US post interview etiquette
#16
Re: US post interview etiquette
At one time in US employment history, it was the norm to send a polite note after an interview. That has changed and a note will be trashed or deleted from the computer once received. Too many applicants for the one position that is open and thus, if you were invited for an interview then you know that you are a contender for the position.
#17
L2, GC, Surrey, OH, TX!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Surrey to Dallas (via Ohio)!
Posts: 6,363
Re: US post interview etiquette
Thanks all. i think you have given me evidence that its NOT a 100% expected thing, AND in the scenario described is likely pretty superfluous.
Much appreciated!
Much appreciated!
#18
Re: US post interview etiquette
For my first job in the US, my in-laws told me I should send one (typed out and sent via regular mail). I didn't get the job, but I got another interview at the same company a few months later and they said they were very impressed by the letter. I have no idea what I wrote in it. I was offered the new job and took it. This company hires based on personality type as well as ability, so it had a very pleasant atmosphere to work in.
#19
Re: US post interview etiquette
For my first job in the US, my in-laws told me I should send one (typed out and sent via regular mail). I didn't get the job, but I got another interview at the same company a few months later and they said they were very impressed by the letter. I have no idea what I wrote in it. I was offered the new job and took it. This company hires based on personality type as well as ability, so it had a very pleasant atmosphere to work in.
#20
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 177
Re: US post interview etiquette
I moved here on an L1 visa and was sponsored for GC. I put my feet into the water of the job hunting world and found the following
It is completely organization specific.
I went through the mill for a certain company with a "fruit" name. I didn't get the first job I went for - however, the hiring manager said that I was a close second and that his manager was interested in me - and that I should reach out.
I did - I thanked him for the opportunity of interviewing, for him flying across country to interview me and that if was an opportunity in the future, I'd still be interested. 5 months later, I was in front of him again after he phoned me to gauge my interest. Similar position - different location...same interview routine - 9 months later...we're in that different location in a job that I love.
In IT it is seen as mandatory to sent a brief thank you note to your contacts (usually interviewers - not HR) for the opportunity.
It is completely organization specific.
I went through the mill for a certain company with a "fruit" name. I didn't get the first job I went for - however, the hiring manager said that I was a close second and that his manager was interested in me - and that I should reach out.
I did - I thanked him for the opportunity of interviewing, for him flying across country to interview me and that if was an opportunity in the future, I'd still be interested. 5 months later, I was in front of him again after he phoned me to gauge my interest. Similar position - different location...same interview routine - 9 months later...we're in that different location in a job that I love.
In IT it is seen as mandatory to sent a brief thank you note to your contacts (usually interviewers - not HR) for the opportunity.
#21
Re: US post interview etiquette
I moved here on an L1 visa and was sponsored for GC. I put my feet into the water of the job hunting world and found the following
It is completely organization specific.
I went through the mill for a certain company with a "fruit" name. I didn't get the first job I went for - however, the hiring manager said that I was a close second and that his manager was interested in me - and that I should reach out.
I did - I thanked him for the opportunity of interviewing, for him flying across country to interview me and that if was an opportunity in the future, I'd still be interested. 5 months later, I was in front of him again after he phoned me to gauge my interest. Similar position - different location...same interview routine - 9 months later...we're in that different location in a job that I love.
In IT it is seen as mandatory to sent a brief thank you note to your contacts (usually interviewers - not HR) for the opportunity.
It is completely organization specific.
I went through the mill for a certain company with a "fruit" name. I didn't get the first job I went for - however, the hiring manager said that I was a close second and that his manager was interested in me - and that I should reach out.
I did - I thanked him for the opportunity of interviewing, for him flying across country to interview me and that if was an opportunity in the future, I'd still be interested. 5 months later, I was in front of him again after he phoned me to gauge my interest. Similar position - different location...same interview routine - 9 months later...we're in that different location in a job that I love.
In IT it is seen as mandatory to sent a brief thank you note to your contacts (usually interviewers - not HR) for the opportunity.
Also maybe it depends at what level you are interviewing at.
#22
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Re: US post interview etiquette
Please note, when you live in the states it is best to adjust to it, I have had multiple interviews, the most important thing is to show the value that you can bring to the company. Secondly, the ability to bond with people is equally important, not every one has been outside of their country or even experience the same experiences of an expat, so listening and responding accordingly is very important.
So, when asked tell me about yourself, that really means they are trying to find out if you are worth spending time with, after the interview is done. A thank you note helps but really depend on the rank, or industry. Making people not forget you is the key, so say something interesting by that I mean listen attentively people tend to give away more about themselves if the interview is a two way one rather than a one way.
Finally, if a company is more interested in your skills then that is a clear sign that the job is not a good one.
So, when asked tell me about yourself, that really means they are trying to find out if you are worth spending time with, after the interview is done. A thank you note helps but really depend on the rank, or industry. Making people not forget you is the key, so say something interesting by that I mean listen attentively people tend to give away more about themselves if the interview is a two way one rather than a one way.
Finally, if a company is more interested in your skills then that is a clear sign that the job is not a good one.
Asking for a friend :P
I know the way its done here is to send a thank you note after a job interview, but man o man i struggle with this concept. NOT the Brit way at all.
what do you guys normally say?
Also in 'the friends particular case' they do not have direct contact details of the two interviewers - only the recruiter who organized the interview. Do you send it via the recruiter in that kind of scenario.
Also - 2nd interview was late yesterday (first interview was by phone earlier this week). Before anything can be sent today - the recruiter has already been in touch to book the third and final interview with these people's boss/director. Should they send in an email to the 2 people anyway - even though the 3rd interview is booked?
any advice gladly accepted
I know the way its done here is to send a thank you note after a job interview, but man o man i struggle with this concept. NOT the Brit way at all.
what do you guys normally say?
Also in 'the friends particular case' they do not have direct contact details of the two interviewers - only the recruiter who organized the interview. Do you send it via the recruiter in that kind of scenario.
Also - 2nd interview was late yesterday (first interview was by phone earlier this week). Before anything can be sent today - the recruiter has already been in touch to book the third and final interview with these people's boss/director. Should they send in an email to the 2 people anyway - even though the 3rd interview is booked?
any advice gladly accepted
#24
Re: US post interview etiquette
To be honest, when I interviewed candidates when I was in the US, not everyone contacted me (company policy to give the interviewee our business cards). Those that did, I noticed that the poorer job they did at interview then the more lengthy and florid their emails.
We took no notice whatsoever of any post-interview contact on deciding whether they were successful or not.
We took no notice whatsoever of any post-interview contact on deciding whether they were successful or not.
#25
Re: US post interview etiquette
From the breadth of answers given so far - some good some ....I think it is pretty clear its a personal choice whether to send a thank you. For me it has always been about living my life a certain way and being true to myself. Thanking people is a natural thing to do. How they choose to take it is up to them.
#26
Re: US post interview etiquette
Please note, when you live in the states it is best to adjust to it, I have had multiple interviews, the most important thing is to show the value that you can bring to the company. Secondly, the ability to bond with people is equally important, not every one has been outside of their country or even experience the same experiences of an expat, so listening and responding accordingly is very important.
So, when asked tell me about yourself, that really means they are trying to find out if you are worth spending time with, after the interview is done. A thank you note helps but really depend on the rank, or industry. Making people not forget you is the key, so say something interesting by that I mean listen attentively people tend to give away more about themselves if the interview is a two way one rather than a one way.
Finally, if a company is more interested in your skills then that is a clear sign that the job is not a good one.
So, when asked tell me about yourself, that really means they are trying to find out if you are worth spending time with, after the interview is done. A thank you note helps but really depend on the rank, or industry. Making people not forget you is the key, so say something interesting by that I mean listen attentively people tend to give away more about themselves if the interview is a two way one rather than a one way.
Finally, if a company is more interested in your skills then that is a clear sign that the job is not a good one.
#27
Re: US post interview etiquette
I think a quick "thank you for your time, pleasure to meet you" type e-mail is fine.
Anything more and it gets to be begging and as an interviewer I don't like it.
I'd say if in doubt on what to send, nothing is ok.
Anything more and it gets to be begging and as an interviewer I don't like it.
I'd say if in doubt on what to send, nothing is ok.
#28
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#30
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Re: US post interview etiquette