When a client recently interviewed with more than 20 people, even I wondered – is it overkill to send a separate thank you note to EVERYONE?

I didn’t have a clear answer, so I went to my “brain trust” – The National Resume Writers’ Association’s e-list. I posted this question and several of my generous colleagues responded with their insights. While no one thought it wasn’t necessary to send a thank you to all, some suggested sending it just to the highest-level person and referencing the others in their department.

Still, the consensus was that there is no risk, but a potential for high reward when you send a thank you to everyone who took the time to interview you. Yes, it can be time consuming. Yet, more than just being a polite thing to do, there are additional reasons why it’s worth your time:

• EVERYONE has a say in your candidacy. While not everyone is an official decision maker, it’s not unusual to consider the opinions of people across all levels when deciding who to hire. All things being equal between two candidates, the one universally liked will have the edge.
• You quickly add to your network. If you don’t get the job, 20+ people will remember you positively, and all have contacts outside the organization. They’ll be more likely to connect with you on LinkedIn and refer you to others.
• You create an instant bond with future colleagues – vital to a new manager, but also beneficial to peers. The thank yous during the hiring process can make your job easier when you’re in the new role.
• Those who send thank you notes are more likely to get the offer than those who don’t. Enough said.

No one is saying it’s fun, quick, or easy to write multiple thank you notes. But considering all the benefits that can come from this relatively simple gesture, isn’t it worth it?