Initial phone int: Snail Mail or Email thank you?

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

I was contacted by a nurse recruiter on Monday, who left me a message asking me to call the following day. When I called yesterday morning, I got her voicemail, gave her some available times I would be able to speak again along with my email address. She emailed me back almost immediately, asking me to call back at a certain time. She never indicated in her VM to me or in the email that this was an interview. When I called her back, we proceeded to have a half-hour interview, which I was completely unprepared for! It was a surprise, but I believe I did well. She told me she was going to be sharing my qualifications with the unit manager and they would be in touch regarding an in-person interview and shadowing experience on the unit. Now, my question is this: I want to send this lady a thank you, but I worry that if it doesn't arrive in a timely manner, it will look bad. So, I have her email, should I shoot her a quick thank you email, or should I send a thank you card out today? I was unable to send the card yesterday (which is what I would have preferred to do), but I was at work, spent my lunch break on the phone with her, and of course I then had to go back to work until after the mail went out anyway. Again, I had no idea this was going to be an interview, otherwise, I would have brought a card with me, and sent it out from work! Anyone with a quick reply would be most appreciated!

[GuEsT78]

As they say, it's the thought that counts. That said, a well-chosen card does appear more thoughtful than an email, particularly since your conversation was over the phone rather than through email.

I wouldn't worry about "timely." I doubt she's waiting with bated breath for that thank you, much less planning to be angry or bitter if it is delayed. Remember, interviews are her job. When hospital patients would thank me for something, I was tempted to say, "No big deal. They pay me to do this." It's the same with her. She's paid for this. A thank you is a bonus rather than a necessity.

Nor will the swift arrival or non-arrival matter in whether you get that job. She's a professional recruiter. It's your experience and qualifications that determine whether she recommends you.

If you end up liking this job, you might want to send her a followup thank you mentioning that. That'll help if you're ever interviewed by her again.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I have never sent thank-yous to HR. That's their job. That said, if you really want to, I would do it via email.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I have never sent thank-yous to HR. That's their job. That said, if you really want to, I would do it via email.

This.

Phone interviews are usually pre-screening for whether they are going to proceed to an in person interview.

I experienced phone interviews and had no follow up interviews occur.

I save my thank-you's until the entire interview process is complete.