It’s graduation time! Are you ready to begin a career? What makes you a better candidate or coworker than the next person? It’s important to have the skills necessary to do the job, but your ability to develop personal relationships is what really counts!
Crafting a customized note to those who help you on your journey speaks volumes about your character. It’s a good way to develop relationships that will continue to help you throughout your career.
Are you thinking, “Get with it, this is the digital age, handwritten notes are a thing of the past.” A throwback to the older generation. Not true, according to the Washington Post, the Huffington Post and Forbes contributors. Stop and consider this: Do you want to make an impression that lifts you above all others? Then, expressing your gratitude and appreciation in a handwritten note can springboard your career and your life.
Here are five solid suggestions.
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Interview Follow-up
Should I write a handwritten note following the interview? Most often, yes. Sometimes, no.
Consider your audience. Take note of the person and the organization. Get a good read on the individuals and the culture.
Is it a tech-related, scientific or engineering company? If so, definitely send an email within 24 hours of the interview but skip the handwritten note. Sending a handwritten note might make you appear unsuitable for the job.
In most other instances, a timely follow-up note can move you to the top of the list, all things considered equal. Be sure to ask when the decision will be made. If they are deciding within two days, send an email the same day. Otherwise, take a notecard with you, write and mail the card the same day.
Thank you notes are not dead!
Frequently, people tell me their handwriting isn’t good. That is not a problem, take time to print your thank you note.
It can make a difference in getting an offer or being passed over. As the former president and owner of Staffing Plus of Springfield (MO), Erinn Johnson interviewed hundreds of candidates. She believes, “if someone takes the time to write a thank you as a follow-up to an interview, I definitely weigh that in heavily when making a decision.”
BluCurrent Credit Union’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources Lacey Stromboli states, “Assuming the note is done well, yes, it could sway a hiring decision all qualifications being equal.”
Nonprofits or positions that are relational or involve creative thinking, such as sales, graphic design and customer service are perfect candidates for thank you notes. At a time when everything is tech-related or mass produced, you have the opportunity to stand out with a customized handwritten note. For Stromboli, “a written note demonstrates a commitment to the position and expresses desire.” Stromboli believes it shows attention to detail as well as insight into the applicant’s written communication style, which depending on the job this could be valuable information.
And don’t forget the people who helped you get the interview or secure the job.
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Connections, referrals or letters of recommendation.
You cannot move forward in life alone. Are there people who take the time to introduce you to potential employers, solid networking connections or other people who can help you on your journey?
Yes? Then you need to take the time to write them a note of appreciation.
We can all benefit from additional connections. You are more likely to get subsequent referrals or introductions if you show your appreciation for the current and past favors. Do not take these people for granted. Let them know you value their time and thought. It will pay off in the future.
More importantly, expressing sincere gratitude is the right thing to do.
Once you land the job, is there any reason to continue sending handwritten notes?
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Colleagues.
If you sent a handwritten note to each person on the interview team and you got the job, then you know you are working in a culture that appreciates the personal touch.
Look for opportunities to sincerely thank your colleagues through email, notes and text.
Texting depends on the culture and the person. Some people are annoyed by texts. If you are unsure, ask your boss or human resources about texting protocol. Better yet, ask the person what they prefer.
Emails are good for thanking colleagues for responses and ordinary activities. Including a line of appreciation or thanks creates goodwill—if it is sincere. “I appreciate your timely response.” Thank you for helping me figure out my problem with Excel.” It is important to let people know what we value about them, especially if we want their continued help.
A handwritten thank you is special. Many people keep these notes for decades, reading them time after time, remembering the kind thoughtfulness of the person each time.
Be specific when expressing your gratitude. Avoid generalizations such as, “Thank you for all you do” or “Thanks for your help.” What is it that they do? How did they help you?
Did you know that grateful people earn 7% more than those who complain, ignore or overlook the helpful deeds of their coworkers?
Often a colleague or supervisor serves as a mentor. A good mentor is not easy to find and should be highly valued
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Mentors.
We all have mentors. They are the people in your life who consistently share their wisdom, advice and insight that comes from experience. The ones who offer opportunities for you to learn and grow.
The best mentors often develop organically. Learn to recognize a good mentor and please do not take them for granted.
Many highly successful individuals credit their mentor with helping them progress in their career. Facebook Chief Operating Officer and author of Lean In Sheryl Sandberg credits her mentor, Larry Summers, with playing a vital role in her career.
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Graduation gifts.
Gratitude Toolkit is helpful to anyone starting a new job.
Seems obvious, right? You might be surprised at the number of people who gift graduates with money or gifts, yet they never receive a thank you. Or maybe you have been on the receiving end of a thank you note gone AWOL.
Some grandparents, aunts and uncles tell me they quit giving gifts to grands, nieces and nephews because they don’t feel the gifts are appreciated. One grandparent said she would gladly resume her gift giving once she received a thank you from her grandson.
A verbal thank you is nice, but you need to take that extra step and send a handwritten note. People want to receive a handwritten note thanking them for the gift. It’s a tradition ingrained in their culture.
You want to thank them for the specific item given. If you received cash, let the giver know how you used the cash–what you purchased and how helpful it is.
Don’ Stop Here
Try sending two or three notes each month for one year. It is not that difficult—people help you every day. You can write a meaningful handwritten note in five sentences with five main elements: express appreciation, be specific, make it personal, be sincere and timely (however, better to send late than not at all).
Can’t think of anyone to thank? Not sure what to say? Check out our 21 Reasons to Say Thank You to Your Coworkers toolkit. You will find everything you need to express your gratitude including 14 templates – prewritten notes that you can customize—as well as 21 suggestions on who to thank and what you might say to them.
Keep track of who you gift with a note and why you sent it.
At the end of twelve months, look back over your list. What results or reactions have you experienced from your notes? How many of those people are still involved in your life? Who has helped you numerous times?
Relationships are crucial to our success and well-being regardless of our occupation. An attitude of gratitude helps you cultivate strong healthy relationships plus there are at least 21 benefits to living gratefully–saying thank you.
Start living the grateful life today. See how your life improves!
GIFT IDEA: Parents, grandparents and other relatives are often looking for graduation gifts. Share this post with them as a helpful hint. The 21 Reasons to Say Thank You to your Coworkers gratitude toolkit includes 21 cards/envelopes, the book and a pen packaged in a nice reusable case.
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