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.

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!

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.

That reminds me that my first ever job out of Uni, I got by just writing letters to companies on spec. This was pre-internet.

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.

Not for the company I work for. So it may be manager specific. The job I'm in they basically told me at the interview that I had the job. Quite often you do not necessarily get given the interviewers personal details. Would it be seen as rude to send someone a message without being given their details? Again depends.

Also maybe it depends at what level you are interviewing at.

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.

Joke of the day? Made me laugh.

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.

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.

I think interviewers are looking for personality as well as technical skills at interview. Try to bring that across and smile when you greet the person and thank them on the way out and possible express how you feel about the company/environment. Maybe a letter is good if the job involves a lot of writing.

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.

I ponder to understand why this is so funny, especially for another whom is looking for a career and not just a job.

Perhaps it was just your user name ...

I agree with you that this was not funny. It is plainly absurd to suggest that a potential employer's interest in your skills means the job is a no-no.