Sending a thank you card after a job interview is considered a "must do" by virtually all career experts. Not only is it a polite gesture, but many employers today have come to expect a thank you card after a job interview so you don't want to let not sending one hamper your chances of landing the job you want. Still, as with many aspects of careers and jobs, there is a right way and a wrong way to send a job interviewer a thank you card. To keep you on the right career path, here's a quick who, what, where, when, why and how guide to sending a thank you card after a job interview:

1. WHO -- Panel interviewing in which you're interviewed by more than one person is becoming more common in today's business world. You may have to do some brainstorming about exactly who should receive your thank you card after a job interview. The basic rule is to give one to each interviewer. Always be both sincere and professional in all of your business communication, including your thank you cards.

2. WHAT -- Both email and hand written thank you cards are widely acceptable in today's business world. While you're at the interview, try to get a feeling for how formal the company seems to be to help you send the right type of thank you card after a job interview. Once you've figured that out and you're stuck on what to say, try to find something about the interview you genuinely appreciated. For example, if one of the interviewers asked for one of the work samples you brought along and you felt this helped your chances you could thank that person for asking for your sample. Don't overdo it, always be sincere and be sure that both the card you choose and what you say are professional.

3. WHERE -- You should think ahead about how and where you'll send the thank you card after a job interview. If you've decided that an email thank you is best, be sure that you'll have the proper email address. You can usually get the information you need from the receptionist. Always speak to the receptionist in a friendly and polite manner. If you get the job you’ll be communicating with her as well.

4. WHEN -- It's extremely important to send your thank you card as soon after the interview as possible. The day after the interview is usually best. If you wait too long to send a thank you card after a job interview it could give the impression that you're not prompt in your follow through. Also, you want to remain fresh in the interviewer's mind as there may be many candidates and your goal is to be remembered favorably.

5. WHY -- There are many different reasons for sending a thank you card after a job interview. For example, after the first interview, it's perfectly fine to ask for a second interview in your card. Usually though, a thank you card after a job interview is sent to genuinely thank the interviewer for his or her time. You can say you enjoyed the interview and express your further interest in the position. This way, the employer knows you're still interested.

6. HOW -- How your thank you card looks in terms of spelling and grammar is just as important as its sincere professional content. Check it yourself several times and have someone else check it over if possible. Be sure the interviewer's name and title are presented correctly and that the thank you card you send after a job interview fits in with the company you hope to work for. Above all, never babble and remember that sincere courtesy and thoughtful appreciation can go a long way in today's business world!