hmmm...this is interesting and it could work out in the future

Actually I did this with my current job. I had a marathon of interviews for differetn positions and when it came down to it they decided not to give me the position I really wanted. I decided to write a thank you note and ask for pointers on how to improve my interview for the next time and the response I got was would you like this position instead. I took it and now I have a job that's fun even if it's not what I was in for in the first place. i was afraid of seeming desperate at first but then I figured they already said no once and it couldn't hurt to go out gracefully.

Wow bransugar79 — way to be proactive! I'm glad things worked out for you.

Not a bad idea at all! I always make it a point to send thank you cards after being interviewed. This is another step I never thought about before. Great to know for the future!

I love this idea. Plus, I think getting a thank you note will brighten up anybody's day.

This is especially useful if you're an industry where everybody knows each other. In Texas, in the music education business, there is a LOT of networking. Band directors at one school will consult their friends at another school about their possible hires. Making a good impression on one person can go all the way across the state.

Well hmm, I voted "no" because I thought it might be kind of insincere and desperate, but after seeing that the majority voted yes, and reading some of these comments I think it might be a good idea.

I would only do it if I felt somewhat comfortable during the interview, and if it seemed appropriate. There might be a difference between being a final candidate for a job and being told at the interview that "you aren't a good fit for our company." Thought, that is kind of harsh...

I think as long as you have something to thank them for, it is a good idea!

Wow, do people actually get some kind of notification for "you're not hired"? Usually with employers who aren't hiring me, I never hear from them again after the interview and that's the end of it. "We'll let you know our decision" is to business what "I'll call you" is to dating.

If I did get a notification I guess I'd thank them for bothering to give a notification.

in the fashion industry, you don't get a "sorry, we picked someone else" phone call/email/ letter. you just never hear from them.

i think sending a thank you letter/email after an interview is just fine.

otherwise, you look fake and desperado. hey, the fashion industry is full of fake people, but their are rules to the fakeness (lol).

If someone takes the time to interview me, I immediately mail them a personal thank you note after the interview with no expectations of getting the job. It's what I was taught by my dad. Carry a couple of nice thank you notes or pieces of stationary with you to an interview. have them stamped and ready to mail. Grab business cards for each person who takes the time to interview you and as soon as you walk out of the door find a cafe or quiet clean place - write a brief personal thank you note to each person. Address the envelopes to each person and drop them in a mailbox.

I have actually had an employer call me after an interview to say "sorry you didn't get the job". Then a few weeks pass and I get a call "the other person didn't work out would you still be interested in the position?" When I have taken those positions I have been told it was because they did receive my snail mail thank you note and it kept my name in their minds. It made them question their choice. Cool.

It's worked for my friends too. That's how my friend got his job at Louis Vuitton. A thank you on nice stationary while the either applicant did nothing.

Wow thanks for the tip, I wouldn't have thought of it but it sounds like a really good idea.

And at this point I've applied to so many jobs and didn't get any reply, so I'm ready to send flowers to the first person who has the politeness so actually said 'no thanks'.

I would still send the note and thank them for interviewing me.

Never really thought of this.

But I have to agree with looseseal on what some employers do, the whole not calling the person, I think is a tad rude. I mean there's no good way to tell the person you didn't get it but if you're in the field of HR you should be able to be professional enough to do so.

I always send Thank Yous after interviews, but like Loose, rarely to I hear back about not getting the job. I've had so many interviews in the last 2 years, at least over 20, and not once did they call to say they selected someone else. I think maybe 2 times I got a letter. I'm not asking for the world! But I think its very rude to not give someone a definite answer either way.

I did not learn about thank yous after interviews until after a couple of interviews and talking to different people about the interview process. I now know that thank yous are essential. I think you can also send a thank you email vs. a hand written note depending on the culture of the company you are interviewing for.

I said no because each case is different. I have arrived at an interview and knew almost at once the company was not for me.

Yeah, I sometimes wonder if sending a 'thank you' note at all makes a difference. Regardless, it couldn't hurt.

Always, always, always send the thank-you note! So many people don't bother.

Fuk that if I didn't get the job, I don't want to here from you ever again period. Costco sent me a post card wishing me well. f*ck outta here. I don't want your well wishes b*tch.