Excelle

You just finished your interview -- and you did great! You know you're supposed to send a thank you note, but what medium should you choose? Handwritten or by email? On the one hand, a handwritten note makes you look conscientious, like you really want the job and are willing to go the extra mile. But an email will get there quicker, be more current and will allow you to ink to your LinkedIn profile (or anything else you want to highlight).

What should you do? What do employers prefer? Does it even matter which you choose?

I feel a postal thank you note is a better option.  not only more personal, but a chance to stand out a little bit more...

 While a handwritten note is nicer, I am finding that in today's competitive landscape, time is of the essence. You want to keep yourself in the interviewers' minds. So I would send email the thank-you note that day or at the latest, the next day. Oftentimes, they are already calling people back for the next round of interviews so there really isn't time to waste on snail mail.

In addition, if you haven't heard back in a week, I like to send a follow-up email with some relevant piece of information that relates to something you talked about in the interview -- again keeps you fresh in their minds. For instance, if you interviewed for a finance job and you talked about managing risk in a portfolio, then I might send an article on this topic from a reputable source like Wall Street Journal online or Barrons.

I do both! An email immediately after, and I have a pre-made out card with space for something more personal from the interview. Often, if it's one of those all-day interview marathons many companies like to put you through, only certain people will get the fancy paper thank-yous. Oddly enough, I prefer getting emails when I'm the one hiring :P

I would send both an email (a real email, not an attachment to a generic email) and a mailed thank-you letter right after the interview.   I prefer sending a typed thank-you letter because it's more businesslike and professional.  Typed letters are also easier to read, and show the interviewer you are serious about the position. 

I send an email. Then I follow it up with a handwritten "thank you". While they are both professional, the handwritten one is more personal and shows you have no problem going the extra mile and taking the extra effort.

What's the harm in doing both! The email gets there quickly and a followup postcard shows prolonged interest.  I did both and was pleasantly surprised with my feedback.  Everything positive helps.