE: “Architecturally Yours.”
Please don’t build your hopes up.
