When describing your job on a resumé, do you use the -ing form of the word, the present tense or the past tense?

It should be 1st person simple present. The easy way for candidates to remember this is for them to remember the invisible "I" before each bullet point... [I] Manage quality improvement processes; [I] Oversee day-to-day operations of office, etc. That invisible "I" seems to be understood by candidates when they write in the past tense for older positions but for some reason they often seem confused when writing in the present tense. The same rules apply: the proper tenses are simple present tense and simple past tense. Employers know job descriptions.They don't know what their candidates accomplished in the job. 

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Why should you send a follow-up "Thank You" letter?

Follow-up by phone & email. I am of the mind that a Thank You letter should be hand-delivered whenever possible. If not hand delivered, perhaps couriered over the next day, no later.

Delivering the letter in person, dressed appropriately of course, shows a keen and sincere interest, as well as giving the opportunity to 'be seen' once more, & provides one with a chance to observe the work environment 'in action'.

Also, a 'hand written' thank you has a very powerful and memorable impact vs. an email. Personally I always hand write a Thank you for a in-person interview, and email one for a telephone interview.
Take a control position once you nail the interview and keep in mind that 'inter-viewing' is always a 'two-way street'.

A thank you letter is like breathing to me, it is a common professional courtesy, and another marketing tool for you to shine with your writing abilities, and keen interest in the position.

When you do receive the dreaded 'merge reject letter', I would suggest, (depending on the level of the position and what transpired during the course of the interview in terms of 'rapport' building),

* ask the interviewer direct questions as to why you were not chosen, and

* 'ask for a referral' to any firm or professional they know that may need someone with your particular skill sets & personality profile. At the very least, 'keep me in mind'.....

Remember, THEY contacted YOU for an interview - obviously you did something right to make that happen - they were impressed enough with you on paper - why wouldn't another firm be.....

Sending a thank you note after your interview is a very important step in your job search.

Job seekers should always send thank-you notes, even if they felt the interview was less than a positive experience. It may turn out that the job seeker was not a good fit for that particular job, but could remain in the mix for something else. Sending a thank-you note and keeping the contact is important for that reason and others.

You got a business card from the interviewer and know their name. Mail should get to them, standard business procedures. They may not have the final say, but the thank you will be noticed (it's such a rarity). Even if they say we will call you, you should ask, could I call you next week to follow up and answer any other questions you may have? The point is to show genuine interest in the company, as well as the position in which you are applying for. Its amazing how far a little courtesy and interest can go. When you do a follow up call, you can ask (even if you are not selected) could I call you in a month or so, just to see how things are going and if there are any new opportunities of interest. The candidate hired might not last through the probation period. You're suddenly the new #1 candidate.

Sending a thank you note after your interview is a very important step in your job search.

Definitely after the interview. I suggest to my clients, they get some inexpensive thank you cards(3x5), after the interview, go for a coffee, make some notes on what happened in the interview, then write up the thank you with specific points, and offer to further answer any questions they may have. After an hour, drop it off with the receptionist or mail immediately.

Detailed notes during the interview. What is wrong? - poor memory, inattentive, antisocial, lawsuit ....its an interview, not a university lecture. Making a point or 2 on paper, to come back to near the end of the interview I am fine with. Detailed notes, I would really wonder if you are the right candidate.

Sending a thank you note........

Sending a thank you note after your interview is a very important step in your job search.

I always tell my clients, "If you don't want the job, don't send a thank you note." I go on to explain that you only do this after an interview. If you send it before the interview it's like going on a date with your condom already on.