Thanks a Lot!

I have a telephone interview this afternoon at three. Is it another chance to prove my value, or another chance for them to reject me? Yes, it is.

I noticed that yesterday's post didn't post. I'll redo it for tomorrow. Danged computers. Now, on with it.

Today I want to talk about thank-you notes. Most people don't write them. Especially most techies and other genius types. One thing about being a genius type is that you miss some of the normal socialization that regular people get. A thank-you note is a common courtesy, or so goes the conventional wisdom. But it's more than that. It is another chance to state your case, a way to connect with the person you interviewed, and a chance to show that you are thoughtful as well as smart.

So, in the letter goes what?

• First, thank the person for the interview.
• Then, refer back to some positive thing in the interview.
• Also, name everyone you talked to. Even the receptionist. They all did you a favor, and you are now acknowledging that fact.
• Offer a suggestion. That's what they'll hire you for, after all, is knowing how to solve their problems. So, solve one for free. Why not? Does it cost you anything? Exactly!

Speaking of free, here's a free example. It's for an interview with only one person besides yourself involved, so it's simple. But, it illustrates what I'm saying.

*****

Thank you so much for meeting with me yesterday afternoon. I really appreciate a busy person such as yourself taking time to answer my questions.

I especially liked the tour of your facility. As I was saying yesterday, I think it would be a good thing to consider an additional wireless hub in that back room. I look forward to the chance to help with that installation.

I hope you are well, and thank you again for your consideration.

*****

See that? An honest thanks, a suggestion given for free, and a polite close. You may need a longer note, depending on the details of the interview, but those are the basic components. You'd put the other people's names in the first paragraph, as in "I also want to thank Sue and Ed and Whomever for their time." Something along those lines.

For more, mail me for details about my online course.

Have a good Thursday!

Steve