Mama Always Said, "Say 'Please' and 'Thank You'"

I learned something this week that I thought I'd share with you--especially all you college graduates and job seekers.

The other day at work, I had my earbuds in while I was screening a movie when one of my colleagues came up to me and said, "Your thank you note is the company's gold standard now."  I was very confused at first, because I was so in the zone of whatever it was I was watching and doing.  After he repeated himself a couple times, I finally understood he meant the "thank you" note I sent after my interview.  I was always taught to send thank you notes after you have a business lunch with someone for the first time or after an interview.  I'm all about handwritten notes--I mean, I still write my friends snail mail from time to time.  It's just so uncommon these days, that it's always a nice little delightful surprise when you receive something in the mail that isn't your standard junk mail or bill.  

Then I asked, "Do people not normally send thank you notes?" Apparently, everyone has reverted to emails. My colleague said that the physical notes are nice, but the only problem with them is that they take a few days to get there.  So for example, after they interviewed me, he said they really liked me; but my thank you note came a couple days later so in the meantime they were wondering if I was a jerk for not sending one haha. Then a voice in the distance blurted out, "I only want emails now."  I was quite surprised by this.  She said, by the time a physical note gets to her, she may have already interviewed someone else who emailed a "thank you" instantly.  

Some people in the office still like the physical notes, but my suggestion is send both--an email to secure your interest, and a physical note to show you're serious…and awesome :).

Personally, if I was interviewing someone I would still enjoy a physical note--it adds character.  Plus, sometimes you can get an idea of the person by the piece of stationary they use.

Anyways, a little career note to help you out in case you were wondering what standard of "thank you" notes to use.

BIG LOVE & HUGS

Love,

Justine