Eighty-eight percent of executives said they consider a post-interview thank-you note influential when evaluating candidates, a slight increase from when executives were asked this same question five years ago (86 percent in 2002).

But only half (51 percent) of the candidates they interview send thank-you notes afterward, compared with 39 percent five years ago, the executives said.

"Regardless of how someone believes he or she performed during the interview, sending a short thank-you note afterward demonstrates initiative and courtesy," said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps. "Conveying appreciation in a well-written message is not only polite, it also can distinguish a job applicant from others vying for the same position."

When asked how they prefer to receive thank-you messages from candidates following interviews, 52 percent said they prefer a handwritten note, 44 percent prefer email, and 3 percent prefer to receive both.

Messmer said the best strategy often is to send an e-mail shortly after the interview, followed by more formal correspondence. "Email ensures immediacy, but hiring managers still favor the personal touch of a handwritten note," he said.

The national poll included responses from 150 senior executives -- including those from human resources, finance and marketing departments -- with the nation's 1,000 largest companies.  few paragraphs in length and accomplish three objectives: Express your appreciation for the opportunity; reinforce your interest in the job; and restate the value you can bring to the organization.