Thank you email after interview …

[Luckything50]

In the UK, is this a thing now?

I feel like I should but writing it feels very obsequious.

yes, write one it’s polite,
or no, not necessary and very creepy

yes = iabu
no = ianbu

It’s a very American thing. When I did my first job interview after graduating from uni SO many of the websites offering interview tips were adamant that you should send a thank-you note (a physical note, in the post, not even an email) and I was gearing up to write one when my dad told me it would be absolutely bonkers and they’d think I was nuts.

For all the interviews I’ve since been involved in from the other side, a thank-you email wouldn’t have made any difference to the candidate’s chances of getting the job, and some hiring managers would have probably found it really weird and off putting.

I can imagine that in some industries/roles it makes sense though, maybe where the recruitment process is more informal and the interview is more like a ‘friendly chat’ or where the role is very senior. But I’ve always worked in places where the process is very strict and formal and all conducted through HR, so candidates don’t normally have the hiring manager’s email address anyway.

No need.

I'm a hiring manager and never expect thank you emails, so not sending one is fine. I probably wouldn't care if I did get one, but if it came off crawly or obsequious it could put me off.

So no benefit but there is a (small) risk. I wouldn't.

No definitely not, never had one and done many interviews

I have spent today interviewing- I definitely don’t need this.

I've never bothered. At best they get ignored, at worst they come across as needy and awkward.

I'd think you were needy and it wouldn't make me want to appoint you, probably the opposite.

Do or don't. Doesn't matter

I interview people quite frequently and it’s very rare that I haven’t already made my mind up by the end of the interview whether someone is employable or not. A thank you note wouldn’t make a difference - if they were good, they’d get a job offer, if they weren’t good, a card wouldn’t change my mind.

Splendid news - thanks so much.
Needy is not the look I’m after .

As a recruiting manager I would hate this UNLESS there was something significant you missed out or evidence of something you want to share which you didn’t have on the day.

It’s expected in consulting - I was surprised too but all Big4 websites say to send a thank you note after interviewing (not sure which area you work in though so this could be irrelevant!)

very American and I remember being told this in the US when I was younger but never did it. I am pretty sure I lost out on one job because of it. You have to go into a job interview thinking a. I want the job from them BUT b. I have value and skills and ultimately I decide what job offer I accept, they are lucky I showed interest in them because of what I have to offer. 😀

I've never had an email like that from a candidate and I can't say that I'd appreciate receiving one, either.

If anything it would make me question their judgment at least a little. It certainly wouldn't confer any advantage, that's for sure!

If it's a senior level position, it's very much a thing.

Level has nothing to do with it.

I’ve received them before from candidates and I find it a real turn off. I find them pushy and a bit “look-at-me”.

I have your CV, I’ve taken the time to interview you, of course you’re under consideration. Every one I’ve ever received puts that candidate immediately in the no pile.

I think level does come into it, but only at pretty much director level. Maybe 'head of' in smaller companies (where it's more of a big deal). The hiring process for a director is much more of a two-way dialogue than a typical job.

But even in that secario, you wouldn't send an email just saying thank you. It's an ongoing conversation.