The art of saying, "Thank you." (2012 Recap)
I've been seeing articles lately about the importance of following up with a "thank you" after the interview. I wrote a post about this a couple of years ago and thought I'd dig it up for you new readers. If you don't think a thank you note makes a difference, think again.
Originally posted 11/1/09. Read on:
A few weeks ago, an art director friend of mine called. He's been out of work for nearly a year. He called to let me know he had an interview, breaking a four-month dry spell. Apparently, it went well.
"Did you follow up with a thank you note?" I asked.
"Should I?" he responded.
Uh, yeah.
I guess I'm continuously caught off guard about how people fail to see its value. Mom taught us to always say "thank you." It couldn't hurt when you're trying to land a job. You basically have three opportunities to make an impression: 1. Cover letter/portfolio, 2. Interview, 3. The thank you.
If you are really interested in the job, follow up with a thank you note. Even if you aren't, it's common courtesy. You should always make an effort to leave a good impression. A 24-hour response is the rule, but if you miss the window. Don't sweat it. Do it within the week. Also send them to everyone you meet. You don't know how much influence people have on the hiring process. So make sure you get cards or write down names.
Email or mail? Good question.
The jury is still out about email, so drop it in the mailbox just to be safe.
Just make it creative.
If you want to make a good final impression as a creative, then show some creativity with your "thank you." Nothing elaborate. But if you can make a simple "thank you" memorable, maybe it will be one more thing that works in your favor. My former supervisor kept the the "thank you" I sent her on her shelf for years.
What is it?
That's my secret.*
Did my friend send a "thank you?" Yes.
Did he get the job? We're still waiting. Although the creative director did respond, saying that he loved the note. Thought it was very funny.**
*2012 update: I used my same secret "thank you" letter to help me land my current job in Chicago. And yes, that supervisor kept my "thank you" letter on her shelf too.
**2012 update: Yes, he go the job.
Image courtesy of stock.xchng.
Originally posted 11/1/09. Read on:
A few weeks ago, an art director friend of mine called. He's been out of work for nearly a year. He called to let me know he had an interview, breaking a four-month dry spell. Apparently, it went well.
"Did you follow up with a thank you note?" I asked.
"Should I?" he responded.
Uh, yeah.
I guess I'm continuously caught off guard about how people fail to see its value. Mom taught us to always say "thank you." It couldn't hurt when you're trying to land a job. You basically have three opportunities to make an impression: 1. Cover letter/portfolio, 2. Interview, 3. The thank you.
If you are really interested in the job, follow up with a thank you note. Even if you aren't, it's common courtesy. You should always make an effort to leave a good impression. A 24-hour response is the rule, but if you miss the window. Don't sweat it. Do it within the week. Also send them to everyone you meet. You don't know how much influence people have on the hiring process. So make sure you get cards or write down names.
Email or mail? Good question.
The jury is still out about email, so drop it in the mailbox just to be safe.
Just make it creative.
If you want to make a good final impression as a creative, then show some creativity with your "thank you." Nothing elaborate. But if you can make a simple "thank you" memorable, maybe it will be one more thing that works in your favor. My former supervisor kept the the "thank you" I sent her on her shelf for years.
What is it?
That's my secret.*
Did my friend send a "thank you?" Yes.
Did he get the job? We're still waiting. Although the creative director did respond, saying that he loved the note. Thought it was very funny.**
*2012 update: I used my same secret "thank you" letter to help me land my current job in Chicago. And yes, that supervisor kept my "thank you" letter on her shelf too.
**2012 update: Yes, he go the job.
Image courtesy of stock.xchng.
Posted by Clifton Simmons at 2/29/2012 9:59 AM 
Categories: Interview tips, Internships, Jobs and Contacts
Categories: Interview tips, Internships, Jobs and Contacts
True story: there was a young man who wanted to get on my creative team. And he didn't just follow-up, he courted me. Interesting packages with witty letters. One had a rose, one an action figure. Not too much, but enough to keep me interested as the hiring process dragged out due to corporate nonsense. Did that young man get hired? Yes. Who was he? Your very own Professor Ad Man!
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Clifton, thank you! for reminding all of us of the power of gratitude. A simple hand written note, in this day and age of the clacking of the key board, emails and voicemail, but no real person, is invaluable.
Send a little humanity into the world - it's a beautiful thing.
Sincerely, Patricia Varga
founder
A Woman with Wings
Sales Director
CIOZone.com
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