What do we say when someone does something for us? Do we respond with an arrogant tone of "he/she better have" or do we simply say nothing and keep it moving? All too often we forget those magic words that can mean the difference between a good impression or a bad one. Saying "thank you" is the easiest way to show appreciation for someone or something. This concept doesn't only apply in your personal interactions, but in your business ones as well.
Sending a "Thank you Letter" after an interview is an absolute must! But what about everything in between? What about the recruiter who emailed you about the open position? What about the receptionist that phoned you to set up the interview for the position? What about the person who takes time out of their busy day to interview you, because the receptionist phoned you, to set up your interview because the recruiter emailed you about an open position? Do you see where I'm going with this? There are several persons that you may speak with before you get an interview, and you should thank them all.
Another time a thank you is warranted is when you are rejected for a position. I know what you're thinking, who says "thank you" to rejection? Well, believe it or not, it will help you more than it will hurt you. If you were recently rejected for a position in which you have applied for, I would like you to contact the person whom you interviewed with or the person who sent you the rejection notification. In your correspondence, whether email, phone or mail, thank them for taking the time to interview you and ask them the reasons that you were not considered for the position. Think of it as if they were a practice test that you didn't score too well on, but after looking up the answers in the back of the book, you realized your mistakes, and you are now ready to ace the next test. The feedback that they provide to you is valuable; you can take that constructive criticism and apply the necessary changes to the next position you interview for, and land the job.