TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
"Condescending and ingratiating"? I'm not sure why. When a waiter serves my
food, I say thank you. When my father offers advice, I say thank you. When
my daughter does her chores, I say thank you. When a doctor fixes my broken
arm, I say thank you . . ..
"Condescending and ingratiating"? You are thanking the interviewer for their
consideration, time, and the opportunity you've been given. You are also
trying to leave an impression . . . although, apparently, some see the
thank-you as a bad thing ?????
The interviewer may be doing their job, but their job does not require
consideration be given to specific candidates. Also, they may not be doing
their job. For example, as a technical writer I have interviewed many
candidates for jobs where I have worked. Being an interviewer was not in my
job description.
It is strange that polite, professional, and courteous acknowledgement is
viewed as "Condescending and ingratiating."
Oh well . . . methinks you boss is . . . strange.
Sean
sean -at- quodata -dot- com
>>>-----Original Message-----
>>>From: Allard, Patricia [mailto:Patricia_Allard -at- TVRATINGS -dot- COM]
>>>Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 1999 11:06 AM
>>>To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
>>>Subject: Re: Interview Etiquette
>>>
>>>
>>>I just can't resist replying to this one! I always wrote
>>>thank-you notes
>>>immediately following an interview until I was hired by a
>>>boss that said
>>>"Never write a thank-you note for an interview. You are thanking the
>>>interviewer for doing their job and it is condescending and
>>>ingratiating."
>>>
>>>I'm not quite sure how she found it condescending, but I
>>>learned a valuable
>>>lesson. She nearly didn't hire me based on that factor and
>>>it turned out to
>>>be a great job and a great experience. Just in case there are other
>>>prospective employers out there who are highly offended by
>>>thank-notes, I
>>>have chosen not to write them. Maybe others have had the same
>>>experience.....or maybe you just can't win!
>>>
>>>Pat Allard
>>>