When was the last time you used pen and paper to compose a thank-you note? In our digital world, it is easier to use technology to express thankfulness. We quickly send an email or text to let someone know they are appreciated and move on with our day. As we approach the end of the year, take time to explore why handwritten notes are so powerful.
Notes Express Genuine Feelings
Sending a thank-you note after an interview shows humility and amicability. A thank-you note from a candidate to a potential employer shows respect for the employer’s position and appreciation for their time. Conversely, a thank-you note from a potential employer to a candidate shows recognition and appreciation for the candidate’s time and talents. Handwritten notes express genuine feelings and encourage the sender and the recipient to slow down and be thankful for the connection.
Notes Can Be A Permanent Reminder
Contrary to thank-you emails, handwritten notes don’t disappear into the black hole of the recipient’s inbox. Notes may be retained as a keepsake or displayed on a desk. Even if the note is discarded, the effort and the words shared will linger in the memory. A well-written note can serve as a reminder to candidate and employer of the pleasant connection made and leave a positive impression on both. As a candidate, you can send a thank-you note to remind a potential employer of your pleasant interview, solidify your interest and personal connection you made. Candidate and employer elevate themselves when appreciation is expressed in writing. A note demonstrates that you value others and would be a valuable addition or have a people-focused culture.
Notes Make You Stand Out
In our digital world, mail addressed and stamped by hand is almost a relic of the past. Since this kind of mail is rare, it catches the recipient’s attention. As a candidate, you will stand out from others by sending a note expressing your appreciation for an opportunity to interview. Potential employers will be impressed that you took the initiative to write a thank-you note. As a potential employer, you can make an impression on candidates by writing a thank-you letter recognizing their interest in the company. Sending a thank-you note to candidates shows that you value others, making your company a more appealing place to work.
Notes Build Relationships
According to executive recruiter James Walton, an average person receives 121 email messages daily and less than five in their physical mailbox. Bottom line- a handwritten note appeals to the desire for connection and recognition of our value. It sets us apart from the crowd.
