Possible job search “thanks” from Jimmy Fallon
Thank you, Mr. Hiring Manager, for never answering the phone, although I call you every other day to see for my status.
Thank you, Ms. Recruiter, for throwing my resume into the dumpster.
Thank you, Dear Friend, for telling me about your brother’s new job but “forgetting” to give me his phone number.
Job seekers might laugh at these snarky thank you notes. But Jimmy Fallon’s segment on his nightly TV show provides a tip for all job seekers. Saying thank you (appropriately) can never hurt.
Why Write Thank You Notes
I kept track of how many thank you notes I received during my recruiting efforts. Although I was not religious recording the numbers, I would say ten percent sent thank you notes, after an on-site interview. I loved receiving the notes. Perhaps some recruiters might scoff but I doubt it. Most people want recognition for efforts on your behalf.
Considering job search is actually selling you as the product, you need to take time to write a short thank you note to say why you are clearly the one for the job…that is if you believe it and want the job! In sales training we hear the buyer (in this case the hiring manager) needs to see your name or product six times before he or she “buys” it. A thank you note counts.
What to Write in your Thank You Notes
A thank you note needs to be short, engaging and worth reading. You can sell your skills in the process.
For example:
“Thank you for meeting with me on December 31 for the Systems Analyst position. I particularly enjoyed hearing about your recent software implementation. I’d like to be a part of the team during your upcoming “Next Gen” project. With my background in analysis, I could help you jump-start the process.
Or:
“Thank you for interviewing me. I’d like to work for your company.”
If you were the recruiter or hiring manager, with both candidates equally qualified, would the thank you note help you decide which candidate to hire?
My Experiment
The other day I spoke with a group of 10 job seekers. I asked each to send me a thank you note to see how many would reply. I requested feedback to tell me what point in the presentation helped most. Five or six responded, but only one provided a specific response. Four said, in essence “Liked it.” I was thrilled to hear from everyone, but his note helped me most. I’d been a little nervous about including the point he chose. I’ll remember him. I thanked him. If I come across a lead to help him, I’ll contact him. That’s the power of an engaging thank you note!
My bet is Jimmy Fallon probably got his job through someone he knows, rather than a thank you note, but he recognizes the value of thanking others. Remember Fallon’s crazy thank you notes, the next time someone does something nice for you. Just don’t be snarky, if you want the job.
Here’s a clip from NBC’s Jimmy Fallon Thank You Notes. It takes a few seconds for it to pop up.
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