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Message |
    
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1079
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 10:28 am: | 
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So I went on a job interview yesterday, and I met with two people -- my potential future boss and her boss -- at the same time. How do I handle the thank you note(s)? Do I send one letter addressed to them both, two copies of the same letter addressed to each individually, or -- horror of horrors -- two completely different letters? It will be a fairly detailed letter highlighting all the reasons they should hire me, so it would be VERY difficult to say the same thing in two different ways . . .
Job hunting is such a drag!!!! |
thegoodsgt
Citizen
Username: Thegoodsgt
Post Number: 951
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 10:40 am: |
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Are people still sending letters in the mail? Typically I've followed-up with an email, which you would naturally address to both of them (unless you had something specific to say to each one).
If you send a hardcopy letter, I'd send them separately.
Or send one and write at the top of the page, "Please read this and pass it on as I am trying to save paper and postage."
Or find out where they live and wait for them in their driveway so you can state your case when they get home.
Or maybe a skywriting airplane.... But that would be silly. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7212
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 10:51 am: |
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Separate e-mails. I like to make it personal, bring up something different in each one to show how creative and diverse my thinking is. Ugh. I think that copying both shows a lack of energy and initiative when you are one of a bunch trying to stand out.
Snail mail is out in this day and age; many people don't even open their office mail for days at a time anymore.
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Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 2616
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 10:55 am: |
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Completely agree with greenetree. Find something, however small, that relates to the specific chat you had with each person, and mention in the thank you. Can be pretty brief, these e-mails, but do them today. Try to make them arrive early afternoon, first thing in morning and not on Friday afternoon. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7213
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 10:59 am: |
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Examples from an interview with prospective boss and her boss:
Prospective Boss
Dear,
I really enjoyed meeting you and interviewing for the xxxxxxxxx position. The more I think about our discussion, I am quite excited at the prospect of an opportunity in a field that is close to my heart.
I look forward to meeting again to further discuss how I can contribute to the team.
Thank you,
Interviewee
Her boss:
Dear,
It was a pleasure meeting you and having the opportunity to talk with you about the xxxxxxx position. I am excited at the challenges this position brings and am confident that my background is a perfect fit for this job. I look forward to speaking with you again as the selection process continues.
Best regards,
Interviewee
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amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1080
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 11:00 am: |
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But it was just one meeting, one conversation, there's honestly not one thing "personal" or otherwise to comment on for one person that wouldn't also be for the other. Oh, how I hate this!
Perhaps I should just send one a candygram, the other a strippergram. That would SURELY make me stand out from the pack! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7214
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 11:04 am: |
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Then it's even more important that you distinguish yourself with separate e-mails. You want to get across how well you think the meeting went, that you want this job and are looking forward to coming in for the next round. I think that the examples I posted are fairly generic. Just add something about the job itself.
If the interview was yesterday, send the e-mails today. |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 5298
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 11:18 am: |
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I agree with Greentree as well. This will set you apart from the pack doing two separate emails. And send them ASAP. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1081
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 11:25 am: |
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How about if they get seperate emails with different opening paragraphs but the same (or virtually the same) second paragraph, making the case for why I think I'm perfect for the job? Normally I'm a short and sweet thank you note writer, but they voiced a particular concern during the interview that I want to make sure I address in the letter, and it's near impossible to do so in two different and a wholly original ways.
Also, thus far all our communication has been via telephone and in person; still ok to send thanks via email? I've read conflicting advice about this online; some say that formal snail mail thank yous get bonus points and give the impression that the interviewee really "cares" enough to go the extra step of printing up on nice paper, walking to the mailbox, etc etc etc . . . |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 5299
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 11:30 am: |
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Personally I think email this day and age is best. A quick response that shows you are interested in the job in this day and age is key. |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 2617
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 11:35 am: |
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I suspect it varies by industry (snail v e-mail). If the job is in a very traditional industry, with a slow cycle time on interviewing/hiring/etc. paper could be good. I think that's the exception rather than the rule. In many cases, by the time they get your snail mail, they could've hired someone else. Plus, sometimes secretaries get and just file so your effect is lost. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1082
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 11:38 am: |
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OK, you've convinced me on the email thing. What about the different intro paragraph/same second paragraph issue? |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 1718
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 11:53 am: |
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When I have interviewed with two people at once, I always say something like "It was a pleasure meeting with you and the [other person's name]..."
But otherwise, I agree with what's been said already. Send two separate e-mails, and try to personalize them. You can use similar paragraphs with different words. When you get to the paragraph about how you would be right for the job, and where you address that particular concern, you can make it virtually the same.
Ordinarily, a snail mail letter would be lovely. Yes, it shows the extra effort and interest. However, it's called "snail mail" for a reason. In this age of snap decision-making, I would advise proceeding with the e-mail notes due to the immediacy. Don't dawdle. Some people/companies put a lot of emphasis on this.
Good luck with the job! |
Wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 2335
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 11:56 am: |
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I think the different intro and same (or similar) second paragraph is fine. Just be very careful how you word the convincing issue and vet it to a few people before you send it off. Make sure your font (black) is no bigger than 12 and use Times New Roman so it looks more like a letter than an email. I've done it both ways. I've sent an email to two people at the same time when I met with them at the same time and I've sent separate emails in similar situations as well.
Good luck and most importantly, get it out today (and if either one is Jewish do it before 1 or 2 as they may leave early). |
BGS
Supporter
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 927
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 11:59 am: |
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Amandacat- I PL'd you. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7215
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 12:01 pm: |
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Nah - I disagree. I'd phrase the second paragraph differently, too. Keep it consistent, tho. If they raised an issue, you want to show them as many ways as possible that you have thought it through and have a solution.
Most importantly, keep it as brief as possible or it won't be read. |
Innisowen
Citizen
Username: Innisowen
Post Number: 1932
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 12:21 pm: |
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I agree with those who say "Use an email." It'll usually go straight to the person addressed. A snail mail note, while polite, may get opened by an assistant (if there is one) and put to the side.
I suggest waiting for the second day after your meeting, to send the email. It could show that you didn't automatically put a thank-you together but may have given some time to composing a compelling note.
Assuming that your note contains some compelling insights or thoughts. |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 4051
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 12:30 pm: |
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I agree with Cynical, it depends on he industry. In my old "industry" I would have sent a hand written note. No matter what, the email/letter should be sent ASAP. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1083
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 1:25 pm: |
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OK, I think I got one letter down, now working on the other. You folks sure aren't making this easy for me! |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1084
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 1:40 pm: |
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Oh, and how about the Dr. Ms. X vs Dear Firstname thing? FWIW, it's a VERY casual first-name industry. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13600
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 1:44 pm: |
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Some of us still prefer plain text email which uses the default font that the RECIPIENT uses. Don't send html (formatted) email. Plain text email has the lowest risk of technical problems.
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amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1085
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 1:47 pm: |
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ALso, whose ••• do I kiss more, immediate boss or boss's boss? |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13602
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 1:50 pm: |
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Don't kiss azz to the point where it's obvious that that's what you're doing. But the answer to your question is to do it proportionately to whose decision carries more weight. And you may not know.
The fact that you got to meet with your prospective boss's boss is a good sign already.
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Lucy Smith
Citizen
Username: Lucy123
Post Number: 112
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 1:56 pm: |
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I think the main point that has been throughout this thread is to GET THE EMAILS OUT!!!!!!!!! it's now almost 2:00 and you haven't sent anything! if they are jewish you are going to be SOL. i would say at this point stop thinking so much about it and send them. it will be too late anyway if they don't get them at all.
(i'm sorry to be so harsh but this thread is getting a little frustrating...not you personally amandacat but just the dismissal of the time element-which IMHO is the number one issue with the thank you notes-you snooze you lose....i understand wanting to get it perfect...but if you wait too long it may reflect poorly on your time management skills to the potential bosses to be-it's already been almost 4 hours since the beginning of the thread and you may miss the boat entirely) |
Strings
Supporter
Username: Blue_eyes
Post Number: 848
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 2:02 pm: |
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I've interviewed quite a bit over the past 3 years for teacher positions and have always sent hand-written thank you's. When there was more than one person in the interview, I always sent individual letters. In college, we were told that email was too informal. However, I don't know what it's like from the corporate world point of view, maybe you do have to move quicker. |
wnb
Citizen
Username: Wnb
Post Number: 358
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 2:06 pm: |
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As someone who has been doing a lot of interviewing of job candidates recently, I have to say I cannot imagine any situation where getting or not getting a thank you letter would have any impact whatsoever on whether or not to hire. It wouldn't even be a tie-breaker for me. If that helps (at all) to put things into perspective. In some sense, I have to say, I think they are actually a little bit of a turn-off for me, if anything, as I somewhat dislike receiving them, though it's hard for me to pin exactly why. Worse yet is people who call you and leave a voicemail... that I actively dislike.
To me the one thing you want to get across to the interviewers, in sending this message, is that you "get it." You understand the job, you were listening. Not that you're delighted you had the opportunity, or you're excited about your prospects, or you are available if they have any questions... show the person you understand what the job entails, and why your qualifications fit that well. And do it in just a few sentences too. A tall order!
For these reasons, I dislike Greenetree's form notes... to me they just contain empty phrases. Something happened at the interview -- they had a job description, you had a resume -- what happened next was a conversation. Hopefully you learned something about how that job description and that resume actually mesh, and can express it very succinctly. That, to me, is what your letter should say. If I received a letter like that it would stand out. Then again, if I received it from someone who wasn't a good fit for the job, it wouldn't make much of a difference.
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amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1086
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 2:25 pm: |
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ALL of your input is very helpful, even with the conflicting advice -- keep it coming!
I should mention I am not so worried about the timing, as I know the interview process is just beginning and it will be at least a couple of weeks before any decision is made. Plus it's a fairly specialized position in a fairly small industry, so it's not like I'm a completely anonymous candidate or they'll be getting tons of qualified applicants flooding them with resumes. I'd like to get the emails out today, yes, but more for politeness than because I'm afraid they'll toss me out of consideration if I don't do so. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7218
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 2:30 pm: |
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Wnb - interesting viewpoint. I've never used notes as a tie-breaker, or even a large part of the decision process. I agree about wanting to see something short that shows the candidate was listening. Most of all, tho, I've noticed when I don't get one. There are certain basic business skills and common sense things that a candidate should bring to the job, and this is one of them. I don't want to have to train someone so green that they can't figure out when it is appropriate to communicate. Even an entry-level candidate should have some basic knowledge of functioning in the world.
Unless someone blows me away, if I am ambiguous about bringing them back for round two, a lack of the minimal effort to send a short thank-you e-mail will cross them off my list.
I don't expect, nor do I send, "thanks" for second interviews. |
Lucy Smith
Citizen
Username: Lucy123
Post Number: 113
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 2:33 pm: |
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Sorry Amandacat for being a little harsh in my previous point. In my industry-everything needs to be done yesterday! thanks for the explanation as now this thread is not frustrating for me anymore...good luck! |
Neen
Citizen
Username: Neen
Post Number: 224
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 2:35 pm: |
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I am just going to weigh in on the fact that I interviewed a candidate yesterday and when she sent me an email thank you rather than a letter, I was a little disappointed. In a real letter you get a chance to see another aspect of someone's presentation skill that just don't come across through email. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1087
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:02 pm: |
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Clearly, unless I improve my mind reading skills I'm potentially in trouble either way!
Here's an idea:
In the interview I promised to email them some writing samples. How about I send one email to them both, with a quick thanks and the promised samples. Then the longer, more formal letters follow via snail mail.
What do you think??? |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13605
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:04 pm: |
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I think that's a very good plan. They wanted email, so you know you're doing the right thing by sending email. The paper mail may make a good impression, and it may get lost. If it gets lost, they still have your thanks and special note in an email.
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amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1088
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:05 pm: |
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Oh, and in the interest of disclosure, this is for a mid-level job in trade publishing, i.e. the kinds of books - novels & non-fiction -- that one would buy in a bookstore . . . |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1089
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:07 pm: |
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BGS, I replied to your PL . . .
 |
taam
Citizen
Username: Taam
Post Number: 128
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:15 pm: |
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I might be too old fashioned, but I prefer writing & receiving Thank you's, as opposed to emails. - And I should add that I'm on-line constantly, I love my email, I just think it's more appropriate to go for the hand written form of Thank you.
Either way...Good luck w/ the job!! |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1544
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:22 pm: |
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This thread has certainly built up the excitement level to the point I'm really looking forward to what happens next!
Good luck Amandacat! (and keep us posted) |
Rick B
Citizen
Username: Ruck1977
Post Number: 1067
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:29 pm: |
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Wow. I am a little surpised to even hear that people still send formal letters. I thought formal letters turned into formal emails?
(you know, where you use capitals when appropriate, and actually proofread and spell check!) 
To me, writing a formal thank you letter is like writing a check in line at the grocery store. Just not necessary and a waste of everyone's time!
(I should say that I work in the "technology" sector though) |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13609
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:39 pm: |
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Writing a paper letter says you care enough to take the trouble to do something special, just as dressing in clothes appropriate to an occasion does.
Dressing for occasions, whether graduations, weddings, funerals or job interviews has fallen out of fashion, to an extent, but it is not useless at all.
Writing paper letters has the same usefulness, for the same reasons.
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Mergele
Citizen
Username: Mergele
Post Number: 379
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:43 pm: |
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I'd have to put myself in the same camp as wnb. For some reason that's difficult to put my finger on, I tend to be put off by the thank you notes that I receive and while I can't ever imagine one swaying my thought process as regards a given candidate, I can certainly remember candidates who left me unimpressed in the interview, and then followed up with cloying obsequious letters or e-mail that just reinforced my original less-than-favorable opinion.
Personally, I've never sent a thank you (formal or informal) for an interview in my entire career. I come at the whole process as a 2-way negotiation and would never do something that might weaken my negotiating position. As others have said, the interview/conversation is the place to shine.
My $0.02 YMMV |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7220
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:58 pm: |
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Example of non-formal e-mail thank you note:
Hi. Glad 2 have met u. R u in2 meeting l8er in the process 2 talk more? BTW, gr8 view from ur office, LOL. L8er, candid8. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13613
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 4:19 pm: |
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You left out the bad grammar you know how things are with some people I hate when happens.
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amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1090
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 4:24 pm: |
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Well, a professional job recruiter on this board liked my letters so I am VERY relieved! Now I just need to get the folks at my old job to send me my writing samples and I am good to go.
Thanks to all my interview coaches, & I will definitely keep y'all posted on what happens. You've been great!!! |
KRNL
Citizen
Username: Krnl
Post Number: 47
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 5:22 pm: |
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Amandacat, I agree with Tom that sending them the information via e-mail with a letter follow-up is the way to go. I always found it odd not to receive a letter when I was hiring and those that sent e-mail thank yous tended to be too informal. It depends on the industry.
Another thing to keep in mind is that sometimes the decision-making process takes much longer than the hiring managers anticipated. In that case it can be useful to remind them about what a good hire you would be--for example, send them a sample of some new, recent work with an FYI or if they receive some favorable industry press jot a note on the information praising their good work. This worked for me when I got my favorite job of all times. Of course, don't overdo it by being a pest. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1092
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 9:15 pm: |
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Email is done, now I'm polishing the hardcopy. Quick -- do I sent to:
Dear Firstname
Dear Firstname Lastname
or
Dear Ms. Lastname
Again, publishing is a pretty informal business, and the emailed thanks already went to Dear Firstnames. Feels suck-up-ish to go with Ms . . . |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7224
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 6:46 am: |
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If you'll be calling them first names at the job, first names. |
BGS
Supporter
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 928
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 7:30 am: |
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Amandacat-I PL'd you |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3517
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 9:54 am: |
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Coming in at the end and, admittedly having not been in the work-outside-the-home loop for quite some time, my vote is e-mail with samples and thank-you, followed up with written thank you's to each individual. I wonder about agonizing over making each one unique because I can't imagine these two busy professional people actually going to the trouble to get together to compare the notes and grade you on originality--but that's just me.
FWIW, I don't think there's anything--even in the age of e-mail--that replaces the hand-written thank you.
So there you go. The above and a buck fifty will get you a cup of coffee! |
BLOWFLY
Citizen
Username: Howardt
Post Number: 1756
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 11:10 am: |
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I was never comfortable writing "Dear..." in a business letter. It sounds a bit, I dunno, familiar. I know it's a convention but it's too personal. So I just salute the person by their name, usally their first name, i.e.,
Dewayne,
It was great blabbering with you yesterday. Hire me, I'll kick significant butt.
Regards,
The Soulful Mr T |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1093
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 10:54 pm: |
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The snail mail letters went out today, addressed to Ms. X & Ms. Y. And yes, I used "Dear".
Thanks again everyone, and keep your fingers crossed for me!!!!! |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 5308
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 8:16 am: |
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Definitely keep us updated! Good luck. |
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