Be Mindful of "Thank You"

Right now, sending "thank you" messages to those who help you out in the career search process, from interviews and recruiter interaction to networking contacts and advisers, is absolutely critical and essential. Tar Heels in Transit has a nice summary on the subject, including some helpful links to examples.

My strongest advice when it comes to writing "thank you" notes is to use professional, note-oriented stationery. You can easily find letter sheets (such as this example from Crane & Co.) at Hallmark stores, Office Depot, or local outfits like The Baggie Goose in Asheville.

You do not have to spend the extra money to have the stationery (paper or cards) personalized. Instead, buy a nice writing pen that maintains a nice, steady line when you write (don't spend $1/page on the paper and then write with a bargain-level Bic ballpoint). A nice black gel pen, preferably 0.7mm thickness in black or blue (like this one) will work perfectly. If you don't have the right pen, you may have to write back over the lines. It will not look the best, and it will be very frustrating.

Also, make sure to take your time. If your cursive is legible, write this way. Unlike print, it is easier to keep each line level on unlined paper (like note paper and cards) when you write in cursive. If you have to print, make sure it looks professional. Go slow to avoid spelling errors, which are easy to do in cursive. If you make an error, see if you can correct it without making the word look like it was rewritten. If not, finish the letter so you have a draft you can replicate (correctly) on a clean sheet (do not miss any opportunity to practice through once you make an unfixable mistake).

Before all of this, of course, make sure you have the correct names, titles, and addresses for those you are going to send letters to. In the past, I started interviews (on both sides of the table) by asking for names and titles and verifying spelling. If I was the candidate, they could pick up that I was planning to send them a follow-up, and they could tell I was detail-oriented and engaged with their business and process.