The company's survey of 150 executives found that 78 percent now consider e-mailed thank you notes appropriate. Only 8 percent said they were "very inappropriate."

"Sending an e-mail immediately following a job interview demonstrates initiative, but candidates should follow up with a traditional, more formal letter," said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of "Managing Your Career For Dummies." "Sending a personal handwritten note offers applicants a chance to express their enthusiasm for the position and reinforce the reasons they feel they're a good match.

For more information on the survey, visit www.accountemps.com.