The “Thank You” note is one of the easiest things to do. It takes only a few minutes to write, and it is not just appreciated, but is an effective device that serves a variety of purposes.
Early in my career, I was working with a candidate who was competing for a position with a hiring manager I knew well. It was down to two finalists and the manager was on the fence between my person and someone I had not referred. Ultimately, I received a call on a Monday morning letting me know she was going with the other person. She was swayed when she arrived at work that day and had a “Thank You” note on her desk from the other candidate. A seemingly perfunctory act had landed this other person the job. Lesson learned.
Bear in mind that your network of contacts is an invaluable tool. Consider anyone you meet or with whom you speak to be a contact. The more positive your interactions, the more fruitful they will be – both in the immediate and long term.
“Thank you” notes should not be limited for follow ups to interviews. Whenever someone takes time with you, it is appropriate to follow up with a thank you note.
Nurture your contacts. Everyone you meet is a potential point of valuable contact in the future. Invest the time to leave your current encounter on a very positive note, because you do not when you might meet, or need one another again.
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