Try Writing Thank You Notes More Often

In the high-pressure business world, common courtesies such as saying "please" and "thank you" sometimes fall through the cracks. However, taking the time to master the simple art of writing thank you letters can give you the edge in a competitive environment by building your reputation as a courteous, conscientious person to work with. Learn when to write a thank you letter and why they should be a regular part of your business practice.

Business Luncheons or Dinners

While sending a mass of thank you notes to your usual cohorts is not necessary after your daily business lunches, one might be in order if a boss, associate or client joins you for a meal. Business meals provide you with the opportunity to work, plan and negotiate in a relaxed setting and make a good impression at the same time. Following up with a thank you note is a great way to reinforce that positive impression and greatly improve your chances of doing business with that person or group of persons in the future. A written thank you is also appropriate to send to the host or hosts of a corporate luncheon, dinner or other special mealtime event.

Interviews

Thanks you notes are a highly effective tool for increasing your chances of landing a job. The note provides you with the opportunity to follow up on key points discussed during the interview and reinforce the reasons why you would make a great candidate. It also sets you apart from other candidates and helps you stick out in the employer's memory. A survey conducted by Accountemps, a large and reputable professional staffing service, found that 76 percent of executives believe it is helpful for a job candidate to send a thank you note following an interview.

Referrals

When hunting for a new job, a great referral can open doors that would otherwise remain closed to you. Show your referrer that you appreciate their help by writing a thank you note. Not only is it courteous and polite, but it improves your chances of getting better and more referrals from that person in the future. Make it personal by sending a physical note rather than an email.

Raises and Promotions

Written thank you notes are an appropriate way to acknowledge a raise or promotion. They show that you appreciate the acknowledgement of your hard work and do not take it for granted. By thanking the person or persons responsible, you solidify your reputation as a top employee and improve your odds of further advancement.

If you have never sent a formal letter of thanks or have been sending them inconsistently, now is the time to make a regular habit of this invaluable business practice. You do not want to lose ground to your industry peers who are already in the habit. Formal thank you letters help you stand apart from coworkers and competitors and are a simple way to build relationships while advancing your career.

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