Honestly, it's nice when people do, and does add to their favorable impression. But it's not a big deal to me either way - you don't get a black mark.

Oh, and email is more than sufficient. Handwritten thank yous make me raise my eyebrows a little bit.

What's involved in "overservicing"?

In this context I'd guess unnecessary tests and/or medications.

We debate email v. handwritten here every time we hire someone. But our jobs are a little more formal than most, I think, and more paper-oriented, for sure.

I think a hand-written note might be nice for a high level job, and one of those interviews where you're there all day and have lunch and blah blah, but for anything else I think email would be okay. I'm amazed I remembered to do it.

I have a colleague - not an applicant! - who is in the habit of handwritten thank you notes. Like, I mentioned to her that we were having a potluck in our group (which she had been hoping to join) and that she should stop by if she was around. She didn't make the potluck but I got a fancy engraved cardstock thank you via interoffice mail the next day.

Don't even TALK about handwritten thank-yous. I have a pile just staring at me, for the wedding. And since I'm still technically unemployed (the AMA job doesn't start until mid-October), I have no problem writing them all, since Tim is working.

It's just a daunting pile. But I'd like to get them done before we leave for the honeymoon.

Just do it! They don't have to be well-written.

Steph, the only way to get them done (for me anyway) is do five at a time. Five today, five tomorrow, five the next day, etc. Or three! Just pick a number.

Just do it! They don't have to be well-written.

"Dear Wedding Guest,
"You rock. We appreciate it."

Seriously, just say "We appreciate the XX" for non-cash gifts, and you're done.