Manners Still Matter in Advancing Your AEC Career

Most AEC-industry job candidates think that their interview ends after the last handshake with the interviewers. You still have one last chance to make a great impression – your thank-you note.

Thank-you notes are a valuable tool for you to make an impact on hiring influences and interviewers. Don’t assume that they are outdated. A thoughtful, well-written thank-you note can give you the bump past your competition for the position. It conveys the level of your interest: that you took the time to sit down and express your gratitude for being considered and show your desire to proceed with the process.

Immediacy is key. Thank-you notes should be emailed within 24 hours. Hand-written notes are still appreciated, and you can send one in addition to an email. But timing is everything, and nothing is faster than an email. You want the interviewers to have your meeting fresh in their minds. When interviewing, make sure you collect a business card from each person in the room so you have their full contact information before you leave.

Thank-you notes should be concise, and never generic. If you have met with more than one person, be sure to individualize each note: you never know if the interviewers will compare notes! Include details from your meeting – particular characteristics of the job that you discussed and how your experience makes you the most qualified professional for the role. The best thank-you notes succinctly and seamlessly tie responsibilities discussed in the meeting directly to your own experience. This is usually the first exposure your potential future employers will have to your writing. Be clear, sell yourself, and be sure to thank your interviewers for taking the time to meet with you.

Although first impressions may be the most important, the last impression could be what takes you across the finish line.

NO-OBLIGATION CONFIDENTIAL CAREER CONSULT

For a free, 100% confidential, no-obligation consultation about your AEC career with a Design Force career counselor, please email us at:  careers@designforcesolutions.com (SUBJECT: CAREER CONSULT/BDCblog) with Your Name, Current Title/Position, Current Employer, CITY/STATE, Private Phone Number, and Private Email Address. Be sure to use a non-work-related email account to ensure confidentiality. Please let us know your preferred method of contact: home phone, text, or private email. We will respond within 48 hours.