Recruiter claims ‘thank you emails’ after interviews make all the difference, sparks debate

Getting a job isn’t easy and the hiring process itself is a journey. Founder of “Home From College,” Julia Haber helps Gen Z get hired and provides career advice through her TikTok account @julia.haber for the same reason. However, one piece of advice of hers has ignited a debate about the hoops applicants have to jump through to get a job.

In a video that’s been viewed over 350k times, Haber says that sending a thank-you email after an interview may help you secure a position. “I just interviewed a recent grad for a full-time role and her thank-you note alone would be a reason to hire her,” she says in the clip captioned “This email will get you hired.”

Haber then explains why this gesture could improve a candidate’s chances of landing a job. “She thoughtfully explains how she understands our business, took a theme of our conversation, and elaborated on an idea that she could bring to the table,” she says. The recruiter then goes on to add that the interviewee showed her worth by providing “tangible value” to her potential employer. This idea, however, did not sit right with her followers. Viewers were not sold on having to write a full-page letter and doing extra work after already sitting through an interview.

“We are giving companies way too much audacity with this bs. Any company that hires one candidate over another because of this is a red flag,” claimed @robbietonos373. “She also just worked for free,” pointed out @mandymoore444. “Creating tangible value for a team that won’t hire or compensate you for your ideas… I understand the drive needed but also protect your labor,” suggested @standalonemistake.

Although not a full-page letter, some people don’t mind sending in a courteous thank-you email to remind companies of their existence. “I mean good for her! I sent a thank you email on Monday but kept it short and simple. It’s already a lot applying and interviewing for jobs,” commented @madiwan_.

In case you decide not to go through this extravagant interviewing process, you could always look out for jobs with unique eligibility requirements. For example, Blackpool Zoo was hiring human seagull deterrents to frighten off the birds as they proved to be a nuisance. The popular tourist spot in Lancashire advertised the job openings after the birds had been continuously stealing food from visitors as well as animal enclosures. The selected candidates would join the “visitor services” team as “seagull deterrents,” the advert said.

Those taking on the job would have to be “outgoing” and “comfortable wearing a bird costume,” the job listing added. It further said, “At Blackpool Zoo, it goes without saying that we love all animals. And as a seaside resort, Blackpool is not short of seagulls. However, the seagulls are proving to be a bit of a nuisance when it comes to trying to steal food from our visitors and our animal enclosures. We need to do what we can to keep the seagulls away from our main visitor dining areas. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, email your cover letter to us.”