The art of saying ‘thank you’

You aced your final job interview but aren’t entirely sure. How do you guarantee you stand apart from the crowd? Here’s an alternative to the ubiquitous follow-up e-mail – it’s called a ‘thank you note.’ That’s right, on paper no less. The horror!

Sending an email minutes after an interview does nothing to help you stick out when decision time arrives. An email blends in with all of the other candidates. Take a few extra minutes – 10 tops, and you’ll keep yourself top of mind.

Follow these simple tips:

1. Invest in quality stationery. Buy a pack or want to really impress? Consider customizing your notecards. If you’re actively job searching, they won’t go to waste. (They’re also useful when acknowledging your Great Aunt for that check she sent you last month to help cover rent.)

2. Start with a perfunctory appreciation for the interviewer’s time and restate the position you’re interested in. This helps jog the interviewer’s memory, especially is s/he are interviewing for multiple roles.

3. Reinforce your knowledge and experience relating to one of the role’s responsibilities by providing an example of your past success.

4. Lastly, the best interviews often start with non-business small talk. Exploit it! If she too is a masochistic and roots for the New York Giants, reference an upcoming game or simply add a “Go Giants!” at the end. This shows you have a sense of humor and reinforces the connection.

Lick the envelope, adhere a stamp (ask your parents) and drop it in one of those odd-shaped blue boxes you’ve passed on the sidewalk a million times.

A handwritten address on an envelope instantly stands out and practically guarantees your interviewer will be pleasantly surprised by the extra steps you to.