I went to a panel interview today for an elementary teacher assistant position. We were told that they were making their decision tonight or tomorrow morning. Should I bother sending thank you's?
I would. You can send by email if you have the addresses. That way you will get them there sooner. But if not, still send thank-you's. Shows good manners and initiative!
Even if they are making the decision quickly you should send a letter. In this case an e-mail. Plus you never know if they select someone else and that person takes another job offer your letter/e-mail may come in handy.
YES! I usually send a thank you e-mail within 24 hours. If you don't know all the names of the teachers on the panel, I would send an e-mail to the office secretary requesting that she please forward it to those on the panel and thanking her for taking the time in assisting you with this. The next day I would get some nice thank you cards (professional looking) and hand write a thank you note to each of them individually mailed. At my first job, I actually saw these thank you e-mails and cards kept in my folder. So I know that at least some principals and staff take them to heart.
Yes. Even if they don't choose you, you will leave a good impression and maybe they'll remember you the next time they have an opening.
