“Dear Steve,
I send thank you notes after an interview but I have been told that thank you notes are a waste of time, and that the best qualified candidate always gets the job, thank you note or no thank you note. Should I send them?”
Frankly, I have spoken with many interviewers who said that they attach little significance to these notes, and that the notes will not affect their decision. On the other hand, I have spoken with others who feel that this extra detail is indicative of a more thorough person, one who is willing to go the extra mile. Since you have nothing to lose and much to gain, I encourage you to send a short note. And for additional impact, make it a “value-added” note by attaching or including some pertinent information you found on the Internet that the interviewer will find interesting and useful. (Also send a note to networking contacts who help you in your job search.)