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Can a thank-you note lead to a job offer?
What if you are rejected? How can a thank-you note turn that rejection into a job offer?
Q: I have read this blog for years, even back to when there was a live chat. I have not seen this mentioned, but I wanted to share one way I found a job. I know you believe in networking, but I think there are other ways to find a job. A thank you note! I sent a thank-you note to someone with whom I interviewed. I didn’t get the original job, but I still sent him a thank-you note after I was rejected. In response to my thank-you note, he responded that the company would “keep my resume on file.” I have heard that before. It usually means that you won’t hear from a company ever again and stop following up with them. In my thank-you note, I said that if I was considered in the future, that I would be committed to helping the company achieve one of its most important goals. For some reason, that commitment totally sold them on me. They called me several weeks later, and I was hired for another role within that same company! So my advice to job hunters is never underestimate the power of the thank-you note. Thank-you notes can open doors and send offers to those on the hunt, even when you don’t get the original job. If you send a message of maturity and professionalism, that sometimes turns into a job offer! I started my new job last week!
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A: This is an incredible story of professional persistence! Thank-you notes matter. Thank you for submitting your experience. Thank-you notes are critically important to a job search. Often, they can “make it or break it” for a job seeker. Your experience is a perfect example.
Even if a colleague, a contact, or someone has spent time with you, a thank-you note should be sent or emailed. Even if you have been rejected and turned down, a thank you note should be sent. Several job seekers have recently shared a similar interview experience with me. The job seeker is a finalist but ultimately another candidate receives the offer. Although sometimes incredibly disappointing, the candidate sends a thank-you note and maintains a relationship and makes a positive impression on either the recruiter or the hiring manager. Weeks or months pass, and the candidate is contacted, and another opportunity is presented to them. Finally, the job seeker receives an offer.
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I believe networking is important, but I agree with you. There are other ways that job hunters can land a new job. I appreciate you sharing your experience. Thank you for writing. Best of luck in your new role!
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