How physicians can write the perfect job interview thank you note

If you’ve interviewed for a position, sending the employer a simple thank you note can set you apart from the other candidates says Tommy Bohannon, divisional vice president for Merritt Hawkins.

“So many of the hiring decisions are based upon personality type issues,” says Bohannon. “For any given job there a thousands of doctors that are medically qualified to take the job But many more clients are more willing to hire the candidate that fits in with their culture and their vision for their practice.”

Bohannon recommends candidates follow this advice:

• Be specific – Reference specific people you met and information you gathered from the interview.

• Reference the next step – Use the letter to sound positive and forward thinking. Bohannon recommends that you write, “I look forward to working with you” or “I look forward to receiving your offer letter. If the position requires a second interview write, “I look forward to meeting with you again soon.

• Use proper grammar and double-check your spelling.

But in the age of digital technology, should physicians still use pen and paper to send a thank you? Bohannon says it depends on the candidate.

“That actual delivered in the mail letter goes a long way,” he says. “But with that, you’re sacrificing immediacy. If you do use email, I recommend sending individual emails, rather than a generic group email. As long as it’s well written, I don’t think the medium matters as much.”

Even if you’re not interested in the position, send the employer a thank you note anyway, says Bohannon.

“It’s just as important to send one just to thank people for their time, even if you don’t intend to pursue the opportunity,” he says. “You never know what will happen in the future.”