A Word on Thank You Notes
About every two months I get asked by one of my candidates whether it’s better to write an e-mail or a handwritten thank you note to someone after an interview. The people who ask this question tend to fall into one of three groups: they are over 40, they’re very concerned about relationships, or they came out of public relations.
I can argue the cause from either side. I personally feel that e-mail is the currency of communications today. I do think any form of IM or twitter is far too informal. On the other side of the coin, a handwritten note shows an extra sense of caring and work to produce the document.
In the final analysis, I always try and listen to the person asking me that question and try and help them figure out what is the most appropriate for who they are and who the recipient is. So, no rules, I think this needs to be done on a case-by-case basis.
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November 10th, 2008 at 5:09 am
Interestingly, in the age of the new Internet, I too am consistently asked which form of communication ranks above the other. My quick answer is either, my long answer is typically, “Get out the pen and paper.” No one can convince me otherwise that an email ranks above a personalized card for a quick “thank you”. To me, it shows that you truly care about my time and effort to connect with you. And like a kid on Christmas day, it is exciting to see our name written in the curves and crosses of someone’s script.
Additionally, there are many services that allow you to customize a card that expresses your brand, such as Moo or Zazzle. Choose an image that is representative,have it delivered to your office, and keep them in stock for when a contact needs an extra moment of your attention.
In the age of speed and efficiency, as long as you can prove that your computer literate, the personalized attention that a handwritten card brings goes a long way in showing your more than a Tweet, ping, SMS, comment, status update or email.
November 10th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Agreed. I recommend everyone unplug for a week – from e-mail, from your blackberry, from all the social networking sites out there. You’ll soon come to find everything in your world will stay the same, even without e-communication.
Think about the last time you got a handwritten note. Exciting, yes?