Is email an acceptable medium for a thank you note?

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It is generally considered good etiquette to send a note of appreciation after an interview. And traditionally I have usually sent this note on paper.



In contemporary western culture is an email an acceptable format for a "thank you" note?







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  • I believe in this day and age, an email is perfectly acceptable.
    – Hammo
    Aug 29 '13 at 6:06










  • Thank you to everyone that responded. I upvoted all serious answers that reflected some thought, and so far all of them have. I intended this question primarily as an issue of etiquette but got back much more than that in the answers. I knew I could count on Joe for a good answer but all of them had something to offer.
    – Bernard Dy
    Aug 31 '13 at 11:58
















up vote
4
down vote

favorite












It is generally considered good etiquette to send a note of appreciation after an interview. And traditionally I have usually sent this note on paper.



In contemporary western culture is an email an acceptable format for a "thank you" note?







share|improve this question






















  • I believe in this day and age, an email is perfectly acceptable.
    – Hammo
    Aug 29 '13 at 6:06










  • Thank you to everyone that responded. I upvoted all serious answers that reflected some thought, and so far all of them have. I intended this question primarily as an issue of etiquette but got back much more than that in the answers. I knew I could count on Joe for a good answer but all of them had something to offer.
    – Bernard Dy
    Aug 31 '13 at 11:58












up vote
4
down vote

favorite









up vote
4
down vote

favorite











It is generally considered good etiquette to send a note of appreciation after an interview. And traditionally I have usually sent this note on paper.



In contemporary western culture is an email an acceptable format for a "thank you" note?







share|improve this question














It is generally considered good etiquette to send a note of appreciation after an interview. And traditionally I have usually sent this note on paper.



In contemporary western culture is an email an acceptable format for a "thank you" note?









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Sep 14 '13 at 11:52









Rhys

5,73623558




5,73623558










asked Aug 29 '13 at 3:05









Bernard Dy

1,3871225




1,3871225











  • I believe in this day and age, an email is perfectly acceptable.
    – Hammo
    Aug 29 '13 at 6:06










  • Thank you to everyone that responded. I upvoted all serious answers that reflected some thought, and so far all of them have. I intended this question primarily as an issue of etiquette but got back much more than that in the answers. I knew I could count on Joe for a good answer but all of them had something to offer.
    – Bernard Dy
    Aug 31 '13 at 11:58
















  • I believe in this day and age, an email is perfectly acceptable.
    – Hammo
    Aug 29 '13 at 6:06










  • Thank you to everyone that responded. I upvoted all serious answers that reflected some thought, and so far all of them have. I intended this question primarily as an issue of etiquette but got back much more than that in the answers. I knew I could count on Joe for a good answer but all of them had something to offer.
    – Bernard Dy
    Aug 31 '13 at 11:58















I believe in this day and age, an email is perfectly acceptable.
– Hammo
Aug 29 '13 at 6:06




I believe in this day and age, an email is perfectly acceptable.
– Hammo
Aug 29 '13 at 6:06












Thank you to everyone that responded. I upvoted all serious answers that reflected some thought, and so far all of them have. I intended this question primarily as an issue of etiquette but got back much more than that in the answers. I knew I could count on Joe for a good answer but all of them had something to offer.
– Bernard Dy
Aug 31 '13 at 11:58




Thank you to everyone that responded. I upvoted all serious answers that reflected some thought, and so far all of them have. I intended this question primarily as an issue of etiquette but got back much more than that in the answers. I knew I could count on Joe for a good answer but all of them had something to offer.
– Bernard Dy
Aug 31 '13 at 11:58










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
5
down vote



accepted











In contemporary western culture is an email an acceptable format for a
"thank you" note?




Yes, in contemporary western culture, an email is acceptable. The majority of people who even bother to send thanks at all use email. But, do you really want to settle for acceptable, when you could do better?



I've interviewed a lot of candidates over the years, and I've received a lot of thank you notes. The ones that really stand out were hand-written on note paper, and it was clear that the writer had put some real thought into them. Often they thanked me, but they also emphasized details that had come up during the interview which they wanted to expand on. The best candidates sent an email immediately with quick thanks, then also followed up with a longer, paper thank you note.



Send emails if you want to meet minimum acceptability standards. Do better if you want to stand out from the crowd.






share|improve this answer





























    up vote
    4
    down vote













    If the interview process has been handled electronically then definitely send an email. If the application/resume was done via a website, the initial screen by phone, and the full interview by Skype and screen camera your only contact has been via computer and phone.



    Depending on the job the mailing address portion of their contact info for each employee is not the best way to reach them. Sometimes if I am working at a customer site, I only make it back to the company site every few months. Mailing a letter to my corporate office building will result in either it sitting in box until my next visit the mail room, or having them put it in another package and mailing it to my home. Mailing it to the customer site will rarely result in it getting to me.



    If you expect any acknowledgement from the people that interviewed you, email is probably the best way to go.



    Of course you will have to get the email address of those you want to contact. Other than the HR POC, and maybe one other person in the interview I have never known anything besides names for the people who have interviewed me. If the interview invite was by email, then I might be able to pull some names from the email. If I am lucky I will get one or two cards, but that doesn't always happen.






    share|improve this answer



























      up vote
      1
      down vote













      Is this modern day nearly everyone is on Email. Sending an Email is by sure the best way to show a few key things:



      • You can send it the day of your interview to show just how eager you
        are.

      • If the interviewer ever searches for your name in their email, the
        note will pop up and remind them that you followed up.

      • You can easily tailor it to the vibe of the interview. It can be as
        casual or as formal as you decide.

      • The interviewer might drop you a line back. The email will be open on
        their computer, and there's a larger chance they'll respond, or ask
        you a follow-up question.

      There are some slight issues with handwritten letters that may hinder the chances of you getting a second look by your potential future employer:



      • There's a delay. I've always believed in following up with a thank you
        note which they would have in less than 24 hours after the interview.
        This way you're still fresh in the interviewer's mind.

      • The letter might never get to your interviewer. It could get lost in
        the mail which does happen occasionally even these days. The
        secretary could throw it out, it could end up in a pile of envelopes
        that don't get opened for months.

      • The chances of the interviewer writing back to you are less. The
        letter feels more final.





      share|improve this answer




















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        3 Answers
        3






        active

        oldest

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        3 Answers
        3






        active

        oldest

        votes









        active

        oldest

        votes






        active

        oldest

        votes








        up vote
        5
        down vote



        accepted











        In contemporary western culture is an email an acceptable format for a
        "thank you" note?




        Yes, in contemporary western culture, an email is acceptable. The majority of people who even bother to send thanks at all use email. But, do you really want to settle for acceptable, when you could do better?



        I've interviewed a lot of candidates over the years, and I've received a lot of thank you notes. The ones that really stand out were hand-written on note paper, and it was clear that the writer had put some real thought into them. Often they thanked me, but they also emphasized details that had come up during the interview which they wanted to expand on. The best candidates sent an email immediately with quick thanks, then also followed up with a longer, paper thank you note.



        Send emails if you want to meet minimum acceptability standards. Do better if you want to stand out from the crowd.






        share|improve this answer


























          up vote
          5
          down vote



          accepted











          In contemporary western culture is an email an acceptable format for a
          "thank you" note?




          Yes, in contemporary western culture, an email is acceptable. The majority of people who even bother to send thanks at all use email. But, do you really want to settle for acceptable, when you could do better?



          I've interviewed a lot of candidates over the years, and I've received a lot of thank you notes. The ones that really stand out were hand-written on note paper, and it was clear that the writer had put some real thought into them. Often they thanked me, but they also emphasized details that had come up during the interview which they wanted to expand on. The best candidates sent an email immediately with quick thanks, then also followed up with a longer, paper thank you note.



          Send emails if you want to meet minimum acceptability standards. Do better if you want to stand out from the crowd.






          share|improve this answer
























            up vote
            5
            down vote



            accepted







            up vote
            5
            down vote



            accepted







            In contemporary western culture is an email an acceptable format for a
            "thank you" note?




            Yes, in contemporary western culture, an email is acceptable. The majority of people who even bother to send thanks at all use email. But, do you really want to settle for acceptable, when you could do better?



            I've interviewed a lot of candidates over the years, and I've received a lot of thank you notes. The ones that really stand out were hand-written on note paper, and it was clear that the writer had put some real thought into them. Often they thanked me, but they also emphasized details that had come up during the interview which they wanted to expand on. The best candidates sent an email immediately with quick thanks, then also followed up with a longer, paper thank you note.



            Send emails if you want to meet minimum acceptability standards. Do better if you want to stand out from the crowd.






            share|improve this answer















            In contemporary western culture is an email an acceptable format for a
            "thank you" note?




            Yes, in contemporary western culture, an email is acceptable. The majority of people who even bother to send thanks at all use email. But, do you really want to settle for acceptable, when you could do better?



            I've interviewed a lot of candidates over the years, and I've received a lot of thank you notes. The ones that really stand out were hand-written on note paper, and it was clear that the writer had put some real thought into them. Often they thanked me, but they also emphasized details that had come up during the interview which they wanted to expand on. The best candidates sent an email immediately with quick thanks, then also followed up with a longer, paper thank you note.



            Send emails if you want to meet minimum acceptability standards. Do better if you want to stand out from the crowd.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Aug 29 '13 at 12:34

























            answered Aug 29 '13 at 11:12









            Joe Strazzere

            224k107661930




            224k107661930






















                up vote
                4
                down vote













                If the interview process has been handled electronically then definitely send an email. If the application/resume was done via a website, the initial screen by phone, and the full interview by Skype and screen camera your only contact has been via computer and phone.



                Depending on the job the mailing address portion of their contact info for each employee is not the best way to reach them. Sometimes if I am working at a customer site, I only make it back to the company site every few months. Mailing a letter to my corporate office building will result in either it sitting in box until my next visit the mail room, or having them put it in another package and mailing it to my home. Mailing it to the customer site will rarely result in it getting to me.



                If you expect any acknowledgement from the people that interviewed you, email is probably the best way to go.



                Of course you will have to get the email address of those you want to contact. Other than the HR POC, and maybe one other person in the interview I have never known anything besides names for the people who have interviewed me. If the interview invite was by email, then I might be able to pull some names from the email. If I am lucky I will get one or two cards, but that doesn't always happen.






                share|improve this answer
























                  up vote
                  4
                  down vote













                  If the interview process has been handled electronically then definitely send an email. If the application/resume was done via a website, the initial screen by phone, and the full interview by Skype and screen camera your only contact has been via computer and phone.



                  Depending on the job the mailing address portion of their contact info for each employee is not the best way to reach them. Sometimes if I am working at a customer site, I only make it back to the company site every few months. Mailing a letter to my corporate office building will result in either it sitting in box until my next visit the mail room, or having them put it in another package and mailing it to my home. Mailing it to the customer site will rarely result in it getting to me.



                  If you expect any acknowledgement from the people that interviewed you, email is probably the best way to go.



                  Of course you will have to get the email address of those you want to contact. Other than the HR POC, and maybe one other person in the interview I have never known anything besides names for the people who have interviewed me. If the interview invite was by email, then I might be able to pull some names from the email. If I am lucky I will get one or two cards, but that doesn't always happen.






                  share|improve this answer






















                    up vote
                    4
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    4
                    down vote









                    If the interview process has been handled electronically then definitely send an email. If the application/resume was done via a website, the initial screen by phone, and the full interview by Skype and screen camera your only contact has been via computer and phone.



                    Depending on the job the mailing address portion of their contact info for each employee is not the best way to reach them. Sometimes if I am working at a customer site, I only make it back to the company site every few months. Mailing a letter to my corporate office building will result in either it sitting in box until my next visit the mail room, or having them put it in another package and mailing it to my home. Mailing it to the customer site will rarely result in it getting to me.



                    If you expect any acknowledgement from the people that interviewed you, email is probably the best way to go.



                    Of course you will have to get the email address of those you want to contact. Other than the HR POC, and maybe one other person in the interview I have never known anything besides names for the people who have interviewed me. If the interview invite was by email, then I might be able to pull some names from the email. If I am lucky I will get one or two cards, but that doesn't always happen.






                    share|improve this answer












                    If the interview process has been handled electronically then definitely send an email. If the application/resume was done via a website, the initial screen by phone, and the full interview by Skype and screen camera your only contact has been via computer and phone.



                    Depending on the job the mailing address portion of their contact info for each employee is not the best way to reach them. Sometimes if I am working at a customer site, I only make it back to the company site every few months. Mailing a letter to my corporate office building will result in either it sitting in box until my next visit the mail room, or having them put it in another package and mailing it to my home. Mailing it to the customer site will rarely result in it getting to me.



                    If you expect any acknowledgement from the people that interviewed you, email is probably the best way to go.



                    Of course you will have to get the email address of those you want to contact. Other than the HR POC, and maybe one other person in the interview I have never known anything besides names for the people who have interviewed me. If the interview invite was by email, then I might be able to pull some names from the email. If I am lucky I will get one or two cards, but that doesn't always happen.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Aug 29 '13 at 11:01









                    mhoran_psprep

                    40.3k463144




                    40.3k463144




















                        up vote
                        1
                        down vote













                        Is this modern day nearly everyone is on Email. Sending an Email is by sure the best way to show a few key things:



                        • You can send it the day of your interview to show just how eager you
                          are.

                        • If the interviewer ever searches for your name in their email, the
                          note will pop up and remind them that you followed up.

                        • You can easily tailor it to the vibe of the interview. It can be as
                          casual or as formal as you decide.

                        • The interviewer might drop you a line back. The email will be open on
                          their computer, and there's a larger chance they'll respond, or ask
                          you a follow-up question.

                        There are some slight issues with handwritten letters that may hinder the chances of you getting a second look by your potential future employer:



                        • There's a delay. I've always believed in following up with a thank you
                          note which they would have in less than 24 hours after the interview.
                          This way you're still fresh in the interviewer's mind.

                        • The letter might never get to your interviewer. It could get lost in
                          the mail which does happen occasionally even these days. The
                          secretary could throw it out, it could end up in a pile of envelopes
                          that don't get opened for months.

                        • The chances of the interviewer writing back to you are less. The
                          letter feels more final.





                        share|improve this answer
























                          up vote
                          1
                          down vote













                          Is this modern day nearly everyone is on Email. Sending an Email is by sure the best way to show a few key things:



                          • You can send it the day of your interview to show just how eager you
                            are.

                          • If the interviewer ever searches for your name in their email, the
                            note will pop up and remind them that you followed up.

                          • You can easily tailor it to the vibe of the interview. It can be as
                            casual or as formal as you decide.

                          • The interviewer might drop you a line back. The email will be open on
                            their computer, and there's a larger chance they'll respond, or ask
                            you a follow-up question.

                          There are some slight issues with handwritten letters that may hinder the chances of you getting a second look by your potential future employer:



                          • There's a delay. I've always believed in following up with a thank you
                            note which they would have in less than 24 hours after the interview.
                            This way you're still fresh in the interviewer's mind.

                          • The letter might never get to your interviewer. It could get lost in
                            the mail which does happen occasionally even these days. The
                            secretary could throw it out, it could end up in a pile of envelopes
                            that don't get opened for months.

                          • The chances of the interviewer writing back to you are less. The
                            letter feels more final.





                          share|improve this answer






















                            up vote
                            1
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            1
                            down vote









                            Is this modern day nearly everyone is on Email. Sending an Email is by sure the best way to show a few key things:



                            • You can send it the day of your interview to show just how eager you
                              are.

                            • If the interviewer ever searches for your name in their email, the
                              note will pop up and remind them that you followed up.

                            • You can easily tailor it to the vibe of the interview. It can be as
                              casual or as formal as you decide.

                            • The interviewer might drop you a line back. The email will be open on
                              their computer, and there's a larger chance they'll respond, or ask
                              you a follow-up question.

                            There are some slight issues with handwritten letters that may hinder the chances of you getting a second look by your potential future employer:



                            • There's a delay. I've always believed in following up with a thank you
                              note which they would have in less than 24 hours after the interview.
                              This way you're still fresh in the interviewer's mind.

                            • The letter might never get to your interviewer. It could get lost in
                              the mail which does happen occasionally even these days. The
                              secretary could throw it out, it could end up in a pile of envelopes
                              that don't get opened for months.

                            • The chances of the interviewer writing back to you are less. The
                              letter feels more final.





                            share|improve this answer












                            Is this modern day nearly everyone is on Email. Sending an Email is by sure the best way to show a few key things:



                            • You can send it the day of your interview to show just how eager you
                              are.

                            • If the interviewer ever searches for your name in their email, the
                              note will pop up and remind them that you followed up.

                            • You can easily tailor it to the vibe of the interview. It can be as
                              casual or as formal as you decide.

                            • The interviewer might drop you a line back. The email will be open on
                              their computer, and there's a larger chance they'll respond, or ask
                              you a follow-up question.

                            There are some slight issues with handwritten letters that may hinder the chances of you getting a second look by your potential future employer:



                            • There's a delay. I've always believed in following up with a thank you
                              note which they would have in less than 24 hours after the interview.
                              This way you're still fresh in the interviewer's mind.

                            • The letter might never get to your interviewer. It could get lost in
                              the mail which does happen occasionally even these days. The
                              secretary could throw it out, it could end up in a pile of envelopes
                              that don't get opened for months.

                            • The chances of the interviewer writing back to you are less. The
                              letter feels more final.






                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Aug 29 '13 at 7:50









                            Michael Grubey

                            4,20432252




                            4,20432252






















                                 

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