10 Ways Thankfulness Helps You Get a Job Faster

With Thanksgiving coming up, I thought I’d share a list of 10 ways a sincere “thank you” can make a practical difference in your job search.

1. Send thank-you notes or cards after networking conversations. An attractive card is especially good because it’s likely to sit on your contact’s desk for days, helping keep you at top of mind. Buy a couple of boxes of cards and use them liberally.
2. Thank them again after you’ve taken any advice they offered. People want to know that you followed through and how their time with you made a difference. These updates will build relationship.
3. When you go to an interview, thank the receptionist, the shuttle driver, the waitstaff at the restaurant–everyone who does anything for you.
4. Send a truly effective thank-you letter within 24 hours after your interview. When in doubt–“Should I send one after a phone screen? to each person who was in the room?”–just do it.
5. If you’re turned down for a job you wanted, send a gracious note thanking the hiring team for having considered you and inviting them to keep in touch. Few candidates do this, so you’ll stand out. There are various ways this action could turn a “no” now into a “yes” later.
6. When you receive a job offer, thank them even if you’re not accepting yet. Showing appreciation should be the first step toward negotiating a sweeter deal.
7. Thank your family and friends often for their support during your search, especially if it has caused them any stress.
8. When you land your new job, thank everyone who helped you along the way, whether with a note, a meal or even a gift.
9. Thank your higher power for all the good things you already have. Gratitude is good for body, mind and soul, all of which you need for a successful job search.
10. “Thank” (appreciate and reward) yourself every time you make an effort, not just for the final result. It may take many weeks or months to get your next job. Don’t wait ’til the end to reward yourself. You need positive reinforcement all along the way.

Thank you for reading The Great Job Sooner Blog. I love sharing my knowledge and helping you reach your career goals. When you subscribe, I’ll thank you with three free job search tools: a report on how to stand out in your job search, an infographic that helps you answer salary questions, and a negotiation template to help you get ready to score a better compensation package.