How a simple "Thank You" can go a long way.

A week ago I created a poll and posted it on LinkedIn. I figured that I would give it a serious go given this new feature is just rolling out. I wanted to know how many of you professionals out there sent a "thank you" letter to your interviewers. Furthermore, I also promised my network to write an article on my findings from the poll along with an example if anyone would like to read it.

As I suspected, a majority (80%) of you "claim" to have sent messages and letters to your interviewers. I say "claim" because there is a difference between kinda' doing it and actually doing it in this case. 19% of those who participated either didn't or were unaware of the concept. Before one of you math wiz's out there data checks me, I know there is a 1% missing from my poll. Unfortunately I can't explain it. You'll have to ask LinkedIn about that.

After watching this unfold the first thing that came to mind was "dang now I have to write an article". I mean, a promise is a promise right? Then I got to really thinking about to "Yes" vote. I couldn't help but to imagine how much rejection lies within that group of people. How many thank you letters went out only to fall on deaf ears or still be replied with "no thanks"?

After pondering on the "Yes" vote for a few days, I then began to think about the "No" vote in the poll. I won't go into specifics in this article about the people, but let me tell you this... They were all as professional as it gets. So, I sat and wondered... Did any of them miss other opportunities or hampered their dream jobs by not sending a simple thank you after the interview?

Finally, I started to wonder about the ones who voted "First I've heard of it". Now I am sure all of the ones who answered here are nice people. However, when did it become debatable to deploy empathy and gratitude? We know that a large number of us would agree that time is more precious than money. So, when someone gives me their time, I am going to thank them. The reason is quite simple my friends... They didn't have to give me the time of day at all period.

A professional thank you letter is a small token of gratitude that you can use to impact and further empower other people. I have dealt with thousands of folks in my professional life, and I see the efforts that you all put into your professional careers. Having a solid job search strategy without equating in a thank you letter is a bit short and not sprinting through the finish line in my opinion.

You went to college, developed a strong network, created a good resume, and killed it in the interview. Why not follow it through and give it 100%? Can you introduce me to someone who hates feeling thanked? Someone who cringes at others appreciation for their time and efforts? If not then what do you have to lose and how much more time will it take you to finish out this step?

I am sure by now you are wondering how to make an effective thank you letter that can stand out among the rest of your competition. Believe it or not, this may take some time & preparation before your next interview. Start off by thinking about what you can be thankful for. Of course their time goes without saying, but what else?! This bleeds into the importance to have genuine questions to ask your interviewer(s).

When you reiterate your interest in the job & company it has to go beyond your skill and the need of a job for money and support for you and your family. You would have just got out of an hour + conversation with a company where you get to ask your questions at the end. That being said, your reiteration should be why and how you want to be a part of their team and their culture. How you would be a fit in that environment.

Here is how I throw it together:

Dear Jackie,

I want to express my gratitude for the time you took out of your schedule to interview me for the logistics management position. Also, I really appreciate the extended information you gave me regarding the team I will be working with. After all of my research and our conversation, I truly feel passionate about this particular position and the team I could be a part of. I know that my skills and experience with time management, reporting, and computer skills will be a great fit in your companies already positive culture. I hope you have a wonderful day, and I look forward to speaking in the future.

Best,

Steve Lynch

Everyone's skills and experience will differ, but truly "thanking" human beings triggers dopamine and serotonin and that's the good chemical. By taking the 5 minutes to actually put thoughts into written form, I have now grabbed the interviewers attention again. At the end I bring notice to their culture for a few reasons:

1. This lets them know I was paying attention to the other staff and the overall environment.
2. Allows me to insinuate that we are "like minded people" with common interests and goals.
3. Deploys the illusion that I am automatically for and not against their culture and operation so I won't be friction to their mission.

Now, remember back when I told you to there was the need for some prep work on this to be as successful as possible? Here is what I would have done to get the information from concept to conclusion.

• Block off space for 3-4 names and titles of the people you will meet in your upcoming interview. *This way you can address each person and you don't have to worry about forgetting their names when you write the letter. Avoid addressing your letter "Dear Sir/Ma'am at any cost".
• Conduct genuine research on the company and network with those associated with said company past or present. *By doing so, I can also look for reasons that attract or push me away from the company. Why show up if you already don't appreciate who you will be working for? Are you really in any position to waste time?
• Your domain is your brilliance on this project! While you are researching the company, find its domain name. This little fella' is at the end of all company email addresses. So Jackie Jackson is probably going to be [email protected] because the entire staff uses the same domain.
• Come up with a slew of questions based on your research and conversations on the position and company. Be genuine! Get ready for some real good information that you weren't able to dig up on the webs. In my example letter above, it was about the team. Sometimes you will find a ton of useful information on the company and maybe on the department. Rarely can you find a place where you get all the current info on who is about to be in your corner. There are infinite possibilities to use here if you really really mean it.

So there you have it! My most extensive "Thank You" letter standard op procedure I have ever written. If you really want to be successful then you have to give it your all. It takes patience and a lot of hard work. Trust me I am still waiting too! But if you take the time for yourself to get this right and everything else with your career search it will pay off. Below I have included some Q & A that I had in private about last weeks post on this topic. Enjoy and thank you for your continued support on my journey.

Q: I forgot to write down their names and now I can't remember. Should I hold off on sending a thank you letter?

A: NO! You can call the company and get their names. Ask someone to do it for you if you can't muster up what to say. A lot of times, the company will not give you names on the phone for privacy reasons. In this case you would address it to Sir/Ma'am based on your judgement.

Q: Do people send handwritten letters still?

A: Not enough these days! In certain situations you can't afford to send a handwritten letter. What if Jack interviewed you and then went out on an airplane? His decision might be made before he comes home to check his mail. Or what if Jill met you at a coffee house up the street and when you go look up the company there are more than one building addresses?

I am all for writing one and mailing it traditionally when applicable, but use your best judgement. Also, get someone who isn't afraid to be truthful with you to read it and understand what you wrote. It is hard to spell check once the pen starts to drag. It is true though that not a lot of people write letters and you can increase your attention by writing a letter.

Q: How long should I wait to send the thank you letter?

A: My opinion is at least 24 no later than 48 hours after your interview. Anything within the same calendar day is too immediate and desperate. Some would argue, but I have tried all different ways, and this is what works best for my clientele these days.

Now if by some miraculous reason you feel they are going to wrap this show up sooner than later? Then, I would go ahead and use judgement and execute as soon as possible.

Q: I want to make a lasting impression and I like creativity. Should I do more than a letter to show my appreciation?

A: Don't overdue it! This is a job not bone marrow or a kidney. Anything more than a letter would be a fruit basket or flowers. This will be taken as being too overbearing and you can also get the poor person you want to thank roasted by their colleagues. A simple genuine jest is what we are pulling off here. Think of it like a chili recipe. There are spices you need to make it chili. Too much of any spice throws it all off and makes it a bad chili. If you want to win, then just make good simple chili.

Q: I was told that I won't be going forward in this process. Is there any point or harm to sending a thank you letter anyway?

A: DO IT!! This is your last hail marry before you close this chapter! Send them the same first part of the message. Their time and something they enlightened you on. Tell them in the second part that you would still love to be a part of an organization such as theirs. Explain that if there was ever a need to use your skills that you would be honored to demonstrate them.

You would be astonished to know how many times the first pick doesn't make it to the seat. You didn't win this one, but what if you came in second place? If you don't send one and the bronze medal winner does, then you lose twice at the same game. Especially in tight competitions. Also, if your kind and warm then they might try and find you another spot within the company. Saying "thank you" can go a long way.

Here are a few articles I enjoyed about thank you letters!