The Old Fashioned Thank-you—Your Post Interview Spotlight

People like to be thanked for gifts or attention. It’s human nature. The same principle applies in the job hunting process.

After an interview, there is nothing better than a formal, personally written thank-you note from you to solidify you in your interviewer’s memory. It also shows your attention to detail and follow-up. Saying thank-you is done all too seldom, so your note of gratitude will make you stand out. It’s like shining a spotlight on yourself.

Prepare ahead by purchasing a set of simple thank-you cards and postage stamps, and do this before you even send out resumes. Consider them a necessary staple in your job hunting toolbox.

Why not just send an email? Emails these days are ordinary and easy to lose in the mass of other emails everyone receives. A note on card stock in a small envelope, written in your own handwriting (printing is also fine) will emerge as unique in the office mail.

Here is what your note should include:

• The date
• A formal greeting, such as “Dear Mr. Jones,” unless you are writing to an old friend, in which case you can use the first name
• Your personal statement of appreciation for their time, information and interest in you
• A brief mention of something about the job or company discussed during the interview.
• A reiteration of what you offer that will be of most value to the employer.
• A restatement of your interest in the job and working with them.
• A professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards”
• Your full signature

The note should be short and friendly but professional, and enthusiastic but not gushy. Because it will be hand written, draft your note on the computer or a separate piece of paper. That way you can edit and improve it before transcribing it onto your purchased note card.

Mail your note the same day as the interview or at least the next morning. In today’s competitive job market, being first and being timely are highly important.

Why Should I Help You? Part 3

Networking is not just about you
by Linda Franklin, guest blogger

Not everyone can reply to every message all the time, but a little courtesy goes a long way toward helping maintain a bridge or build a connection that can lead to something down the line. But for those who see themselves in the scenarios described in Why Should I Help You?—Part 2; Lessons from real life, remember:

Networking is not about building your count on LinkedIn. Networking isn’t just about you; it’s about building and strengthening your relationships with others and keeping that two-way communication going. You never know with whom you will work or who may be a referral or reference for you, or—ultimately—your hiring manager.

So, the next time someone agrees to provide you with a referral, offers to meet for coffee or look over your resume, take a few minutes and make sure you thank them. Better still, ask them how you can help them. After all, your high priority (to get a job) may not be their priority; they’re taking some valuable time to help you, so in the grand scheme of things, you’re incurring a debt you need to recognize. Those who do follow up stand out—and, you never know, one day the person you thank may be in a position to recommend you for a job.
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Thank you, Linda Franklin, for your good advice this week. And, to all my U.S. readers, have a great Labor Day weekend, and to everyone else, I wish you beautiful days. One Tomato at a Time will be back in action next Tuesday.

Why Should I Help You? Part 2

Lessons from real life
by Linda Franklin, guest blogger

I am more than happy to provide a connection or referral when appropriate. We all want that jump start to our next career move. Imagine my surprise, then, when I have experiences like these:

A former colleague contacted me to see about having coffee, but never confirmed. Then, a month later I received an email asking me to be a reference. It turned out I was to be a reference for an interview THAT SAME DAY for a potential job I knew nothing about. I foolishly agreed, and looking back, I can’t say I’d do it again. I have no idea what happened, since I never heard any follow up or even received so much as a thank-you.

Another former colleague is actively looking in a specific career niche. When I saw a relevant function coming up, I forwarded the notice immediately. No response.

If you are reaching out to someone for a referral, always be considerate of other’s time. And even if a lead doesn’t fit, always send a quick thanks to someone for thinking of you. A little courtesy can go a long way.
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See Linda Franklin's previous post for a brief bio and contact info.