There is one little practice that is vital to generating the interest of potential employers. It is critical, but very few job seekers actually do it.

What is it? The THANK YOU NOTE!

Interview experts agree that EVERY job hunter MUST send thank-you notes after EVERY interview. They also point out that most people completely ignore this bit of wisdom.

In order to have a huge advantage over the other candidates for the job you want, send thank-you notes to EVERYONE you meet the day of the interview--administrative assistants, managers, interviewers, people you met who already do the job you are targeting, and so on.

One of my resume clients (let's call him Mike) is a Certified Arborist and Tree Care Professional in the San Diego area. His goal is to move into the consulting arena.

Very soon after speaking on the phone with the owner of a prominent tree care company, Mike mailed a brief note thanking the owner for his time and consideration. Within a week, the owner called Mike and offered him an informal mentoring arrangement to help Mike learn more about the consulting side of tree care.

Mike decided to pass on the offer and continue his job search, and he recently landed a very nice position. He sent me an e-mail about his recent job-hunting activities saying, "...and just so you know, the thank-you letter has got to be the block that keeps the door open. I sent out three letters and subsequently got three offers."

If you're not convinced yet, the following reasons outline the significance of sending thank-you notes:

1. Sending a thank-you note demonstrates that you are good with people. You employ the most basic of people skills--a show of gratitude.

2. It helps companies remember you after the interview. You can restate your interest in the position, especially if the interview went well.

3. You can use the thank-you note to summarize a few of the main points discussed at the interview. You can also add anything you forgot to tell them.

4. It has the potential to increase your affinity with those who have the authority to hire you.

5. It shows that you are serious about your career design.

6. It indicates that you are organized and on top of details.

7. It demonstrates that you went out of your way to show interest in the company and/or position.

8. If they decide not to consider you for the position, perhaps they know of another opportunity that suits you. You can mention this in the thank-you note, asking them to keep you in mind.

The post-interview thank-you note doesn