Unemployment, the economy, falling profits, geological disasters have weighed heavily on individuals seeking gainful employment. The resources today that are available to candidates have been emphasized by the implosion of such networking services that include: LinkedIn, Facebook, Industry Focus Groups, Forums, Trade Associations and Professional & Personal contacts… and of course Executive Recruiters.
The point of this week’s blog is to bring to your attention the need to recognize the importance of thanking those who have been instrumental in connecting you with potential job leads, as well as those who wanted to help but for a variety of reasons couldn’t. Many professionals make the mistake to assume that people are there to help whenever you need them rather than recognize that when someone does help it is gift of one’s time and a privilege to the recipient. What is this all mean? We need to properly acknowledge these individuals in a way that accomplishes two things; how much you truly appreciate their assistance by humbling them and secondly that by communicating with them they are in the loop of your progress… whether it reflects a positive or negative outcome. Simply put, it is about professional courtesy.
What is most effective way to thank those within your network who were relative to your job search? You can call, email or write a personal thank you. Given how we manage our days, email seems to be the best alternative. It is efficient, quick and the best bang for your time…wrong. I can call and if not connected leave a nice message while inviting them to call you back…very personable might be the better way to go…wrong again. I can write a personal letter and send it to them…seems time consuming, not very efficient in getting to the individual as quickly as an email or phone call and on top of that I have to pay 44 cents for a stamp, envelope and stationary.
The fact of the matter is writing a letter shows real character of who you are and exemplifies how appreciative you are for their efforts. If you want to make that call or send an email don’t let me stop you, but compliment it with a personal letter so that you truly send the right message. After all, should you need to call on them again based on their previous experience with you they will be quick to respond.
Some final thoughts:
* Writing a thank you letter also gives you the opportunity to impress your receiver on how well you write, communicate your thoughts and express from your heart how truly appreciative you are of their gesture.
* Think about this, if I am one of those fortunate individuals you contacted and you go the extra mile to show me your TRUE COLORS, what are the prospects should an opportunity develop within my own company that you may be suitable for that would encourage me to recommend you??????
* Don’t be shy about keeping them in the loop throughout your process, particularly if it is an opportunity that they turned you on to.
* Whether it is in you social or professional network make sure to pay the same acknowledgement to your recruiter as well. It is all about making a consistent impression of who you are so people will continue to sing your praises and be there when you need them most.
* Remember, it is equally as important to thank those who wanted to help but couldn’t but wished they could. It’s all about doing the right things, because all people matter.
* Lastly, when you resolve your job search don’t ever forget what you’ve experienced through this process along with the individuals that participated within your network, for one day they may need you to do the same for them…
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