Jones County, IA interview questions

I received a phone call from the County Engineer who offered me an interview and we arranged a time for a formal in-person interview. One week later, my interview was with seven people who came from various departments within Jones County that had interests in GIS. They all took turns but not in any order asking me question about my experience and professional background. They asked me about my experience with different GIS and CAD software packages, parcel data experience, and people skills. They were very cordial but business-like. I mailed the three main Interviewers, including the County Engineer, thank you approximately 3 days after my interview. I received a letter one week after my interview stating that I didn't get the job but that they had hired someone from within. That's more information than I usually receive and even though I didn't get the position I thought it was great that they hired from within their own organization. I've worked for a municipality and they seemed hell-bent on not hiring from within as if it would bring something better than what they had instead of moving good employees through the ranks. I would recommend always sending a thank you letter after an interview. Most of the time there is little if no correspondence from the hiring company but I have found that a thank you note will generate a response. At least you'll know and not sit and wonder if you missed an email or a call.