Writing a Simple Thank You Note

With email and blogging, Twitter and Facebook, we’ve become accustomed to a fast-paced world where a handwritten thank you is becoming a long lost art.

As a kid I always enjoyed getting mail… going to the mailbox to see what was in there.  In fact, I still get that same feeling of anticipation when I go to my mailbox today – except now all I seem to receive are bills!  I love when I get a handwritten note from a friend, and I love writing notes to keep in touch on a regular basis.

Thank you notes are tasked with expressing appreciation, and are supposed to be just that… short, sweet, simple and gracious.  I send thank you notes when someone sends me a business lead, when I’ve met a colleague for lunch or a networking session, when someone sends me a gift, or if someone has helped out my business in some way.  The thank you note doesn’t have to be long and elaborate, discussing the weather or divulging any details about your latest life crisis.  Just short, sweet, simple and gracious.

Here are a few pointers to get you started:

• After addressing your recipient, start with a buffer sentence:  “Hope you are doing well.” “Hope Florida is treating you well during your visit.” “Hope you all had a nice holiday.”

• The next sentence should thank the person and name the actual gift. “Just wanted to thank you for the great jacket.” “I want to thank you again for the lunch invitation to Casa Bonita yesterday.” “Thanks again for the invaluable advice for my newsletter.”  Be specific and never say, “Thank you for the gift.”  Using “gift” instead of naming the actual gift sounds like a canned and impersonal letter. (The recipient wonders if you even remember what the gift was!)  Adding the personal touch will go a longer way.

• Don’t use exclamation points that create a sense of false gratitude.  “Thanks for the sweater!  I really love it! I will always wear it!!”  Instead, “Thanks for the sweater which will go great with my new jeans.”

• If you have any photos from the event, or a photo of you with the gift or with the friend who joined you for lunch, it is always a nice touch to include those in the letter.  It shows you’ve gone the extra mile.

• End it with a cordial closer: “Look forward to seeing you soon.”  “Hope we can get together again.” “Next time, lunch is on me.”

And lastly, even if you don’t like the color, style, make, model or type of what you received, or if your meal was substandard at the restaurant, or if the advice wasn’t something that would fit your business, it’s still a nice touch to send that letter with some positive comments.  Someone thought of you, and it’s not every day that we are that lucky.

Time to Update That Resume!

5 Reasons Why You Should Update Your Resume TODAY:

1.   Flexibility – In order to remain competitive in today’s market place, you’ve got to be flexible in your job search.

2.  Fresh Looks – Information changes on a daily basis, including the phone numbers, websites and contact information of the jobs you have listed on your resume.  Keep it all current!!

3.  Competition – Let’s face it:  it’s out there, even more than ever.  More and more candidates (qualified or not) are in line for the same job you want.  Keep yourself qualified and tell everyone about why you ARE the perfect candidate.

4.  Professionalism – Social networking platforms make it really easy to submit an application.  Because of this ease, items are overlooked and done hastily.   Give yourself the professional edge by taking the time to make sure your resume is flawless, and that it mirrors who you are.

5.  Job Security – Job security is becoming a thing of the past.  There is always someone out there who can perform YOUR job for a lot less pay.  You never know when restructuring will occur.  Be prepared.

6.  Oh, wait!  This is only a list of 5… but I’ll put my 6th reason out there anyway and it’s because I’m offering some great summer specials to help you revamp that resume to land the job you want.  Check out the offerings below!  Happy Job Hunting!

Refocus and Revise this Summer with these 2010 Summer Resume Packages

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Retype of original resume (1 page) — 100.00 $50.00

Retype and reformat existing resume…. 1 page $150.00 $75.00  /  2 pages $90

New resume from scratch (worksheet provided) — $250.00 $120.00

Tip Sheet:  How to Ace That Phone Interview — $5.00

Super Summer Saver Resume Package

Reformat resume, 10 copies, 1 cover letter and tip sheet –  $145.00

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Prices valid June 3 – June 30, 2010