Thank you note?

RN4Little1s · Sep 20, 2008

I think a thank you note is a nice touch and looks very professional on your part. However, I do not think it is necessary to secure a position. While in my opinion nursing is a profession (my nurse ethics class actually claimed otherwise), some of the formalities don't seem as important. For instance, on all my interviews as a new grad I was told to wear scrubs - every other true profession would probably have their prospects in business formal/suits! Anyway, I don't think this rules you out in any way for the position. And if what you said in your post is true, the decision is already made and you should STOP stressing now! And I don't think the email can hurt, they'll see that you thought about it and it will be fine. Good luck!

lpnflorida · Sep 20, 2008

I doubt sending back a thank you card will make or break your receiving a job offer. Most jobs take a couple of weeks before they make a decision as they interview several people. Good luck.

Scrubs to an interview? I have never seen a nurse show up in uniform for an interview. I am very surprised at this.

Eirene, ASN, RN · Sep 20, 2008

I'd definitely write a thank-you note. I did this and landed the job. My manager thanked me for it.

oldladyRN · Sep 20, 2008

I think the "thank you" note is a nice touch, and just may give you an edge if there were several well-qualified applicants. In my opinion, it shows that you care and are interested in their company/hospital/clinic.

If there is a question about whether or not the note will get there if you mail it, heck, hand-carry it up there!! I actually did that in the past with a company where I was very interested in working, and I was hired for the job. I'm sure it wasn't based on the fact that I brought a "thank you" note, but it probably didn't hurt.

Best of luck to you in your job search.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Sep 20, 2008

I always give thank you notes after interviews. Of course, in my heart, I am hoping that this gives me a bit of an edge of consideration over other applicants, but, I also do it and try to tame down my expectations. Bottom line, for me is that I know that at least they will remember me...maybe not for that particular position, but maybe the next one.

miko014 · Sep 20, 2008

Well, I did think about dropping it off myself, but it was too late - there was nobody there to give it to. So I sent a quick email to the guy who interviewed me and just said what I would have said in the card. I'm so annoyed with myself. There were storms in the area and with the power off for a couple of days and stuff, it slipped my mind when right after the interview because I was obviously focusing on other things. Then when I remembered, I couldn't find their new address, and then it was too late. I know they don't make the decision based on a thank you card, but I also feel like it could put me over the edge. What if they like two of us, and they got a card from the other person and just a late email from me? If that ruins it for me, I will be so upset! They said they should have a decision by next week. I don't know when next week...hopefully Monday morning, because the wait is killing me! I have no idea how many other people they saw or where I was in the mix. At this point, I am making myself miserable, convinced that I didn't get it. Isn't that stupid??? Anyway, thank you all for your help - I hope I didn't shoot myself in the foot because of this!

Altra, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2008

Lesson learned. It's an easy thing to let slip. I learned from someone wise to have simple, blank notes on hand and be prepared to send them out the same day as the interview. Ideally -- go back to your car after the interview, write it out, and drop it in the mailbox on the way home.

Good luck to you. :)

Dianacabana · Sep 21, 2008

Send the email if you haven't already. Email is fine if you can't use regular mail.

Good manners are never overlooked! Thank you notes have gotten my husband more jobs offers and call-backs than I can think of. Truly they work, as they make you stand out in someone's mind. Even if its a tad late for your taste...better late than never.

Good luck!

miko014 · Sep 21, 2008

I know they are good, that's why I wanted to send one! Unfortunately for me, it's not the thought that counts in this situation. My question now is, is it too little, too late? Did I blow this chance because of this? I guess I'll find that out next week. I'm annoyed with myself for getting distracted by the lack of power, but really, will I lose out on a job because of it? I realize it could tip the scales if they are equally pleased with 2 candidates, but could it actually be the deciding factor? I know I should just stop worrying, because there is nothing I can do now anyway. I just really want this job!!!!

Dianacabana · Sep 21, 2008

I know they are good, that's why I wanted to send one! Unfortunately for me, it's not the thought that counts in this situation. My question now is, is it too little, too late? Did I blow this chance because of this? I guess I'll find that out next week. I'm annoyed with myself for getting distracted by the lack of power, but really, will I lose out on a job because of it? I realize it could tip the scales if they are equally pleased with 2 candidates, but could it actually be the deciding factor? I know I should just stop worrying, because there is nothing I can do now anyway. I just really want this job!!!!

You never know what will happen regarding their hiring process (wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall?) Hiring can take a while even if they say "right away".

My point was to send it anyway because you will stand out in their mind...if not for this job then for the next. I know that the possibility of not getting this job is painful but other doors may open. Its pollyanna-ish to think that way but it really does work. Sometimes that hiring manager will refer you to another...they network too.

Wishing you the best!

miko014 · Sep 22, 2008

You're right. Thanks to everyone who replied. There's nothing I can do now but wait anyway. I just hate waiting!!!!!