Here is a fabulous article that a client posted on LinkedIn recently:
I want to draw your eye to the very first sentence: “A normally very cynical friend received a thank you note from ____ he can’t stop talking about.”
(I left the name out because I want you to picture YOUR NAME there!)
Gratitude is a common courtesy that often goes by the wayside when you are stressed, depressed, and/or freaking out during the job search process.
Or, oftentimes I might think, “Oh wow, that was so nice, I should make sure to write him a thank-you note,” and promptly don’t think of it again until three months later.
But why would something like genuine gratitude be so powerful in a job search? Because of those that are on the other side of the table? They deal with stressed, overwhelmed job seekers on a daily basis. At the very most, they get a hurried thank you as someone dashes out the door to try out that new piece of advice. But trust me, even that is becoming rarer.
When someone stops what they are doing and gives you their full attention by taking time out of their day to write a personalized (handwritten can be a very nice touch) message, IT GETS NOTICED. And you get remembered. And all of a sudden the recipient doesn’t feel like a cog in your job search wheel or a number that you have to check off. And they feel good about themselves and about you.
Since February is the month of candy, hearts, Cupid, and love, I would like to challenge you to a focus in February on showing a bit of gratitude and love to those who have helped you along the way, and to all in your professional network. Every day in the month of February, WRITE ONE NOTE to someone who has helped you along the way. If you have personal stationery and a stamp, even better. That’s 28 people to give the gift of gratitude to in the month of February (or, for each workday – which would be 20 notes). And by spreading it out, with one each day, the challenge isn’t too cumbersome, or interfere with your other job search activities.
I promise, by the end of the month you are going to discover a HUGE DIFFERENCE in your life. Your job search process will be revitalized and your heart will be full and your attitude will have completely changed. Really. I dare you – take this challenge and see what a difference it will make!
A Few Tips We Can Learn From This Article:
1. Handwritten and personal still stands out, especially in this digital age. Your stationery doesn’t necessarily need a picture of your dog attached, but it should match and fit the situation.
2. Thank you letters should never sound “canned or formulaic.” Show that you “took the time to reach out in a personal and individual way.” Sincerity rules.
Appreciation is the one thing that should never be scaled or automated. If you’re truly grateful (and you should be!) why not take the time to personally express your gratitude in a heartfelt, genuine way?
You’ll be memorable, if only because so few people do. And you’ll spark a real connection and take a huge step towards building a lasting business relationship.
A sincere thank you isn’t just good manners–even though good manners is reason enough.
It’s also good business.