Over on the Microsoft JobsBlog, there is a post about thank you letters. The blogger states that no one expects you to write a thank you letter and you will never be offered or denied a position based on a thank you letter. Perhaps it is not the culture of Microsoft to expect a thank you letter following an interview, but I am sure that many employers still see value in them and here’s why:

• A thank you letter is a way to reconnect with the interviewer and express gratitude for their time. The letter deepens the relationship established during the interview and gives the employer a reason to continue the dialog.
• A thank you letter reminds the employer of your value add. A recruiter or hiring authority meets many candidates. By briefly reiterating your accomplishments and success stories, the thank you letter can help differentiate you from your competition, make you more memorable, and get you noticed.
• A thank you letter showcases your written communication skills. Employers want to hire people with strong writing skills and the ability to influence others through a persuasive writing style. A well-crafted and thoughtful letter can build a strong case for your ability to do just that.
• A thank you letter demonstrates good manners. Employers want to hire people who are gracious, show respect for others, and work well in teams. A thank you letter suggests a propensity to embrace these important traits.
• A thank you letter reminds the employer of your interest in the job. By reaching out to the person you interviewed with, you are letting them know that you want to contribute to their team and help them solve their problems.

I’ve certainly never heard a recruiter or hiring manager say “Ugggh! I can’t believe this person wrote me a thank you letter!” On the other hand, I have heard recruiters and hiring managers comment on the value of an authentic and well-written letter. While it’s true that some hiring authorities may view the letter as inconsequential, why take a chance?