Anonymous wrote:I am a hiring manager. I very much appreciate a thank you note that specifically refers back to things said during the interview and restates why the candidate is interested in and highly qualified for the job. A well-written, enthusiastic note tells me that: a) the candidate has good follow-up skills, b) the candidate has good writing skills, c) the candidate really "got" what was covered in the interview, and picked up on what I think is important, and d) the candidate is excited about the position.
The best format I've seen is a formal letter written in Word and attached to e-mail. If I don't receive it within 24 hours I start to think they're not serious about the job. Not getting one at all might totally turn me away from an otherwise good candidate.
I feel the same way about a carefully crafted cover letter. That can bring a candidate in the door if done well.
I'm not sure i'd bother to read one that was in an attachment.