Our mothers and grandmothers have stressed the importance of writing a thank you note for centuries.
Sara Dickison Taylor, ACC, is an iRelaunch coach and President & Founder, Celebrate Life by Design, LLC. A member of the International Coaching Federation, Sara holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colby College and is also a graduate of the internationally recognized Coach University.
Our mothers and grandmothers have stressed the importance of writing a thank you note for centuries. The obligatory handwritten notes have been an integral part of many a decorum primer and a necessary vehicle to display genuine gratitude. Writing a thank you note to a prospective employer is stressed in every job search "how-to" book and often described as the secret weapon to success. But what if you didn't get the job? Why is it now so crucial … especially if you're not the one signing the offer letter?
Building a relationship and fostering a connection is at the forefront of any job search. In this case, I recommend even a handwritten note of appreciation, especially if the timing is not crucial. Recruiters and hiring managers are inundated with hundreds of emails every day and a personal note sets you apart in their sea of digital correspondence. It's human nature to foster a bond, and you're setting yourself apart from the mix - especially in this competitive marketplace.
Recruiters "remember" whom they had a strong connection with, and it sets the stage for long-term success. Following up keeps your potential candidacy at the top of their mind - even if you weren't the lucky recipient of the job at hand. A thank you note after the fact is the perfect vehicle to communicate your overall interest in the company and share thoughtful details as to why you‘d be a strong asset and fit. A simple note can even instigate a contractual or temporary need down the road … now is the time to seize the moment!
Someone else won the job search lottery, but now is a wonderful time to reiterate your skills and accomplishments in another format - ultimately keeping you upfront and center and setting you apart from the pack of waitlist prospects. BE POSITIVE … it can sometimes be just a matter of time before another spot surfaces.
Not being the candidate of choice can often have negative and frustrating mindset ramifications – often wreaking havoc on our self-esteem and sense of worth. Formally thanking a recruiter or hiring manager keeps other channels of communication available. As the old saying goes, when one door closes, another opens!
Keep the faith, dust off your note cards, buy some stamps and start writing the next chapter in your career search … you'll be so glad you did!
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