One of the topics I’m often asked about is personal brand. And, part of your personal brand comes across in the way that you say thank you.

After you interview for a new job, it’s always a good idea to say thanks. We can all agree on this idea. But how do exactly do you do it? What’s the best way to say thank you, and what are you saying thank you for?

Think of yourself as a salesperson. You’re selling your services. The company and the hiring manager are your customer.

You might say, “I really put a lot of work into the interview. It was not easy on me at all.” I hear you, and I don’t disagree with you. But the hiring manager is still the customer, and they will ultimately make the decision on whether or not you’re hired. With that in mind, saying thanks is critical.

Send a thank you email the afternoon after your interview. They might make a decision quickly, so the email ensures your message will get there in time. If you want to really stand out, and you already know the address of the company, consider writing a hand-written note. In all likelihood, you will be the only candidate who sent a handwritten note.

Each thank you message should be personal and sent to just one person. Ideally, send one to each person who interviewed you along the way.

The note itself should be brief. You want to thank the person for interviewing you and, if possible, mention something from your conversation. Be positive. If you are afraid the interview went badly, this isn’t the time to bring it up. The most important thing is to say thanks.

I’m often asked if it is “really that important to send a thank you email after a job interview?” The answer is yes. Hiring decisions are made by people. People hire people. And, they hire people who they like. The more that you can remember this, the more you’ll increase your odds at landing a job offer.

While you’re interviewing, there’s another important group to remember. If you’re interviewing for a job, I’m going to bet that something isn’t going well at your current company. It might be stressful. There might be layoffs happening around you. Or there is some other negative reason you want to leave.

But very likely, there are a few people you work with who make daily work bearable. They’re the ones you can talk to when things are tough. They’re the ones who are helping you from the sidelines when no one else knows it.

Don’t forget about these colleagues. Let them know how much you appreciate them and their support.

Angela Copeland, a leadership and career expert, can be reached at www.angelacopeland.com.