Recently I called on some of my pals to help me navigate a question… What makes a thank you note from a candidate stand out after an interview. Check out what some of the best business professionals had to say below and let us know if you would add anything else!
I mentioned some challenges we were having during the interview and the candidate called out one specifically and stated they were excited to help me solve that problem and how they planned to do it. Definitely stood out against the rest of the “form” replies.
— AmandaJ (@theAmandaPope) February 6, 2019
I mentioned something that I found interesting – like social recruiting (it was 2010), and I got an email with an interesting article about it. Showed listening and genuine interest.
— Kate Bischoff (@k8bischHRLaw) February 6, 2019
Demonstration of listening to org pain points/key needs in the role and a tie in to how their experience and interests align with those needs. And a little personality. 🙂
— Mary Faulkner (@mfaulkner43) February 6, 2019
Don’t send a generic “thank you”, mention something that was part of the convo. E.g. “The example you shared about the software implementation project successes and failures answered my question on the value the company places on collaboration.”
— Tiffany Kuehl (@TiffanyKuehl) February 6, 2019
It stands out to me when someone brings up a challenge we discuss during the call. I want some context for why they want to keep moving forward.
— Katrina Kibben (@KatrinaKibben) February 6, 2019
On top of bringing up something specific from the interview I’d like them to personalize the letter and bring their personality out
— Michael Mullady (@mjmullady) February 6, 2019
I tell candidates to pick something that resonated with them, beyond care for patients (too easy). Small detail that would be easy to miss but hit you like a #wreckingball. Many fall flat though.
— Josh Rock (@JRock96) February 6, 2019
I agree with the other responses: when you can tell the candidate listened and specifically addresses a pain point identified. I like to hear that they are already problem solving.
— Nicole Roberts (@NRobertsHR) February 6, 2019
I had a candidate who was unfamiliar with a certain contract vehicle in the interview. In the thank you, she spoke about that specific vehicle and had obviously done some research and was excited to learn more. It definitely stood out.
— Melissa Lurvey (@MelissaLurvey) February 6, 2019
Author: Kristina H. Minyard, SHRM-CP, PHR
My goal is to challenge the way we view, measure, and utilize HR and recruiting in a positive and encouraging way. I love working in HR and value the network of HR professionals that I also call friends. I'm always learning from my fellow HR pros and find comfort in their expertise. I'm an active member of my local SHRM chapter (NASHRM) and a total HR enthusiast! My HR related knowledge is a mix of recruiting, retaining, engaging and just plain helping people discover their passion. I'm a follower of Christ, Wife, Mom, Corporate Recruiter, Blogger, problem solver, runner, Sports FANATIC & Razorback surviving amongst the [crimson] tide! You can find me on twitter & Instagram: @HRecruit Snapchat: kminny32 Google+: https://plus.google.com/+KristinaMinyard LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinahutto/ Thoughts here (and on all my social media channels) are mine and do not represent the thoughts/beliefs of my employer. Why would I name my blog HR Pockets? Read about it in my first post years ago!! View all posts by Kristina H. Minyard, SHRM-CP, PHR
