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Tip of the Month-Writing Thank-You Notes
March 20, 2006
By: Randi Bussin-Career Coach, Personal Branding Specialist
Welcome to the first Aspire! Tip of the Month. In launching this new monthly tip, my goal is to provide you with insights and ideas that will help improve your productivity during your job search. I already have selected several topics, but I would be interested in getting your feedback on which areas you would like me to address. Please e-mail your thoughts to rbussin@verizon.net.
If you know anyone who would benefit from the information in this tip, feel free to forward this to them and encourage them to sign up for our newsletter. If you would like to be removed from this list, click on the link at the bottom of the page.
Yours,
Randi
Writing Thank-You Notes
You just completed a great round of interviews with a prospective employer. Should you write a thank-you note? Absolutely! Sending a customized thank-you note is a critical piece in your job search toolkit. It is an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and company and to sell your qualifications. Here are a few tips to help you write a thank-you note:
1. Don't exclude anyone. Write thank-you notes to the HR contact, your prospective manager, and any other employee who interviewed you. Personalize your thank-you note to the discussion you had with each individual; you don't know whose assessment carries the most weight.
2. Choose a method. Be prompt. You can either e-mail or snail mail your thank-you notes. Use your judgment as to the preferred communication method of the person with whom you interviewed. Both methods are effective; in either case, send the note within a few days of the interview.
3. Demonstrate your listening skills. When you write the note, refer to the discussion you had with the interviewer and demonstrate that you understand what needs to be done in the role.
4. Sell yourself. Use your thank-you note to pitch your strengths and unique qualifications. Use your accomplishments (in bullet or paragraph format) to drive the points home.
Calls to Action/Discussion Points
1. Do your thank-you notes reinforce your best qualifications and skills? If not, how could you improve them so your notes will increase your odds of moving to the next step?
2. Do you consistently send follow-up thank-you notes to every person you met?
3. Are you customizing your thank-you notes and demonstrating that you understand the company's goals and challenges?
4. Do you proofread your notes to make sure there are no typographical and grammatical mistakes?
5. Do you have nice stationery on which to write your notes?
Online Advice and Tools
If you are interested in learning more about this subject, follow this link to an excellent article by CareerJournal on writing thank-you notes.
Write a Thank-You Letter That Helps Clinch an Offer
About Aspire!
Each Tip is written and compiled by Randi Bussin, a career and business coach with 25 years of corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her extensive background to help midcareer professionals and entrepreneurs clarify their aspirations, develop the "big-picture," and set realistic goals in designing a career that reflects their personal values and passions. Through focused coaching, she helps clients make steady progress and achieve their career goals. If you would like information on our services, please feel free to e-mail us at rbussin@verizon.net.
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email: rbussin@verizon.net
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