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Responding to thank-you notes from interviewees
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I've recently been performing a number of interviews, and many of the candidates send follow-up emails just to say "thank you". My question is, what's the best way to respond? All of the following seem bad:
something like "thanks, nice meeting you, cheers"
Too short.
something like "Looking forward to working with you in the future"
Seems to me to be too indicative of a positive outcome, which hasn't been decided yet.
"best of luck with future work"
Seems to me to be too indicative of negative outcome, which again hasn't been decided yet.
I should note that I'm not the only one making the decision—there are a number of interviewers, and I'm going to be one of the people providing feedback to the ultimate decision-makers. Any suggestions?
professionalism interviewing
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:53
Rhys
5,73623558
asked Apr 27 '12 at 13:18
eykanal
8251818
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
26
down vote
favorite
I've recently been performing a number of interviews, and many of the candidates send follow-up emails just to say "thank you". My question is, what's the best way to respond? All of the following seem bad:
something like "thanks, nice meeting you, cheers"
Too short.
something like "Looking forward to working with you in the future"
Seems to me to be too indicative of a positive outcome, which hasn't been decided yet.
"best of luck with future work"
Seems to me to be too indicative of negative outcome, which again hasn't been decided yet.
I should note that I'm not the only one making the decision—there are a number of interviewers, and I'm going to be one of the people providing feedback to the ultimate decision-makers. Any suggestions?
professionalism interviewing
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:53
Rhys
5,73623558
asked Apr 27 '12 at 13:18
eykanal
8251818
15
Why respond at all? I would note the good manners of the gesture and contact them when I have made my final decision.
– maple_shaft
Apr 27 '12 at 14:20
2
@eykanal - If you are not prepared to give them a personal response, when you make a decision, do not give them a response. They are sending you these emails as a means, to highlight their strengths, although your examples are likely from applicants unlikely to be choosen ( except the first one ). If you are not prepared to tell them the reason they were not choosen at the end of the process its best not to respond. I can tell you from personal experience that there is nothing more frustrating then getting a response from somebody I wanted to work with who simply says "You were not choosen"
– Ramhound
Apr 27 '12 at 15:17
2
But then, have you thought about how they should respond to your response?
– Andreas Bonini
Apr 27 '12 at 19:51
3
@albert: maple_shaft's answer was that he would contact the interviewee when the decision had been made. I agree with you that no response at all is just rude.
– Josef K
Apr 28 '12 at 13:10
meanwhile, in the real world... no response is frequent. It's wrong and it sucks. But it happens and it's happened to me after full day interview meetings too. Accept and move on.
– Michael Durrant
Aug 2 '12 at 3:18
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
26
down vote
favorite
up vote
26
down vote
favorite
I've recently been performing a number of interviews, and many of the candidates send follow-up emails just to say "thank you". My question is, what's the best way to respond? All of the following seem bad:
something like "thanks, nice meeting you, cheers"
Too short.
something like "Looking forward to working with you in the future"
Seems to me to be too indicative of a positive outcome, which hasn't been decided yet.
"best of luck with future work"
Seems to me to be too indicative of negative outcome, which again hasn't been decided yet.
I should note that I'm not the only one making the decision—there are a number of interviewers, and I'm going to be one of the people providing feedback to the ultimate decision-makers. Any suggestions?
professionalism interviewing
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:53
Rhys
5,73623558
asked Apr 27 '12 at 13:18
eykanal
8251818
I've recently been performing a number of interviews, and many of the candidates send follow-up emails just to say "thank you". My question is, what's the best way to respond? All of the following seem bad:
something like "thanks, nice meeting you, cheers"
Too short.
something like "Looking forward to working with you in the future"
Seems to me to be too indicative of a positive outcome, which hasn't been decided yet.
"best of luck with future work"
Seems to me to be too indicative of negative outcome, which again hasn't been decided yet.
I should note that I'm not the only one making the decision—there are a number of interviewers, and I'm going to be one of the people providing feedback to the ultimate decision-makers. Any suggestions?
professionalism interviewing
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:53
Rhys
5,73623558
asked Apr 27 '12 at 13:18
eykanal
8251818
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:53
Rhys
5,73623558
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:53
Rhys
5,73623558
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:53
Rhys
5,73623558
5,73623558
asked Apr 27 '12 at 13:18
eykanal
8251818
asked Apr 27 '12 at 13:18
eykanal
8251818
asked Apr 27 '12 at 13:18
eykanal
8251818
8251818
15
Why respond at all? I would note the good manners of the gesture and contact them when I have made my final decision.
– maple_shaft
Apr 27 '12 at 14:20
2
@eykanal - If you are not prepared to give them a personal response, when you make a decision, do not give them a response. They are sending you these emails as a means, to highlight their strengths, although your examples are likely from applicants unlikely to be choosen ( except the first one ). If you are not prepared to tell them the reason they were not choosen at the end of the process its best not to respond. I can tell you from personal experience that there is nothing more frustrating then getting a response from somebody I wanted to work with who simply says "You were not choosen"
– Ramhound
Apr 27 '12 at 15:17
2
But then, have you thought about how they should respond to your response?
– Andreas Bonini
Apr 27 '12 at 19:51
3
@albert: maple_shaft's answer was that he would contact the interviewee when the decision had been made. I agree with you that no response at all is just rude.
– Josef K
Apr 28 '12 at 13:10
meanwhile, in the real world... no response is frequent. It's wrong and it sucks. But it happens and it's happened to me after full day interview meetings too. Accept and move on.
– Michael Durrant
Aug 2 '12 at 3:18
 |Â
show 2 more comments
15
Why respond at all? I would note the good manners of the gesture and contact them when I have made my final decision.
– maple_shaft
Apr 27 '12 at 14:20
2
@eykanal - If you are not prepared to give them a personal response, when you make a decision, do not give them a response. They are sending you these emails as a means, to highlight their strengths, although your examples are likely from applicants unlikely to be choosen ( except the first one ). If you are not prepared to tell them the reason they were not choosen at the end of the process its best not to respond. I can tell you from personal experience that there is nothing more frustrating then getting a response from somebody I wanted to work with who simply says "You were not choosen"
– Ramhound
Apr 27 '12 at 15:17
2
But then, have you thought about how they should respond to your response?
– Andreas Bonini
Apr 27 '12 at 19:51
3
@albert: maple_shaft's answer was that he would contact the interviewee when the decision had been made. I agree with you that no response at all is just rude.
– Josef K
Apr 28 '12 at 13:10
meanwhile, in the real world... no response is frequent. It's wrong and it sucks. But it happens and it's happened to me after full day interview meetings too. Accept and move on.
– Michael Durrant
Aug 2 '12 at 3:18
15
15
Why respond at all? I would note the good manners of the gesture and contact them when I have made my final decision.
– maple_shaft
Apr 27 '12 at 14:20
Why respond at all? I would note the good manners of the gesture and contact them when I have made my final decision.
– maple_shaft
Apr 27 '12 at 14:20
2
2
@eykanal - If you are not prepared to give them a personal response, when you make a decision, do not give them a response. They are sending you these emails as a means, to highlight their strengths, although your examples are likely from applicants unlikely to be choosen ( except the first one ). If you are not prepared to tell them the reason they were not choosen at the end of the process its best not to respond. I can tell you from personal experience that there is nothing more frustrating then getting a response from somebody I wanted to work with who simply says "You were not choosen"
– Ramhound
Apr 27 '12 at 15:17
@eykanal - If you are not prepared to give them a personal response, when you make a decision, do not give them a response. They are sending you these emails as a means, to highlight their strengths, although your examples are likely from applicants unlikely to be choosen ( except the first one ). If you are not prepared to tell them the reason they were not choosen at the end of the process its best not to respond. I can tell you from personal experience that there is nothing more frustrating then getting a response from somebody I wanted to work with who simply says "You were not choosen"
– Ramhound
Apr 27 '12 at 15:17
2
2
But then, have you thought about how they should respond to your response?
– Andreas Bonini
Apr 27 '12 at 19:51
But then, have you thought about how they should respond to your response?
– Andreas Bonini
Apr 27 '12 at 19:51
3
3
@albert: maple_shaft's answer was that he would contact the interviewee when the decision had been made. I agree with you that no response at all is just rude.
– Josef K
Apr 28 '12 at 13:10
@albert: maple_shaft's answer was that he would contact the interviewee when the decision had been made. I agree with you that no response at all is just rude.
– Josef K
Apr 28 '12 at 13:10
meanwhile, in the real world... no response is frequent. It's wrong and it sucks. But it happens and it's happened to me after full day interview meetings too. Accept and move on.
– Michael Durrant
Aug 2 '12 at 3:18
meanwhile, in the real world... no response is frequent. It's wrong and it sucks. But it happens and it's happened to me after full day interview meetings too. Accept and move on.
– Michael Durrant
Aug 2 '12 at 3:18
 |Â
show 2 more comments
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
up vote
37
down vote
accepted
In situations in which I am on a committee, and I receive thank you notes from individuals, I do not respond. The only instance in which I would respond would be if I were the committee chair.
When I do respond, as either committee manager or as an individual interviewer (when there's no committee), I keep my acknowledgement brief (and I only respond if it's an emailed thank-you): "Thank you for your interest, and for taking the time to talk with us about the position. Our decision timeline is..."
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:05
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
3
+1 - generally I don't respond (and I don't expect people to respond to my follow-up "thank you for the interview" letter), but if I did this is how I'd handle it.
– voretaq7
Apr 27 '12 at 17:44
add a comment |Â
up vote
21
down vote
Thank you notes are considered a one way message with no requirement or expectation of a response when received. They are a token sign of grattitude and a last attempt to make a postive impression on the interviewer.
Unless of course the sender asked you a question or made a statement that you decide you would like them to explain more.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 15:11
Alan Barber
86759
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
I generally don't return them unless I am very sure we are going to offer him the position.
These things have a way of changing at the last minute. Some other manager vetoes it, HR finds some background questions at the final step, etc, etc.
I have replied positively a few times in the past and have them come back to bite me in the behind.
OTOH, I sometimes reply to those that I know WON'T make the cut and offer advice if I think they need/appreciate it. Some of them aren't doing resumes right and I think the advice might help them with another job application.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:35
Permas
4,83111829
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
I hit this one too - I've stared at a blank page for up to 20 minutes thinking "geez, a simple "your welcome" should not be so hard!"
I agree that 2 out of 3 of your samples are too indicative. Sadly, in this day and age, it seems we have to be very careful at anything that sounds like a commitment.
Here's some stuff I've felt OK with:
I enjoyed speaking with you, as well, thanks for following up! - and I have some permutations of these that are less positive in cases where it really wasn't great speaking with the person (in fact I wanted that hour of my life back) - things like "it's always enlightening to get to meet new people".
Adding in more details about the follow up process - particularly if we did not have that conversation at the interview (frequently I let HR do it).
Answering any factual questions asked, or providing more info about a discussion point. My absolute favorite candidates are always people who prompted me to go do some research or thinking about the topics (this is like the top 10% people), and so I may mail back with - "you got me thinking about X, did you know about Y?" NOTE: These people are probably so awesome that I want to keep in touch, even if they don't come to work for me... networks are good!
Things I avoid:
- any positive or negative impressions that could later evoke some presumption on the candidate's part
- any feedback on the interview - I leave that to HR.
- any information about other candidates, or my opinions on the hiring process, or the relative urgency of filling the position.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:28
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
Just to add one more approach for those who hit this problem in the future, in the end I just wrote a simple, neutral reply:
Dear
<person>:
Thank you for your note, I enjoyed meeting with you.
<my boss>will be getting in touch with you shortly regarding the position.
Be well,
<me>
answered Apr 30 '12 at 13:50
eykanal
8251818
What happens if the boss or hr doesn't contact the folks who weren't hired?
– RoboKaren
Sep 17 '16 at 7:48
1
Then you/your boss didn't do your job and deserve a spanking.
– eykanal
Sep 18 '16 at 15:29
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If the feedback is negative don't reply (Have HR tell him)
If the feed back is good, let him know you guys are interested.
It was a pleasure meeting you as well, Carol will be getting back you
shortly regarding next steps.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:25
Morons
3,03311015
I'm sorry, I didn't explain myself clearly... see the added text at the bottom of the question. I'm not the only one doing the interviewing, so I can't make this kind of statement.
– eykanal
Apr 27 '12 at 13:40
And then what do you do when an even better candidate comes through and snags that position?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Apr 30 '12 at 17:30
add a comment |Â
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6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
37
down vote
accepted
In situations in which I am on a committee, and I receive thank you notes from individuals, I do not respond. The only instance in which I would respond would be if I were the committee chair.
When I do respond, as either committee manager or as an individual interviewer (when there's no committee), I keep my acknowledgement brief (and I only respond if it's an emailed thank-you): "Thank you for your interest, and for taking the time to talk with us about the position. Our decision timeline is..."
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:05
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
3
+1 - generally I don't respond (and I don't expect people to respond to my follow-up "thank you for the interview" letter), but if I did this is how I'd handle it.
– voretaq7
Apr 27 '12 at 17:44
add a comment |Â
up vote
37
down vote
accepted
In situations in which I am on a committee, and I receive thank you notes from individuals, I do not respond. The only instance in which I would respond would be if I were the committee chair.
When I do respond, as either committee manager or as an individual interviewer (when there's no committee), I keep my acknowledgement brief (and I only respond if it's an emailed thank-you): "Thank you for your interest, and for taking the time to talk with us about the position. Our decision timeline is..."
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:05
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
3
+1 - generally I don't respond (and I don't expect people to respond to my follow-up "thank you for the interview" letter), but if I did this is how I'd handle it.
– voretaq7
Apr 27 '12 at 17:44
add a comment |Â
up vote
37
down vote
accepted
up vote
37
down vote
accepted
In situations in which I am on a committee, and I receive thank you notes from individuals, I do not respond. The only instance in which I would respond would be if I were the committee chair.
When I do respond, as either committee manager or as an individual interviewer (when there's no committee), I keep my acknowledgement brief (and I only respond if it's an emailed thank-you): "Thank you for your interest, and for taking the time to talk with us about the position. Our decision timeline is..."
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:05
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
In situations in which I am on a committee, and I receive thank you notes from individuals, I do not respond. The only instance in which I would respond would be if I were the committee chair.
When I do respond, as either committee manager or as an individual interviewer (when there's no committee), I keep my acknowledgement brief (and I only respond if it's an emailed thank-you): "Thank you for your interest, and for taking the time to talk with us about the position. Our decision timeline is..."
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:05
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
edited Apr 27 '12 at 14:25
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:05
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:05
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:05
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
21.6k87393
3
+1 - generally I don't respond (and I don't expect people to respond to my follow-up "thank you for the interview" letter), but if I did this is how I'd handle it.
– voretaq7
Apr 27 '12 at 17:44
add a comment |Â
3
+1 - generally I don't respond (and I don't expect people to respond to my follow-up "thank you for the interview" letter), but if I did this is how I'd handle it.
– voretaq7
Apr 27 '12 at 17:44
3
3
+1 - generally I don't respond (and I don't expect people to respond to my follow-up "thank you for the interview" letter), but if I did this is how I'd handle it.
– voretaq7
Apr 27 '12 at 17:44
+1 - generally I don't respond (and I don't expect people to respond to my follow-up "thank you for the interview" letter), but if I did this is how I'd handle it.
– voretaq7
Apr 27 '12 at 17:44
add a comment |Â
up vote
21
down vote
Thank you notes are considered a one way message with no requirement or expectation of a response when received. They are a token sign of grattitude and a last attempt to make a postive impression on the interviewer.
Unless of course the sender asked you a question or made a statement that you decide you would like them to explain more.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 15:11
Alan Barber
86759
add a comment |Â
up vote
21
down vote
Thank you notes are considered a one way message with no requirement or expectation of a response when received. They are a token sign of grattitude and a last attempt to make a postive impression on the interviewer.
Unless of course the sender asked you a question or made a statement that you decide you would like them to explain more.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 15:11
Alan Barber
86759
add a comment |Â
up vote
21
down vote
up vote
21
down vote
Thank you notes are considered a one way message with no requirement or expectation of a response when received. They are a token sign of grattitude and a last attempt to make a postive impression on the interviewer.
Unless of course the sender asked you a question or made a statement that you decide you would like them to explain more.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 15:11
Alan Barber
86759
Thank you notes are considered a one way message with no requirement or expectation of a response when received. They are a token sign of grattitude and a last attempt to make a postive impression on the interviewer.
Unless of course the sender asked you a question or made a statement that you decide you would like them to explain more.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 15:11
Alan Barber
86759
answered Apr 27 '12 at 15:11
Alan Barber
86759
answered Apr 27 '12 at 15:11
Alan Barber
86759
answered Apr 27 '12 at 15:11
Alan Barber
86759
86759
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
I generally don't return them unless I am very sure we are going to offer him the position.
These things have a way of changing at the last minute. Some other manager vetoes it, HR finds some background questions at the final step, etc, etc.
I have replied positively a few times in the past and have them come back to bite me in the behind.
OTOH, I sometimes reply to those that I know WON'T make the cut and offer advice if I think they need/appreciate it. Some of them aren't doing resumes right and I think the advice might help them with another job application.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:35
Permas
4,83111829
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
I generally don't return them unless I am very sure we are going to offer him the position.
These things have a way of changing at the last minute. Some other manager vetoes it, HR finds some background questions at the final step, etc, etc.
I have replied positively a few times in the past and have them come back to bite me in the behind.
OTOH, I sometimes reply to those that I know WON'T make the cut and offer advice if I think they need/appreciate it. Some of them aren't doing resumes right and I think the advice might help them with another job application.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:35
Permas
4,83111829
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
up vote
6
down vote
I generally don't return them unless I am very sure we are going to offer him the position.
These things have a way of changing at the last minute. Some other manager vetoes it, HR finds some background questions at the final step, etc, etc.
I have replied positively a few times in the past and have them come back to bite me in the behind.
OTOH, I sometimes reply to those that I know WON'T make the cut and offer advice if I think they need/appreciate it. Some of them aren't doing resumes right and I think the advice might help them with another job application.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:35
Permas
4,83111829
I generally don't return them unless I am very sure we are going to offer him the position.
These things have a way of changing at the last minute. Some other manager vetoes it, HR finds some background questions at the final step, etc, etc.
I have replied positively a few times in the past and have them come back to bite me in the behind.
OTOH, I sometimes reply to those that I know WON'T make the cut and offer advice if I think they need/appreciate it. Some of them aren't doing resumes right and I think the advice might help them with another job application.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:35
Permas
4,83111829
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:35
Permas
4,83111829
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:35
Permas
4,83111829
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:35
Permas
4,83111829
4,83111829
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
I hit this one too - I've stared at a blank page for up to 20 minutes thinking "geez, a simple "your welcome" should not be so hard!"
I agree that 2 out of 3 of your samples are too indicative. Sadly, in this day and age, it seems we have to be very careful at anything that sounds like a commitment.
Here's some stuff I've felt OK with:
I enjoyed speaking with you, as well, thanks for following up! - and I have some permutations of these that are less positive in cases where it really wasn't great speaking with the person (in fact I wanted that hour of my life back) - things like "it's always enlightening to get to meet new people".
Adding in more details about the follow up process - particularly if we did not have that conversation at the interview (frequently I let HR do it).
Answering any factual questions asked, or providing more info about a discussion point. My absolute favorite candidates are always people who prompted me to go do some research or thinking about the topics (this is like the top 10% people), and so I may mail back with - "you got me thinking about X, did you know about Y?" NOTE: These people are probably so awesome that I want to keep in touch, even if they don't come to work for me... networks are good!
Things I avoid:
- any positive or negative impressions that could later evoke some presumption on the candidate's part
- any feedback on the interview - I leave that to HR.
- any information about other candidates, or my opinions on the hiring process, or the relative urgency of filling the position.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:28
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
I hit this one too - I've stared at a blank page for up to 20 minutes thinking "geez, a simple "your welcome" should not be so hard!"
I agree that 2 out of 3 of your samples are too indicative. Sadly, in this day and age, it seems we have to be very careful at anything that sounds like a commitment.
Here's some stuff I've felt OK with:
I enjoyed speaking with you, as well, thanks for following up! - and I have some permutations of these that are less positive in cases where it really wasn't great speaking with the person (in fact I wanted that hour of my life back) - things like "it's always enlightening to get to meet new people".
Adding in more details about the follow up process - particularly if we did not have that conversation at the interview (frequently I let HR do it).
Answering any factual questions asked, or providing more info about a discussion point. My absolute favorite candidates are always people who prompted me to go do some research or thinking about the topics (this is like the top 10% people), and so I may mail back with - "you got me thinking about X, did you know about Y?" NOTE: These people are probably so awesome that I want to keep in touch, even if they don't come to work for me... networks are good!
Things I avoid:
- any positive or negative impressions that could later evoke some presumption on the candidate's part
- any feedback on the interview - I leave that to HR.
- any information about other candidates, or my opinions on the hiring process, or the relative urgency of filling the position.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:28
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
up vote
6
down vote
I hit this one too - I've stared at a blank page for up to 20 minutes thinking "geez, a simple "your welcome" should not be so hard!"
I agree that 2 out of 3 of your samples are too indicative. Sadly, in this day and age, it seems we have to be very careful at anything that sounds like a commitment.
Here's some stuff I've felt OK with:
I enjoyed speaking with you, as well, thanks for following up! - and I have some permutations of these that are less positive in cases where it really wasn't great speaking with the person (in fact I wanted that hour of my life back) - things like "it's always enlightening to get to meet new people".
Adding in more details about the follow up process - particularly if we did not have that conversation at the interview (frequently I let HR do it).
Answering any factual questions asked, or providing more info about a discussion point. My absolute favorite candidates are always people who prompted me to go do some research or thinking about the topics (this is like the top 10% people), and so I may mail back with - "you got me thinking about X, did you know about Y?" NOTE: These people are probably so awesome that I want to keep in touch, even if they don't come to work for me... networks are good!
Things I avoid:
- any positive or negative impressions that could later evoke some presumption on the candidate's part
- any feedback on the interview - I leave that to HR.
- any information about other candidates, or my opinions on the hiring process, or the relative urgency of filling the position.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:28
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
I hit this one too - I've stared at a blank page for up to 20 minutes thinking "geez, a simple "your welcome" should not be so hard!"
I agree that 2 out of 3 of your samples are too indicative. Sadly, in this day and age, it seems we have to be very careful at anything that sounds like a commitment.
Here's some stuff I've felt OK with:
I enjoyed speaking with you, as well, thanks for following up! - and I have some permutations of these that are less positive in cases where it really wasn't great speaking with the person (in fact I wanted that hour of my life back) - things like "it's always enlightening to get to meet new people".
Adding in more details about the follow up process - particularly if we did not have that conversation at the interview (frequently I let HR do it).
Answering any factual questions asked, or providing more info about a discussion point. My absolute favorite candidates are always people who prompted me to go do some research or thinking about the topics (this is like the top 10% people), and so I may mail back with - "you got me thinking about X, did you know about Y?" NOTE: These people are probably so awesome that I want to keep in touch, even if they don't come to work for me... networks are good!
Things I avoid:
- any positive or negative impressions that could later evoke some presumption on the candidate's part
- any feedback on the interview - I leave that to HR.
- any information about other candidates, or my opinions on the hiring process, or the relative urgency of filling the position.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:28
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:28
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:28
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
answered Apr 27 '12 at 14:28
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
70.4k4136277
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
Just to add one more approach for those who hit this problem in the future, in the end I just wrote a simple, neutral reply:
Dear
<person>:
Thank you for your note, I enjoyed meeting with you.
<my boss>will be getting in touch with you shortly regarding the position.
Be well,
<me>
answered Apr 30 '12 at 13:50
eykanal
8251818
What happens if the boss or hr doesn't contact the folks who weren't hired?
– RoboKaren
Sep 17 '16 at 7:48
1
Then you/your boss didn't do your job and deserve a spanking.
– eykanal
Sep 18 '16 at 15:29
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
Just to add one more approach for those who hit this problem in the future, in the end I just wrote a simple, neutral reply:
Dear
<person>:
Thank you for your note, I enjoyed meeting with you.
<my boss>will be getting in touch with you shortly regarding the position.
Be well,
<me>
answered Apr 30 '12 at 13:50
eykanal
8251818
What happens if the boss or hr doesn't contact the folks who weren't hired?
– RoboKaren
Sep 17 '16 at 7:48
1
Then you/your boss didn't do your job and deserve a spanking.
– eykanal
Sep 18 '16 at 15:29
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
up vote
6
down vote
Just to add one more approach for those who hit this problem in the future, in the end I just wrote a simple, neutral reply:
Dear
<person>:
Thank you for your note, I enjoyed meeting with you.
<my boss>will be getting in touch with you shortly regarding the position.
Be well,
<me>
answered Apr 30 '12 at 13:50
eykanal
8251818
Just to add one more approach for those who hit this problem in the future, in the end I just wrote a simple, neutral reply:
Dear
<person>:
Thank you for your note, I enjoyed meeting with you.
<my boss>will be getting in touch with you shortly regarding the position.
Be well,
<me>
answered Apr 30 '12 at 13:50
eykanal
8251818
answered Apr 30 '12 at 13:50
eykanal
8251818
answered Apr 30 '12 at 13:50
eykanal
8251818
answered Apr 30 '12 at 13:50
eykanal
8251818
8251818
What happens if the boss or hr doesn't contact the folks who weren't hired?
– RoboKaren
Sep 17 '16 at 7:48
1
Then you/your boss didn't do your job and deserve a spanking.
– eykanal
Sep 18 '16 at 15:29
add a comment |Â
What happens if the boss or hr doesn't contact the folks who weren't hired?
– RoboKaren
Sep 17 '16 at 7:48
1
Then you/your boss didn't do your job and deserve a spanking.
– eykanal
Sep 18 '16 at 15:29
What happens if the boss or hr doesn't contact the folks who weren't hired?
– RoboKaren
Sep 17 '16 at 7:48
What happens if the boss or hr doesn't contact the folks who weren't hired?
– RoboKaren
Sep 17 '16 at 7:48
1
1
Then you/your boss didn't do your job and deserve a spanking.
– eykanal
Sep 18 '16 at 15:29
Then you/your boss didn't do your job and deserve a spanking.
– eykanal
Sep 18 '16 at 15:29
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If the feedback is negative don't reply (Have HR tell him)
If the feed back is good, let him know you guys are interested.
It was a pleasure meeting you as well, Carol will be getting back you
shortly regarding next steps.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:25
Morons
3,03311015
I'm sorry, I didn't explain myself clearly... see the added text at the bottom of the question. I'm not the only one doing the interviewing, so I can't make this kind of statement.
– eykanal
Apr 27 '12 at 13:40
And then what do you do when an even better candidate comes through and snags that position?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Apr 30 '12 at 17:30
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If the feedback is negative don't reply (Have HR tell him)
If the feed back is good, let him know you guys are interested.
It was a pleasure meeting you as well, Carol will be getting back you
shortly regarding next steps.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:25
Morons
3,03311015
I'm sorry, I didn't explain myself clearly... see the added text at the bottom of the question. I'm not the only one doing the interviewing, so I can't make this kind of statement.
– eykanal
Apr 27 '12 at 13:40
And then what do you do when an even better candidate comes through and snags that position?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Apr 30 '12 at 17:30
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
If the feedback is negative don't reply (Have HR tell him)
If the feed back is good, let him know you guys are interested.
It was a pleasure meeting you as well, Carol will be getting back you
shortly regarding next steps.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:25
Morons
3,03311015
If the feedback is negative don't reply (Have HR tell him)
If the feed back is good, let him know you guys are interested.
It was a pleasure meeting you as well, Carol will be getting back you
shortly regarding next steps.
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:25
Morons
3,03311015
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:25
Morons
3,03311015
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:25
Morons
3,03311015
answered Apr 27 '12 at 13:25
Morons
3,03311015
3,03311015
I'm sorry, I didn't explain myself clearly... see the added text at the bottom of the question. I'm not the only one doing the interviewing, so I can't make this kind of statement.
– eykanal
Apr 27 '12 at 13:40
And then what do you do when an even better candidate comes through and snags that position?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Apr 30 '12 at 17:30
add a comment |Â
I'm sorry, I didn't explain myself clearly... see the added text at the bottom of the question. I'm not the only one doing the interviewing, so I can't make this kind of statement.
– eykanal
Apr 27 '12 at 13:40
And then what do you do when an even better candidate comes through and snags that position?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Apr 30 '12 at 17:30
I'm sorry, I didn't explain myself clearly... see the added text at the bottom of the question. I'm not the only one doing the interviewing, so I can't make this kind of statement.
– eykanal
Apr 27 '12 at 13:40
I'm sorry, I didn't explain myself clearly... see the added text at the bottom of the question. I'm not the only one doing the interviewing, so I can't make this kind of statement.
– eykanal
Apr 27 '12 at 13:40
And then what do you do when an even better candidate comes through and snags that position?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Apr 30 '12 at 17:30
And then what do you do when an even better candidate comes through and snags that position?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Apr 30 '12 at 17:30
add a comment |Â
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15
Why respond at all? I would note the good manners of the gesture and contact them when I have made my final decision.
– maple_shaft
Apr 27 '12 at 14:20
2
@eykanal - If you are not prepared to give them a personal response, when you make a decision, do not give them a response. They are sending you these emails as a means, to highlight their strengths, although your examples are likely from applicants unlikely to be choosen ( except the first one ). If you are not prepared to tell them the reason they were not choosen at the end of the process its best not to respond. I can tell you from personal experience that there is nothing more frustrating then getting a response from somebody I wanted to work with who simply says "You were not choosen"
– Ramhound
Apr 27 '12 at 15:17
2
But then, have you thought about how they should respond to your response?
– Andreas Bonini
Apr 27 '12 at 19:51
3
@albert: maple_shaft's answer was that he would contact the interviewee when the decision had been made. I agree with you that no response at all is just rude.
– Josef K
Apr 28 '12 at 13:10
meanwhile, in the real world... no response is frequent. It's wrong and it sucks. But it happens and it's happened to me after full day interview meetings too. Accept and move on.
– Michael Durrant
Aug 2 '12 at 3:18