The long journey to securing a job interview can leave us so exhausted that we forget one of the most important steps in the hiring process : Saying thanks . Here ’ s a primer on the art of the thank you note .

EXPERTS AGREE

Recruiters , human resource professionals and others in job-hiring positions recommend that you send a custom letter of appreciation within 24 hours of your interview . This is a great way to show appreciation for the opportunity to discuss their job opening . You ’ re reinforcing your interest in the open position , while showcasing your attention to detail and good manners .

WHEN TO WRITE

It may occur to you to compose this note as you ’ re wrapping up your day , but timing can be important . Try not to fire off a word of thanks at midnight , since hiring professionals aren ’ t likely to be at their desks . You ’ re putting yourself in a situation where your letter might get lost in the inevitable early-morning

wave of work-related emails . With that in mind , aim for an early-afternoon submission

window , after they ’ ve filtered through the morning ’ s correspondence .

© ADOBE STOCK

GET SPECIFIC A bland , obviously generic thank you note might be

almost as damaging to your candidacy as forgetting to send one in the first place . Be specific to the company and the interviewer , reminding them of a key moment from your talk . If you discussed a future project or a shared past business contact , reference that directly so the hiring professional is sure to remember you .

KEEP IT SHORT

By the same token , don ’ t be tempted to go overboard . A thank you note is not supposed to be so details that it reads like a synopsis of your meeting , nor so conversational that it grows boring . Try to keep your note to about three sentences : Thank the person who met with you , mentioning the specific date of your interview . Add a sentence tailored to your experience , then a line that reiterates your interest in the open position .

DON ’ T PITCH AGAIN

This is not the venue to pitch yourself again for the job , to further explain how you ’ re perfect for the job , or to correct any missteps you may have made in the interview process . You ’ re interview will stand on its own . Simply focus on letting company officials know that you appreciate the interview opportunity and would welcome their consideration .