On Thank You Notes…A Counter from the Job Seeker…

A Counter from the Job Seeker: Why you maybe don't need to write a thank you letter post interview after all…

The job market is the toughest it's been in years. It's rife with competitive talent, employers are demanding 3-5 days RTO, Recruiters are undercutting salaries and companies definitely have the advantage over job seekers. Let's face it - it's an employers' market out there.

Job searching is tough, and rejection stings even more when you've poured your energy into crafting a thoughtful thank you note, or pitch, or 30 60 90, or annual plan, or any sort of interview pre work — only to get silence in return. In our previous article, we asserted that the thank you note is crucial, but the reality doesn't always match the promise.

The Silent Treatment

According to LinkedIn, 94% of candidates expect feedback after an interview, but only 41% of employers actually provide it. It's frustrating when your effort feels ignored, and you're left wondering if anyone even saw your note. After multiple rounds of interviews, that lack of response can feel even more disheartening. In fact, Forbes reports that 56% of job seekers have been ghosted by employers after interviews. You send your follow-up, hoping for closure, and instead, you get silence.

One-Sided Communication

We're often expected to remain courteous and professional throughout the process, but many employers don't reciprocate. A Jobvite survey found that 58% of candidates felt disrespected due to poor communication during hiring. It feels like a one-sided exchange—where you put in the effort, and the employer gives nothing back.

Does It Even Make a Difference?

Research from Harvard Business Review shows that only about one quarter of hiring managers say a thank you note influences their decision. So, while writing a thank you is seen as essential, the impact on hiring outcomes might be minimal.

Burnout Is Real

Constantly writing thank you notes, outreach, projects, networking, and applying for roles to  no response can wear you down. It's no surprise that job seekers feel discouraged by the process. You start to question the value of continuing, especially when so much effort seems to go unnoticed. You're not alone.

What Matters Most

Here's the takeaway: Your worth isn't defined by whether you get a response to your thank you note. If sending one feels like too much after a draining interview process, it's okay to give yourself a break. Focus on what really matters—your skills, your resilience, and finding the right fit. And if the company doesn't hire you because you didn't have the bandwidth to craft a witty, personable, relevant thank you note, then maybe they're not the fit for you.

Hang in there. You've got this.

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