Let's say you're out of work and networking like crazy.  You're calling everyone you know, making new connections, and setting up coffee meetings right and left.  Immediately (as in, within a day), whether the person with whom you’ve networked met you in person or over the phone, you’ll need to send a thank-you note. Hand-written, typed, email – I don’t think it really matters (but no tweets or texts, please). Content is king.

 

Here’s what 90% of thank you notes usually look like:

 

Dear Javier,

 

Thanks so much for meeting with me.  I appreciate the time we spent and I know your advice will be invaluable as I continue my search for my next role.  I'll follow up on your suggestions and I hiope to be calling you with good news, soon.

 

Sincerely,

 

Gillian Gabriel

 

 So. What do you think? Is that compelling? Interesting? Does that suggest that Javier’s time was valued? It sounds pretty boiler-plate, doesn’t it? You can do better.

 At the risk of sounding like your mother, a thank-you note needs to be warm, personal, and tie specifically into elements of the conversation you’ve just had. And it needs to be at least 8 complete sentences (Ok, I pulled that out of the air, but it’s not a bad rule of thumb. My point is to ensure you’re actually writing a letter, not a sentiment that could be found on a Hallmark card). And, by the way, “thank you so much” does NOT count as a complete sentence.

 

How about this:

 

Dear Javier,

 

I've always enjoyed our work relationship, but never valued it more than today.  I can't tell you how much I appreciated the time you spent with me, giving me advice, counsel, and GREAT suggestions about how to move forward.  I've taken them to heart and already connected with one of your contacts.  Nate Page was nice enough to agree to a meeting (he says hi, by the way) and we're getting together next week.  I also did some research on that manufacturing company you mentioned and you're right -- they have a department that suits my skills perfectly.  I'm sending a letter off to them right away. 

 

Meetings like ours continue to motivate me during this rough time.  I know I'll land well and when I do, it'll be because people like you were kind enough to help.  Thank you so much, Javier.

 

 My best,

 

Gillian Gabriel

 

Nine sentences (I KNEW you counted), including the ubiquitous thank you at the end.  Better, isn’t it? Those are the thank-you letters I remember, and those are the candidates I tend to champion with my clients. Quite a bit was demonstrated in that letter – the writer listens, acts, and appreciates. What could be better in a potential employee?