Thank-You Notes: An Integral Part of Your Career

There is one little practice that is vital to generating the interest of potential employers. It is critical, but very few job seekers actually do it.

What is it? The THANK YOU NOTE!

Interview experts agree that EVERY job hunter MUST send thank-you notes after EVERY interview. They also point out that most people completely ignore this bit of wisdom.

In order to have a huge advantage over the other candidates for the job you want, send thank-you notes to EVERYONE you meet the day of the interview--administrative assistants, managers, interviewers, people you met who already do the job you are targeting, and so on.

One of my résumé clients (let's call him Mike) is a Certified Arborist and Tree Care Professional in the San Diego area. His goal is to move into the consulting arena.

Very soon after speaking on the phone with the owner of a prominent tree care company, Mike mailed a brief note thanking the owner for his time and consideration. Within a week, the owner called Mike and offered him an informal mentoring arrangement to help Mike learn more about the consulting side of tree care.

Mike decided to pass on the offer and continue his job search, and he recently landed a very nice position. He sent me an e-mail about his recent job-hunting activities saying, "...and just so you know, the thank-you letter has got to be the block that keeps the door open. I sent out three letters and subsequently got three offers."

If you're not convinced yet, the following reasons outline the significance of sending thank-you notes:

  • Sending a thank-you note demonstrates that you are good with people. You employ the most basic of people skills--a show of gratitude.

  • It helps companies remember you after the interview. You can restate your interest in the position, especially if the interview went well.

  • You can use the thank-you note to summarize a few of the main points discussed at the interview. You can also add anything you forgot to tell them.

  • It has the potential to increase your affinity with those who have the authority to hire you.

  • It shows that you are serious about your career design.

  • It indicates that you are organized and on top of details.

  • It demonstrates that you went out of your way to show interest in the company and/or position.

  • If they decide not to consider you for the position, perhaps they know of another opportunity that suits you. You can mention this in the thank-you note, asking them to keep you in mind.

    The post-interview thank-you note doesn't have to be fancy. Here's an example:

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. As we discussed, my 10-years of outside sales experience is a perfect fit for XYZ Widgets as you expand into the Pacific Rim. In light of your plans for Asia, you'll find my Japanese language skills to be of great value.

    Feel free to contact me at 555-1234 should you have additional questions. I am very interested in the position.

    Thank you again for your time and consideration.

    Regards,

    Jane Doe

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    OK. You now know the impact a thank-you note can have after an employment interview. Are there other opportunities to send them?

    Absolutely! The general rule is this:

    After ANYONE has done you even the smallest favor during the job-hunt/career-design process, send the individual a thank-you note.

    Was a receptionist at a company you phoned while doing research exceptionally helpful? Did one of your colleagues take five minutes to help you with a cover letter? Did somebody who already does the job you want to do provide you with some valuable insights? The job hunt can be frustrating. Was someone particularly encouraging?

    You should send each of these individuals a brief hand-written thank-you note expressing your gratitude for their time and assistance.

    To reiterate: A thank-you note goes to everyone who helps you, gives you leads, or provides advice or guidance even in the most infinitesimal way. That includes friends, people at companies or organizations you've visited while doing your research, temp agency personnel, administrative assistants, receptionists, librarians, company employees...ANYONE!

    Here are a few thank-you note guidelines:

    • Address the note to the specific individual with which you spoke. Personalize it. Avoid an obligatory, mechanical tone. Mention something about your conversation or how the individual treated you.

    • Thank-you notes following an interview should be printed out on quality stationery with letterhead matching that of your résumé. Remember to sign it!

    • A conservative, handwritten thank-you card is appropriate for all those friends, colleagues, and casual contacts that have helped you along the way.

    • Send thank-you notes the very next day, at the latest. If it arrives a week later, the meaning is lost.

    • If you e-mail a sentiment of gratitude, follow up with a thank-you note or card in the mail.

    Use your best judgment--these are just guidelines.

    The thank-you note is critical to your getting noticed and to the success of your job hunt. And because most folks either forget or just plain don't do it, you'll find yourself at a significant advantage.

    About The Author

    Peter Hill is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and is President of Distinctive Resumes in Honolulu, Hawaii. Nationally published and recognized as an expert resume strategist, Peter helps career-minded individuals through the resume development process via consulting and composition services. He can be contacted by e-mail at distinctiveresumes@yahoo.com or though his Web site, http://www.peterhill.biz

    distinctiveresumes@yahoo.com


    • More Resources

    So, Your Made A Mistake
    Of course, mistakes are important. Two facts put those you make in perspective.
    Considering a Career Change?
    Are you thinking about a career change? Many people do this because of specific problems or difficulties. Others want to make such a change because of some growing, generalized dissatisfaction.
    Resume Writing - Get That Job
    Looking for a new job, whether it is with a new company or a promotion within your own organisation, requires time and effort. To make your job search more effective you need to take five fundamental steps on the road to success:
    What Do You Want From Life?
    The tragedy for millions of people is that they never decidewhat they want from life and make plans for it. Life will provide whatever we demand.
    The Inevitable Job Interview Question: "Why Did You Leave (Are Planning To Leave) Your Last Position
    This is a question that you can almost count on being asked at your next interview What the interviewer wants to know is, "Why are you available?"The answer you give could set the tone for the rest of the interview. For instance, if you were to indicate that you were bored or burned out at your last job, the interviewer would quickly become concerned about your performance at this company.
    Finally Revealed: The Top 7 Resume Killers?
    During my job search I read dozens of books and articles took programs and evensat at the feet of two of the most experienced Human Resource professionals. In afew moments, you will learn the real keys to standing out and rising above thenorm.
    How To Get A Job Fast
    In today's unpredictable economy, the idea of job security with any company would seem to be a thing of the past. Large company layoffs, golden handshakes, mergers, leveraged buyouts, company acquisitions and similar business moves have left people of all ages out of a job they need to live.
    Acing The Interview
    It's no secret that there is a lot of competition for writing jobs.What makes or breaks you in an interview is more of a mystery that some writers may try to unravel for years.
    Job Offer Negotiations: Getting What You Want
    You have worked hard at finding your next job. You have come through many obstacles and have reached your career objective.
    Aptitude Tests Reveal the Difference Between Your Aptitude & Ability
    Aptitude tests measure your skills, abilities, values, interests and personality in order to help you determine which careers you might be best suited for and eliminate those that you are not.Aptitude tests are some of the most important tools to anyone considering a career change.
    Have Enough Money to Change Careers - Five Key Steps
    At every talk I give, I ask the audience to tell me the reasons why people don't change careers. The most common answer given each time is "lack of money.
    Interview Presentation Skills: Dealing With Your Nerves
    Sooner or later, the interview invitation is going to say you are required to give a presentation as part of the selection process. And like most people you may dread having to do it.
    Hello Work World, Im Un-Retiring
    For many years, you looked forward to that day when you would bid the world of work a fond farewell and ride off into the sunset of your golden years.Initially, it felt wonderful not to have to go somewhere each morning.
    It is Still Possible to be Upwardly Mobile in America!
    Yes, it's still possible to be upwardly mobile in America: it's called a career in sales.Sales jobs come in all shapes and sizes.
    Simple Interviewing That Works
    Powerful questions to get below the surface1. Ask for specific "stories" of complete situations"We all meet situations where people disagree on the correct way to proceed.
    Ten Tips to a Job Winning Interview
    These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The Call, make the most of your time -- and go for it!1.
    Conducting an Effective Interview
    An employment interview is a goal oriented conversation in which the interviewer and the applicant exchange information. Even though interviews are a poor selection tool for most jobs, they are often the primary method used in evaluating applicants.
    Job Search Techniques: Smashing The Gray Ceiling
    For decades, women have chaffed at the invisible glass ceiling which prevents their moving into the high executive brackets that their competence, knowledge and skills have earned. The same amorphous barrier confronts older workers both in terms of advancement within a company and, most especially, when a job change is required.
    Staying In The Game
    The message came from Human Resources. There's nothing to worry about with the newly announced organizational changes and pending merger, it reassured.
    How To Type A Resume For Employers
    Learning how to type a resume may feel like a daunting task. Even the most affluent writers have asked themselves, how to type a mind-blowing resume.

    More Careers & Employment Information:

    Related Articles

    Behaviour To Climb The Stepping Stones To Career Success
    The heading of this article could just as well have been "How to position yourself for promotion" or "How to position yourself for career advancement" or "How to climb the success ladder" or something similar.What behaviour will improve your chances for success? Behaviour which can be described as good work ethics.
    How To Deal With A Nightmare Boss
    It can happen to anyone. there's a change in the organization and -- suddenly -- you find yourself working for the boss from Hell.
    Ten Great Careers That Don't Require A Four Year Degree
    One of the great myths associated with the "American Dream" is that you need to have a four-year college degree to be successful. As the economy has shifted to the information age, with a greater reliance on technology and services, this belief applies less and less.
    Ten Tips to a Job Winning Interview
    These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The Call, make the most of your time -- and go for it!1.
    How to Write a Better CV (UK), or Resume (USA and elsewhere)
    The first point to make is that the terms "CV" and "Resume" (with or more often without the French acute accents over the e's) are virtually interchangeable in the UK; they mean the same thing, but if anything the norm is CV. In the USA and elsewhere, the CV (Curriculum Vitae to give it its full title - literally "Life Study") is a different animal - a dry listing of qualifications and experience more suited for a university faculty listing for example.
    Three Ways to Transition to a New Career
    As a Certified Personnel Consultant working for Find Great People International in Greenville, South Carolina, I receive telephone calls from people who are considering a career change. For some, transitioning to a new career is easier than others.
    Air Liquide: Driving Liquid Air
    Have you ever heard of liquid air? The process of liquifying air was a major scientific achievement that took place over 100 years ago. Even after 100 years there are only a few companies that liquify air, which is probably why you've never heard of it before.
    Four Job Interview Mistakes That Can Torpedo Your Chances of Success
    What are the worst mistakes job hunters make? It turns out there are four big ones. These four mistakes turn up repeatedly when executives responsible for hiring talk about the reasons why someone didn't get a job offer.
    How To Start Your Own House Cleaning Business
    If you are thinking about starting your own house cleaning business, begin by evaluating your present circumstances. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, but how you reply will affect what you do.
    Don't Be Too Passionate About Your Work
    Of course, she then offered me a six-month process, costing thousands of dollars to get me back on track. However, I must say she was ethical in her approach and suggested I get a medical check up to rule out any physical or mental-health issues.
    From The WorkWise Collection: Ten Ways to Win the Job Search Mind Game
    Are you one of the thousands of job seekers who question their sanity, marketability, and capacity to make smart decisions-just because you've lost your job? Are you wondering how to overcome these psychological challenges, rebuild your self-confidence, increase your marketability, and regain your sense of sanity?
    The Case For Internships
    America may be the Land of Opportunity, but this is also the land of the Big Trade-Off. Sure, you can have that nice house, but you're going to have to become a mortgage slave to keep it.
    10 Things to Do to Get the Job
    10. Understand all of the opportunities available to you.
    Discontentment in the Workplace
    While more people are finding employment, more employed workers are discontent and experiencing frustration. In most cases it can be boiled down to four factors: feeling undervalued, unappreciated and powerless, and world events.
    How To Get Promoted - Take Control Of Your Destiny!
    It Is Up To YouSo, you want to get promoted. The possibility really lies in your own hands.
    Cover Letter Magic: 4 Ways To ASK For The Job Interview - And Get It!
    Just how important it is to ASK for the job interview clearly and directly in your cover letter?IT'S EVERYTHING!So the question remains: how effectively are you ASKING? The following four ways will help you nail down many more job interviews. Try them all and see which ones work best for you.
    How to Be Prepared for a Layoff
    If you are concerned that your company might be planning a layoff, your best course of action is to be prepared. Employees often see warning signs that their jobs may be at risk.
    Great Salary Negotiation Tips
    11 Commandments For Smart Negotiating1 - BE PREPARED. The more information you have about your market value and theprospective employer, the greater your likelihood of success.
    Surviving The Technical Interview
    Ah, the technical interview. Nothing like it.
    Recruiting Excellent Job Candidates
    An independent recruiter, recruiting agency or executive search firm is charged with tracking down excellent potential candidates for available job positions. Despite the fact that there are innumerable people seeking positions of employment in the 21st century, it often seems to a typical recruiting agency that qualified men and women are few and far between.