Thank You Letter After Unsuccessful Application Best Problem Solving Techniques

Recruiters will notice these right away, and it won't do you any good.

After you send your email, keep an eye on your inbox.

As with your resume and cover letter, customize your thank-you note.

If you met with multiple people, send one note to each person, if you have his or her contact information. "There are times when the candidate has a terrible first round, usually due to nerves," Smith said.

"But they took the time to write a sincere and well-considered note explaining their interest in the role and how their experience makes them uniquely qualified." Other times, Smith notes, there are phone screens instead of in-person interviews, and those who write a thank-you note are automatically invited back for an in-person interview. "I got my college internship at The Detroit News because I handwrote a thank-you note," Sutherland said. One day in the newsroom that summer, the editor told me I was the only one who wrote a thank-you." Augustine noted that sending a thank-you note doesn't automatically increase your chances of getting the job; however, dismissing this bit of post-interview etiquette might decrease your chances of receiving an offer.

"I prefer handwritten notes," said Rachel Sutherland, founder of Rachel Sutherland Communications.

"Everyone loves getting mail, especially something you're not expecting.

"Sending a personalized thank-you note is exactly that – personal," said Rebecca Kiki Weingarten, career transition coach and co-founder/education director at RWRNetwork.