Thank-you

A simple thank-you can go a long way ... maybe even land you a job. I received a thank-you note from a graduate today. It came with good news - their first industry job. It was also interesting to learn about one of the techniques that may have ultimately secured them the job.

We spend some time in a couple of classes talking about the importance of follow-up after going for your job interview. In one assignment, students are asked to conduct an informational interview with a Public Relations or Communications professional. Part of the mark is the follow-up thank-you. In another assignment, students participate in a mock job interview with an industry professional. In this case, the interviewer is asked to critique the professional thank-you that follows the interview. I've found that some students are quick with a note, while others choose not to send a thank-you at all.

In today's e-mail, the graduate talked about the dreadful interview process and the follow-up. "It was my follow-up letter and subsequent work project that got me this job," the former student noted. "It was actually that art of persuasion that they had been looking for all along..."

Why send a thank-you letter? Today, employers expect it. Successful candidates often spend the time following up and following through. Many career specialists/coaches suggest that not only does it show good business etiquette and social manners, but a timely and well written thank-you demonstrates good follow through skills and good time management skills. It also shows that you are sincere and can indicate how you really feel about the job.

At the end of the day, a nice thank-you may be the difference between you and 'the other candidate' on the short list.

Thank-you.