Post interview procedure

[augmel]

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So I have finished some interviews and I'm trying to figure out what is proper for thank-yous. Are people doing hand-written notes or emails or letters? And more importantly, are you sending them to everyone you interviewed with? I have interviewed with between 7 and 13 people at each place, some of whom I hit it off with and others I definitely didn't. I have been thinking I'd just write the fellowship director, the division chief, and the 2-4 people that I hit it off with and have potential for working with for research. What do you all think?

 

[adam6]

I'd definitely say that handwritten notes are the way to go -- much classier. I've been on a recruitment committee and emails just don't go over very well...
As for the number - I bet you'll be fine with your proposed plan. I was pretty uptight so I wrote notes to everyone (and their grandmothers ^_^).

 

[Heliox]

My PD suggested typed and signed thank you notes. What do you think? Are you writing out the entire letter? Wondering which is best!

 

[augmel]

Thanks for the suggestions, thank-you notes do seem classier. I too have considered the personalized but typed letters as my handwriting makes me look like a parkinsonian first-grader. Anyone else have thoughts?

 

[joti]

I would like to differ little bit. There are different schools of thought about this which is the best. I am also in the recruitment committee and talked to my PD about this.

Hand written are classy, but they are easy to miss in the bundles of papers in the office. Guess what no body keep a file of thank you cards!!!!!!! I dont know where are the thank you letters I got in the thank you letter card.

Emails are stronger because it can be easily retrieved from the inbox. If you are concerned about the old-school PDs go for typed and signed letter as well.

What you guys think about this?

 

[adam6]

We actually DO keep "Thank you" notes in the files ^_^
I guess we're old school that way.
Guess you can argue both sides. Unfortunately, it can just come down to the personal preference of the person on the receiving end of the note...bummer. For me, I just get didn't like it when candidates sent emails - they seemed so "easy" and informal. In addition, there is such a lack of "email etiquette"! Some candidates wrote notes that said, "Hi [program director's FIRST name]...etc etc"
If you're going to email, at least be formal about it 🙂

I'm runnin' out o' pennies what with all these 2 cents I keep adding ha ha