Sending a timely thank you note goes beyond basic etiquette; it’s an important part of relationships. If you’re looking for a job, taking the time to acknowledge anyone who helps you along the way is critical. It shows that you value their time, their actual help and the relationship too.
Despite the good that comes from sending a thank you, many people still somehow skip doing it. Here are three situations in which sending a thank you is an absolute must.
- When you’ve been introduced to a new contact
Especially when introduced to someone via email, always thank whomever facilitated the introduction (even if the other party does so first). A person who makes an introduction on your behalf effectively puts their reputation on the line to broker the connection. Regardless of their motivation, it's their personal risk for your potential gain, so don’t take it for granted. Down the road, if the introduction bears fruit (e.g., business contract, job offer, board opportunity, speaking engagement), circle back again to acknowledge the positive outcome.
- When you’ve received complimentary advice
If someone spends time with you to provide complimentary advice or guidance, follow up afterward! Particularly if you benefit from someone’s professional opinion, i.e., expert advice that they normally receive compensation for (like counsel from an attorney or consultant), a thank you is paramount to show gratitude for the guidance itself and, importantly, respect for their time (which they gave you freely, but normally would monetize).
- When someone tells you about a job or board opportunity
If someone tells you about a job or board opportunity, sends a link to a posting or passes on contact information for someone leading a search, don’t forget to thank them. Even if it’s not the right time or fit, your network is always a critical part of a job or board search and a vital source for leads. Don’t burn any bridges by not recognizing someone’s effort on your behalf -- you'll want them in your corner when the time and opportunity are right to make a move.
Expressing gratitude is important in many business situations -- not just after job interviews. Sending a thoughtful thank you leaves others with a lasting positive impression of you, which can strengthen relationships and spark further opportunities. If you skip a thank you, you may not receive information, an introduction or learn about an opportunity from that person again.
(If you need some help writing post-interview thank you notes, read up on the Art of the Thank You Note
here.)