Didn't get the job, but was not because of supervisors choice. Another step? (Read for details)?

Question

I had an interview for a job with the state, and it went really well. When the supervisor sent the candidate recommendation to HR, she also sent me an email to let me know that although she sent information on two people, I had been the candidate of choice. However, she just sent an email today letting me know that someone higher than her or even her own supervisor had made a decision to hire someone else. Because she has been so communicative and todays email sounds almost as though she is not happy with the choice the higher-up made, should I send her another thank you? Basically I am thinking just an email to say thanks again for all the time she gave me and also thanks for keeping me informed about the process. Would that be okay in case the other person doesn't work out, or is that too much? Any other helpful suggestions would be appreciated as well.

Answer 1

I don't think a thank you note is a bad idea at all. Granted, I'm the little fish in the pond, but I don't ever recall hearing my bosses complain that a candidate thanked them. I say send the note - if properly worded, it would only serve to reinforce her positive impression of you.