Simply going through the motions in an interview does not always qualify as being interested in the position. There are many people who interview to see what jobs are out there or to get an offer simply to gain leverage in other negotiations.

Sending a thank you note is very similar to making a follow up phone call to express your interest in the position, only it is a written record. I am not recommending sending a flowery Hallmark card, but a simple handwritten note or e-mail (e-mail is generally acceptable and even preferable in most cases).

As for evidence of effectiveness, I have not read any studies and my “proof” is only anecdotal as well. I was hired after sending thank you e-mails to my interviewers after my interview. I will ask my manager if the thank you e-mail I sent had any negative or positive effect on my interview.

The other thing to consider is the industry and location in which you work. I am sure standards vary based on these factors. I live and work in the Midwest in an industry (consulting and government contracting) that is fairly knit. There is a lot of communication and flow across leadership from various companies. I am sure things are different in a large city or in other industries.

(I should also note that I did not follow up with a hand-written thank you note. I simply sent a quick e-mail to the interviewers thanking them for their time and leaving my contact information in the signature).

A thank you note can be as simple as a quick e-mail thanking the interviewer for their time, or a hand written note expressing the same. I would think it a bit weird if someone sent me a Hallmark thank-you card after an interview. The key is to be professional.

I also don’t think it is a risk to send a follow up e-mail or note to an interviewer. It gives the job seeker a chance to maintain an open line of communication and shows the interviewer the job applicant is likely to be assertive when following up on assignments.

By all means be polite and thank for their time at the interview, but consider following up as well. It shows them you are interested and willing to continue working toward your goals – a trait every employer I’ve worked for values.

Even if you do send it snail mail, I have one already prepared and jot down something right after the interview, then drop it into a mailbox just around the corner. It usually gets there in a day or two.