thank you letters

Well I had an interview yesterday---and would absolutely LOVE the job!! They are interviewing all this week and into the next week so there is a lot of competition. I was wondering everyone's thoughts on thank you letters for interviews. I was interviewed by the Headmaster and the Deputy Head in a single interview. If I was to send a thank you should I send one to each of them? Are thank you letters done here? Will it seem weird to them?

Any thoughts would be appreciated---I sooo want this job and want to know I have done everything I can even if I don't get it.

Thanks for your thoughts!
Helena

My understanding is that thank you letters are generally not done over here (though this is just my experience and from those I've spoken to).

That said, I have sent them. However, I usually preface them with something like 'I hope you won't mind what I understand to be an American custom, but...'.

In my field, being American is a bit of an asset so I can, to some degree, get away with it. I've also conveniently forgot a tidbit or 2 in the interview that I have followed up the next day with in a letter - and also used that opportunity to thank them.

I've had a least one person tell me it was such a nice thing to get.

In my field, being American is a bit of an asset so I can, to some degree, get away with it. I've also conveniently forgot a tidbit or 2 in the interview that I have followed up the next day with in a letter - and also used that opportunity to thank them.

Good point.

I've not seen anyone else do it but I don't see the harm in it. It'll make you stick out more.

If you really want the job then do everything you can think of to make them want you.

So long as the letter doesn't go on and on, it can't hurt and may even help, especially if you can sneak in that tidbit that you forgot.

Thanks for all your advice! As far as the fact that there were two that interviewed me? I feel like it would be overkill to write to both -- and was thinking of writing to the headmaster and mentioning my thanks to the deputy within that letter-- does that sounds okay???

Thanks for all your advice! As far as the fact that there were two that interviewed me? I feel like it would be overkill to write to both -- and was thinking of writing to the headmaster and mentioning my thanks to the deputy within that letter-- does that sounds okay???

I think that sounds nice.  Plus it might spur the headmaster into the deputy's office -- then they can talk about you, thus remembering how fantastic you are!

Good luck and keep us updated!   

I was told a while ago that "Thank you letters" are not done here in regards to job interviews -- one woman at an agency said to me "That's very American -- and you live here now" 

Yeah, like how I used to get blocked at clubs for wearing sneakers or how I was always teased for what piss Budweiser beer is in the 80s. It might be American, but hey, the UK has Americanized very rapidly, picking up its holidays (Halloween, for instance). It was not too long ago you couldn't find a non-instant cup of coffee in the UK. Now its capuchino on demand. Send the notes: at worst they'll bin them; at best, it's an edge.

I've been told also that it's a very American thing to do; and it's envied!!
Every time I've sent a thank you note, I've gotten a thank you for my thank you note.

What's the job position, HG?

The position is with an all boys residential school for students with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. It is a new position that they are trying out at the school. The idea behind it is a support person who is available to the students if they are having a difficult time, being disruptive or other problem during class. They can leave the class and talk to this person to pull themselves back together and rejoin the class. The idea is that they don't have to be "sent to the office" or "storm out" over every problem-- the teacher is able to continue with the class without disruption and the student is able to move on with their day with as little interruption as possible.

We call that a Pastoral Manager at the school I work at. It looks like a very interesting and rewarding job!

A thank you letter GOT me a job.  Sometimes it helps to keep your name coming across thier desk.  Besides, if you are kind enough to thank someone for an interview, they likely think you are a good person.

Edited to add:
I generally send a nice note card (blank inside for my own message), hand written, rather than a formal "letter"

That said, I have sent them. However, I usually preface them with something like 'I hope you won't mind what I understand to be an American custom, but...'.

I wouldn't put the preface - it makes it seem like less of a genuine thank you letter and more of an obligation. Thank you letters should thank the person for taking the time out of their schedule to interview you, clear up any points you felt you might have been weak on in the interview and reiterate your interest in working with their company.

 Interview thank you letters are done here,  but are rarer than they should be. Having said that I know my husband hired at least 2 people that sent Thank you for the interview letters- one after she clairfied something she said during the interview that had been troubling him. Always a good idea to send them, even if you only do it in email form.  I would send to both people who interviewed you. More likely that they will discuss you afterwards again

Rosie

I wouldn't put the preface - it makes it seem like less of a genuine thank you letter and more of an obligation.

What I follow that preface with is what makes it not sound like I think it's obligatory....   

I just didn't want to write the whole letter in my post. In the instances I have done that preface, I have received compliments on my 'American custom'.