I had an interview this morning that personally I think went very well. I connected with the interviewer and was called delightful. She said my resume and experience are also great for the position.

Should I send her a thank you email thanking her for taking the time to meet with and interview me or should I leave it be?

You should always send a thank you note for the interview. If you really want to make an impression, send one snail mail. Be sure to reiterate your strengths, especially ones that she told you were important to her.

I agree. Definitely send a hand written note. It shows the time and effort you put into it. It also shows that you care and appreciate the person who interviewed you.

I had an interview this morning that personally I think went very well. I connected with the interviewer and was called delightful. She said my resume and experience are also great for the position.

Should I send her a thank you email thanking her for taking the time to meet with and interview me or should I leave it be?


It's optional because there are times I still was offered a job and never sent a thank you letter. So sending one can't hurt but it's not mandatory

IT IS mandatory. That is unless you want to greatly diminish your chances. Or changed your mind and decided you definitely don't want the job.
I once had to hire someone for a position, narrowed it down to two candidates. One sent a thank you note the other didn't. The one who did got hired. Sending a thank you note indicates good business manners and thoughtfulness.

Janice, as always, is right on the money. A snail mail letter will definitely make a good impression. Her other suggestions are also excellent.

IT IS mandatory. That is unless you want to greatly diminish your chances. I once had to hire someone for a position, narrowed it down to two candidates. One sent a thank you note the other didn't. The one who did got hired. Sending a thank you note indicates good business manners and thoughtfulness.

Janice, as always, is right on the money. A snail mail letter will definitely make a good impression. Her other suggestions are also excellent.


It is not mandatory because i was offered a job in October and never sent a thank you letter.

It is not mandatory because i was offered a job in October and never sent a thank you letter.

You were lucky. Most of the time, as in MOST of the time, it hurts your chances. I worked in H.R. with hiring managers, and not sending a thank you letter can cost you an offer.

You were lucky. Most of the time, as in MOST of the time, it hurts your chances. I worked in H.R. with hiring managers, and not sending a thank you letter can cost you an offer.


Whenever I did send one it was the same day or the next morning through email and it was only for jobs I really really wanted

Even though on occasion someone might be fortunate enough to get an offer without having sent a thank-you note, you should send one anyway, always.

Sending a note will never hurt your chances. And snail mail is actually best for that. Best way to do it is to have the card and envelope already stamped and with you when you go to the interview. Then, right after the interview, write the thank you note and drop it in a mailbox or post office right there in the area. The person who interviewed you should get it the next day.

Fast (as in email) is nice, but there are some things which are better done personally and by hand.

Let's say you work for a company. Part of your job is trying to bring in new business. If you go out and speak to a business owner, and that person takes time out of their day to talk to you, you'd better send them a thank you note. In cases like that, an email is often acceptable, but a personal note is always better. But you HAVE to thank people for taking time out of their day to talk to you, whether you have a job and you're trying to bring in new business for your employer, or you're interviewing for a job yourself. It's called common courtesy, although it's much less common that it used to be.


Also, if you talk to any employment agency, headhunter or other type of job recruiter, they'll always tell you to send a note after an interview. "How to look for a job " type web site will probably say the same thing. There's really no excuse for not taking a few minutes to write a thank you note to someone who took time to meet with you.


Personally, I'm in banking. For my current position, the guy who interviewed me was someone I literally worked side-by-side with 25 years earlier in a two-person department. You better believe I sent a thank you note, even though we've known each other all along.

I had an interview this morning that personally I think went very well. I connected with the interviewer and was called delightful. She said my resume and experience are also great for the position.

Should I send her a thank you email thanking her for taking the time to meet with and interview me or should I leave it be?


btw, hope you get the job!

I should probably add that if you can find out when a decision will be made about who will be hired for the job, you can let that guide you as to whether email or snail mail is better for a thank you note.

If it looks like more than one day will pass between the day of your interview and their hiring decision, then snail mail is best. If they say that a decision will be made later that day, then of course, send an email.

But send the thank you asap and personalize it to fit what happened in the interview.

I would never send a thank you letter by mail because I have to stand in line for a hour to buy one stamp.

The stamp no longer exists

Even though on occasion someone might be fortunate enough to get an offer without having sent a thank-you note, you should send one anyway, always.

Sending a note will never hurt your chances. And snail mail is actually best for that. Best way to do it is to have the card and envelope already stamped and with you when you go to the interview. Then, right after the interview, write the thank you note and drop it in a mailbox or post office right there in the area. The person who interviewed you should get it the next day.

Fast (as in email) is nice, but there are some things which are better done personally and by hand.

Let's say you work for a company. Part of your job is trying to bring in new business. If you go out and speak to a business owner, and that person takes time out of their day to talk to you, you'd better send them a thank you note. In cases like that, an email is often acceptable, but a personal note is always better. But you HAVE to thank people for taking time out of their day to talk to you, whether you have a job and you're trying to bring in new business for your employer, or you're interviewing for a job yourself. It's called common courtesy, although it's much less common that it used to be.


Also, if you talk to any employment agency, headhunter or other type of job recruiter, they'll always tell you to send a note after an interview. "How to look for a job " type web site will probably say the same thing. There's really no excuse for not taking a few minutes to write a thank you note to someone who took time to meet with you.


Personally, I'm in banking. For my current position, the guy who interviewed me was someone I literally worked side-by-side with 25 years earlier in a two-person department. You better believe I sent a thank you note, even though we've known each other all along.

EXACTLY. Thank you for having the patience (and thoroughness) to expand on my point. Thank-you notes A-R-E essential!!!

I would never send a thank you letter by mail because I have to stand in line for a hour to buy one stamp.

The stamp no longer exists

In this day and age, sending an E-mail thank you is OK but the important thing IS TO SEND ONE. Re snail mail, you can buy more than one stamp at a time, this will save you time and/or go to the post office early, when there is little waiting.

But, if you have the time, a snail mail thank you has a nicer feel to it.

Thank you everyone for suggestions. I did send one by the end of the business hours the day of the interview and contacted the lady today and was notified that I passed her round and was sent on for review by her boss so I am still in it!

I am however getting frustrated with the job hunt. Online it seems like i find the same things over and over again. I'm just praying I find something. Funds are getting tight

Thank you everyone for suggestions. I did send one by the end of the business hours the day of the interview and contacted the lady today and was notified that I passed her round and was sent on for review by her boss so I am still in it!

I am however getting frustrated with the job hunt. Online it seems like i find the same things over and over again. I'm just praying I find something. Funds are getting tight

That's great news! Hopefully it will lead to even better news.

Something else I've done in the past: if an Administrative Assistant takes some time out of their day to show you around the office, it wouldn't hurt to get one of THEIR cards and send a little thank you note as well. I've received offers (partly) as a result of doing that. A few years ago, I went in for an interview, an AA gave me an application to fill out, and escorted me to a private area where I could complete the paperwork... I sent a note to her as well, just thanking her for her time. I had several stamped envelopes and cards ready to write in my car, and sent one to her as well. I think that if anyone takes the time to help you during an interview process, there's nothing wrong with grabbing one of their cards and sending them a thank you as well.

You can't overdo thank you notes. They are appreciated. It might not end up on someone's mantle, but decent people appreciate them anyway!

Thank you everyone for suggestions. I did send one by the end of the business hours the day of the interview and contacted the lady today and was notified that I passed her round and was sent on for review by her boss so I am still in it!

I am however getting frustrated with the job hunt. Online it seems like i find the same things over and over again. I'm just praying I find something. Funds are getting tight

Great! You were smart to send a prompt response - glad you're making it to Round 2. THAT is a very good sign. Try not to get discouraged. Are you in a decent sized city? If so, consider doing temp work while you look. Will bring in some $, gives your day structure, and LOOKS GOOD when you do interview and they ask something along the lines of "what have you been doing"?

That's great news! Hopefully it will lead to even better news.

Something else I've done in the past: if an Administrative Assistant takes some time out of their day to show you around the office, it wouldn't hurt to get one of THEIR cards and send a little thank you note as well. I've received offers (partly) as a result of doing that. A few years ago, I went in for an interview, an AA gave me an application to fill out, and escorted me to a private area where I could complete the paperwork... I sent a note to her as well, just thanking her for her time. I had several stamped envelopes and cards ready to write in my car, and sent one to her as well. I think that if anyone takes the time to help you during an interview process, there's nothing wrong with grabbing one of their cards and sending them a thank you as well.

You can't overdo thank you notes. They are appreciated. It might not end up on someone's mantle, but decent people appreciate them anyway!

An EXCELLENT suggestion. I'd do this too, and HAVE done it in the past; and when I did I got the job.

I been unemployed since December 2011 and not one interviewer asked me what have I been doing when interviewed in october.

If they did I would have ended the interview since I feel it's disrespectful and irrelevant information

I been unemployed since December 2011 and not one interviewer asked me what have I been doing when interviewed in october.

If they did I would have ended the interview since I feel it's disrespectful and irrelevant information

There are many questions an interviewer could ask you. While this one may not be at the top of the list it could come up. It's not an irrelevant question. How you answer gives clues to how you problem solve, how productive you are, and your judgment - all of which are important to an employer - especially in this job market. It's not disrespectful unless it's asked in a derisive manner.

In my experience maybe 5% of interviewers are abrasive and/or disrespectful. And probably less than 5%.

There are many questions an interviewer could ask you. While this one may not be at the top of the list it could come up. It's not an irrelevant question. How you answer gives clues to how you problem solve, how productive you are, and your judgment - all of which are important to an employer - especially in this job market. It's not disrespectful unless it's asked in a derisive manner.

In my experience maybe 5% of interviewers are abrasive and/or disrespectful. And probably less than 5%.



If the company received my resume doesn't that show them how productive I am? How else would they have received my resume if I wasn't productive?

If you're called in for an interview, then, yes, you have demonstrated enough achievement to pique their interest, but so have at least 5 or 6 others. At this point YOUR GOAL should be to stand out as the best one of those selected for the interview. In addition to sending out resumes some actions that suggest STRONG ACHIEVEMENT are doing temp work and/or volunteer work. Also these two activities provide you with a rich source for networking. So, yes, sending out the resumes is good, but at this stage you need to ramp it up, and stand out from the select pack.

If you're called in for an interview, then, yes, you have demonstrated enough achievement to pique their interest, but so have at least 5 or 6 others. At this point YOUR GOAL should be to stand out as the best one of those selected for the interview. In addition to sending out resumes some actions that suggest STRONG ACHIEVEMENT are doing temp work and/or volunteer work. Also these two activities provide you with a rich source for networking. So, yes, sending out the resumes is good, but at this stage you need to ramp it up, and stand out from the select pack.


Unemployed people can't get to a volunteer site due to travel costs

Unemployed people can't get to a volunteer site due to travel costs

If you are in a big city, like Philly, your travel costs should be minimal (local transportation) or you could walk. Or volunteer at a place near where you live. Or if not volunteer work then temp work. Temp work would put some $ in your pocket while you look for something permanent. And there is also the possibility the temp job could go permanent. And when you do land interviews SEND THANK YOU emails or notes. Tweety's advice is right on the money.

When I had periods of unemployment these activities helped me get jobs faster (3-4 months). Just saying.

If you are in a big city, like Philly, your travel costs should be minimal (local transportation) or you could walk. Or volunteer at a place near where you live. Or if not volunteer work then temp work. temp work would put some $ in your pocket while you look for something permanent.


Temp agencies are for people who live with their parents who recently graduated college

Not people who are receiving UC benefits.


Also most people who volunteer are those who are already employed. A person who is unemployed is more concerned with finding full-time work

Temp agencies are for people who live with their parents who recently graduated college

Not people who are receiving UC benefits.


Also most people who volunteer are those who are already employed. A person who is unemployed is more concerned with finding full-time work

If you are receiving unemployment then do some volunteer work in an area that interests you, while you job search. It will likely provide you with good networking contacts and give you an opportunity to keep your skills limber. I never had trouble finding time for these activities when I was looking.

If you are receiving unemployment then do some volunteer work in an area that interests you, while you job search. It will likely provide you with good networking contacts and give you an opportunity to keep your skills limber. I never had trouble finding time for these activities when I was looking.


How bout Online Volunteer work?

I don't know exactly what you mean by online volunteer work. Can't speak to this. All my volunteer work has been at not -for-profits in person.

I don't know exactly what you mean by online volunteer work. Can't speak to this. All my volunteer work has been at not -for-profits in person.


I meant online hobbies connected to the job you are seeking.

I meant online hobbies connected to the job you are seeking.

Yes that sounds like an activity that could lead to something. But don't stop there. You should be doing a variety of things. When you're unemployed and looking, YOUR JOB is to get a job. You should be spending at least 35 hours a week looking. Time spent temping and/or volunteering count towards that goal. I stress these two activities because they, in turn, can open up more opportunities.

Yes that sounds like an activity that could lead to something. But don't stop there. You should be doing a variety of things. When you're unemployed and looking, YOUR JOB is to get a job. You should be spending at least 35 hours a week looking. Time spent temping and/or volunteering count towards that goal. I stress these two activities because they, in turn, can open up more opportunities.

If you are receiving UC benefits you can't go to a temp agency. Temp agencies are only for people who ran out of UC benefits or living at home with parents after college

Another interview withanother agency on Thursday. Les see how this one goes

Another interview withanother agency on Thursday. Les see how this one goes


Good Luck

Thank you, I'm gonna need it :)

Thank you, I'm gonna need it :)

I think you're gonna do just fine; you've got that 2nd interview and now you've got another first one - sounds like you're on a roll to me - and of course GOOD LUCK - it will be lovely news to hear when you get an offer. Knock 'em dead!

I think you're gonna do just fine; you've got that 2nd interview and now you've got another first one - sounds like you're on a roll to me - and of course GOOD LUCK - it will be lovely news to hear when you get an offer. Knock 'em dead!


Thank you. The interview last Thursday went a lot better than I expected. It was for something a little outside of my field but then ended up being something I have done through volunteer experience so I think it was much better than I expected. and I should hear about this by the end of the week so I'm about to be extra glued to my phone.

Thank you. The interview last Thursday went a lot better than I expected. It was for something a little outside of my field but then ended up being something I have done through volunteer experience so I think it was much better than I expected. and I should hear about this by the end of the week so I'm about to be extra glued to my phone.

You sound like a very savvy job applicant to me, proactive and well aware of HOW to get a job. Glad to hear your volunteer efforts have inched you closer on this prospect. Volunteering often leads to some kind of good opportunity and sends a message that you are community and civic minded, and likely to be a very engaged member of their workforce. Really hope you hear some great news, because your efforts and focus deserve it!

You sound like a very savvy job applicant to me, proactive and well aware of HOW to get a job. Glad to hear your volunteer efforts have inched you closer on this prospect. Volunteering often leads to some kind of good opportunity and sends a message that you are community and civic minded, and likely to be a very engaged member of their workforce. Really hope you hear some great news, because your efforts and focus deserve it!


Thanks, apparently my resume is awesome and I can GET the interviews but I obviously have a problem with closing the deal

Thanks, apparently my resume is awesome and I can GET the interviews but I obviously have a problem with closing the deal


It takes time in this economy. Hang in there! You'll do it.