In a profession built on precision, timeliness, and communication (traits essential in both accounting and finance), there’s one small action post-interview that continues to make a big difference: the thank you note.
We know what you might be thinking: Do hiring managers still care? Isn’t that kind of old-school? But as it turns out, skipping a thank you note might mean missing a valuable opportunity to reinforce your interest and professionalism, especially in industries where trust, accuracy, and attention to detail are everything.
What the Numbers Say
Our team recently ran a poll on LinkedIn to see where professionals stood on the topic:
Do you think sending a thank you note after an interview is still important?
Very important: 66.95%
Not important: 8.91%
Do people still do this?: 24.14%
Why Thank You Notes Still Matter in Accounting & Finance
In today’s highly competitive job market, a simple gesture like this can set you apart from candidates with equal or even stronger technical experience. In fact, recent survey found that 57% of job seekers don’t send thank-you notes at all¹, which means simply taking this small step already puts you ahead of more than half the competition. In a field where professionalism and follow-through matter, that’s a clear edge.
1. It Signals Professional Courtesy and Maturity
Finance and accounting professionals are often expected to interact with clients, auditors, and cross-functional stakeholders. A prompt, well-crafted thank you note shows you not only understand professional norms but also embrace them. In fact, a recent survey found that 57% of job seekers fail to send thank-you notes after an interview.
2. It Shows You’re Detail-Oriented (Which They’re Definitely Watching For)
In this field, overlooking a decimal point can have serious consequences. A thank you note free of typos, personalized with a reference to the conversation, and clearly structured sends a quiet but powerful message: You’re the kind of candidate who catches the small stuff.
3. It Reinforces Your Fit, in Your Own Words
Think of it as your second chance to make a first impression. Maybe you didn’t get to fully explain how you cut month-end close time by 30%, or how you improved data integrity by automating reconciliations. A thank you note lets you reinforce that you’re a proactive communicator and a problem-solver, both key traits hiring managers value in this field.
What Should a Good Thank You Note Include?
No need to overcomplicate it, but a rushed or generic note won’t help much. Aim for thoughtful, not lengthy.
- A personalized greeting: Always use the interviewer’s name (and double-check the spelling).
- Specific thanks: Acknowledge their time and the role you discussed.
- A relevant reference: Mention something memorable from the conversation: a shared interest, a key initiative, or a challenge the company is facing.
- A brief connection to your experience: Reinforce why you’re a strong match for the role.
- An open door: Offer to provide any additional information or references, as well as clarifying next steps.
Who Should You Send It To?
If you interviewed with multiple people, you should send individual notes to each person. These don’t need to be drastically different, but they should be personalized enough to reflect what you talked about with each person.
Don’t have their emails? Your recruiter can help. It’s perfectly appropriate to ask for contact information or even guidance on tone and formality, especially if you’re navigating a corporate culture you’re not yet familiar with.
Final Thought
We get it. After multiple rounds of interviews, technical screens, and panel discussions, a thank you note can feel like one more thing. But in accounting and finance, where hiring decisions often hinge on subtle cues of professionalism, follow-through, and precision, it’s one of the simplest, smartest ways to stand out.
So if you’re wondering whether thank you notes are still worth it, here’s the short answer: yes, especially when done well.
And if you’re unsure what to say or how to strike the right tone? Ask your recruiter. We’re here to help guide you through the details that make a difference! Contact us HERE if you’re interviewing, exploring new roles, or just want to be ready when the right one comes along.
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