SAYING 'THANKS' - Survey: Employers Value Thank-You's From Job Seekers; Email, Written Notes Most Appropriate

TORONTO, June 19 /CNW/ - Gratitude can go a long way in the job search, recent research shows. Two-thirds (66 per cent) of human resources (HR) managers in an Accountemps survey said it's helpful for applicants to send a thank-you following an interview. Respondents cited email (67 per cent) and handwritten notes (48 per cent) as the most appropriate ways to thank employers. HR managers are less enthusiastic about receiving a thank-you via social media and text messages, however. Just 6 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively, said they consider these appropriate communication vehicles for showing gratitude.

The survey was developed by Accountemps, the world's first and largest specialised staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 150 human resources (HR) managers at companies with 20 or more employees in Canada.

HR managers were asked, "How helpful is it for a promising job candidate to send a thank-you following an interview?" Their responses:*

    <<
          Very helpful...................................     24%
          Somewhat helpful...............................     42%
          Not at all helpful.............................     33%
          Don't know/other ..............................      2%
                                                          101%*

         * Does not total 100 per cent due to rounding.
    >>

HR managers also were asked, "Which of the following are appropriate methods for job applicants to thank an employer following an interview?" Their responses:*

    <<
          Email...........................................    67%
          Handwritten note................................    48%
          Phone call......................................    35%
          Social media....................................     6%
          Text message....................................     4%
          Other/don't know................................     3%

         * Multiple responses allowed.
    >>

In addition, HR managers were asked, "Which one of the following is the most common way you receive a thank-you from job applicants following an interview?" Their responses:

    <<
          Email...........................................    66%
          Handwritten note................................    18%
          Phone call......................................     6%
          Don't know/no answer............................     9%
                                                             100%
    >>

"Sending a thank-you note after an interview shows the hiring manager you are enthusiastic about the opportunity and gives you another chance to highlight why you are a good fit for the position," said Kathryn Bolt, Canadian president of Accountemps. "Before sending a thank-you, take note of the employer's culture to determine the most appropriate form of communication."

Accountemps offers five tips for crafting a professional post-interview thank-you:

    <<

    1. Don't delay. Follow up with a thank-you within 24 hours of the
       interview so you are still top of mind for the hiring manager.
    2. Restate your value. Recap the qualities that make you a strong fit for
       the role and convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Clarify any
       unanswered questions and address concerns expressed by the
       interviewer.
    3. Be specific. Reference particular points from the conversation. For
       example, if the employer mentioned the position calls for strong
       knowledge of Excel, highlight the advanced training you took on the
       program.
    4. Don't ramble. Keep your message to a paragraph or two, or a few
       minutes on the phone. Anything longer could make you seem unfocused.
    5. Ask for a second opinion. A trusted friend or colleague should read
       over your written thank-you note to help spot any typos or unclear
       language before you hit send or mail it.

    >>

About Accountemps

Accountemps has more than 350 offices worldwide and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com. Follow Accountemps for workplace news at twitter.com/accountemps.

Contact: Nadia Santoli(416) 350-2330 [email protected]