Career Advice: Sending a Business Thank You Gift

It?s a given that you should always send a heartfelt thank you note after an interview, but it?s also possible to express a little too much gratitude. When I was talking with ConAgra recruiter JoDee Klinker a few months ago, she mentioned that she received a bouquet of flowers from a candidate after an interview. Klinker said the candidate went ?above and beyond any expectation.? But it made me wonder: Should you shower your interviewer in gifts?

A quick Google search reveals it?s not all that uncommon for candidates to follow up with tokens of their appreciation. I found stories of interviewees sending flowers, chocolates, gift baskets, and even a 25-pound box of Omaha steaks.

But before you dial up Edible Arrangements, consider what kind of message sending a gift after an interview conveys. For one, it?s pretty aggressive?the gift may be seen as a bribe to consider your candidacy over other applicants. It?s also a little desperate. If you?re an impressive candidate, you shouldn?t need to woo anyone with gifts.

Finally, it?s inappropriate. Following up with flowers after a date is smooth, but not after an interview. Flowers, chocolates, cookies, and many other gifts have romantic associations, which can provide fodder for the office rumor mill if you?re a female sending to a male and vice versa.

So what is the best way to follow up? By and far, recruiters I?ve talked to say a thank you email gets the job done. Through an email you can express your appreciation, establish a direct connection after the interview, and provide the opportunity for them to respond with follow-up questions or thoughts.

This post was previously published on WetFeet.com and has been reprinted with permission. WetFeet provides career advice through our magazine, insider guide series, and website (WetFeet.com). Our mission is to equip job seekers with the advice, research, and inspiration to plan and achieve a successful career.

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