The Importance of Gratitude: The “Thank you” Note
The Importance of Gratitude: The “Thank you” Note
Written By: Chaundra Daniels, M.S.Ed Career Consultant
A large part of my job is speaking with students about their job searches. I am often asked, “Ms. Daniels, should I follow up with a thank you note after interviewing with an employer?” When I receive this question, my answer is always, “Yes!” The biggest reason thank you notes are important is that they show gratitude. Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful, or the readiness to show appreciation and to return kindness. When engaging with anyone related to your job search, especially an employer, you should be mindful of the fact that this person is taking the time to meet with you out of respect for you and your accomplishments. This means that they feel that you might have something to offer as an asset to their company. It is always good practice to say thank you after these interactions, including informational interviews. Time is a very limited commodity for most people, and the fact that someone is spending their time to help you take the next steps in your job search is in itself something to be thankful for.
There are many students and soon-to-be graduates seeking employment, and securing an interview is a competitive process. Once you have encountered the networking phase of this process, it is imperative to remember that you have something to offer that someone else may be interested in. That is also something to always be thankful for. Sending a thank-you note after engaging with a potential employer shows confidence in your performance as a candidate for employment. It also demonstrates your respect for the employer's time and attention, and is an opportunity to show the employer your sincere interest in the position and your great attention to detail. In addition, a thank-you note is a great way to showcase your communications skills by reiterating some of the highlights of your previous conversation. This helps you to continue to build professional rapport with potential employers throughout the interview process.
Some people consider sending thank you notes to be a routine activity, and their notes tend to be very impersonal. I always ask my students to take their thank-you notes a step further by personalizing each one they send out. If, after speaking with an employer or going on an interview, you find you are no longer interested in the company or the position available, it is still important to thank an employer for their time. It is good practice to send thank-you notes within twenty-four hours of your interview or meeting in order to fully demonstrate your gratitude and professionalism. Gratitude is an expression of appreciation for what one has, and the opportunity to interview for a competitive position is no small thing. You have what it takes to secure employment, and a well-written thank-you note is a great way to show it. Give Thanks!
Written By: Chaundra Daniels, M.S.Ed Career Consultant
A large part of my job is speaking with students about their job searches. I am often asked, “Ms. Daniels, should I follow up with a thank you note after interviewing with an employer?” When I receive this question, my answer is always, “Yes!” The biggest reason thank you notes are important is that they show gratitude. Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful, or the readiness to show appreciation and to return kindness. When engaging with anyone related to your job search, especially an employer, you should be mindful of the fact that this person is taking the time to meet with you out of respect for you and your accomplishments. This means that they feel that you might have something to offer as an asset to their company. It is always good practice to say thank you after these interactions, including informational interviews. Time is a very limited commodity for most people, and the fact that someone is spending their time to help you take the next steps in your job search is in itself something to be thankful for.
There are many students and soon-to-be graduates seeking employment, and securing an interview is a competitive process. Once you have encountered the networking phase of this process, it is imperative to remember that you have something to offer that someone else may be interested in. That is also something to always be thankful for. Sending a thank-you note after engaging with a potential employer shows confidence in your performance as a candidate for employment. It also demonstrates your respect for the employer's time and attention, and is an opportunity to show the employer your sincere interest in the position and your great attention to detail. In addition, a thank-you note is a great way to showcase your communications skills by reiterating some of the highlights of your previous conversation. This helps you to continue to build professional rapport with potential employers throughout the interview process.
Some people consider sending thank you notes to be a routine activity, and their notes tend to be very impersonal. I always ask my students to take their thank-you notes a step further by personalizing each one they send out. If, after speaking with an employer or going on an interview, you find you are no longer interested in the company or the position available, it is still important to thank an employer for their time. It is good practice to send thank-you notes within twenty-four hours of your interview or meeting in order to fully demonstrate your gratitude and professionalism. Gratitude is an expression of appreciation for what one has, and the opportunity to interview for a competitive position is no small thing. You have what it takes to secure employment, and a well-written thank-you note is a great way to show it. Give Thanks!
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