How to express gratitude (Hiring & Retention, Part 3)

Before I dive into today’s post, I’m excited to announce my latest podcast episode: How to become a thought leader, with guest Dr. John Berardi. If you’re interested in growing your reputation, being known for your thoughts and ideas, writing and publishing as an introvert, or how to make your work 10x better, give this episode a listen: Website, Apple, Spotify, Google

Okay, back to today’s regularly scheduled programming. :)

In my lifetime of studying storytelling and human nature, I can tell you this: perhaps the #1 thing you can do in communications of any kind is help people feel seen.

And today, I’m going to show you a very simple way you can do that. This method is SO EASY yet it’s almost always overlooked.

But first, a story.

Before I started my own business, I went to my fair share of interviews and even worked with recruiters from time to time. (Actually, that’s putting it mildly. Early in my career, I practically became a professional interviewee before I found my groove.)

Anyway, whenever I met with anyone, I sent them a handwritten thank-you card. I would go out of my way to send cards (and at the very least, personalized emails) to anyone who assisted me, including administrative assistants.

This is considered a smart move for prospective candidates. Career counselors still recommend it (even in this age of digital communications.)

So why don’t employers do it too?

I used to work in corporate public relations at a big agency, and any time someone would high five or let out a celebratory yelp over a win, my boss would scoff. “This is your job,” he’d say. “You’re just doing your job.”

Imagine the kind of camaraderie and commitment that *could* have been garnered had the agency’s leadership done the opposite of shrugging their shoulders and actually expressed sincere appreciation through the simplest of things: a thank you note.

Instead, my colleagues and I eventually moved on to other jobs.

Let me repeat: human beings need to feel seen.

I’ve dedicated my career to communications and I can tell you, this is vital.

It’s not a luxury to take the time to appreciate what people have contributed, it’s a necessity.

Importantly, this is different from a generic “we did it” message over Slack or email or at a company event. Sure, it can be fun to celebrate as a team.

But if you’re a leader, you need to acknowledge what individuals specifically contributed. Make a point to SEE and celebrate their unique contribution.

By the way, you can do this with candidates too.

A mailed thank you note might not be suitable, and you of course want to walk a fine line here. (If you don’t plan on hiring someone, you don’t want to give them the wrong impression.)

But an expression of thanks after an interview via email seems like a no-brainer. The candidate took their time to meet with you. They likely did some research, some planning and preparation, got dressed up, gathered up their courage (because interviewing is always nerve-racking), and put their time and attention towards you and your company.

So why wouldn’t you want to thank them for that?

Want to show appreciation? Awesome. Here are two simple templates you can use.

Just copy the text below into an email or a handwritten note, customizing it for your specific situation. (Don’t miss the customization obviously, or it will come off like a form letter which will have the reverse effect.)

Template 1: Employee or Colleague Thank You Note

{If email – Subject line: Thank You}

Hi {Their name},

I just wanted to say thank you for {their effort, attitude, skill, etc.}

You really made a difference to {current project or accomplishment.}

I specifically appreciate your {fill in with something they did or something they typically bring to their work — e.g. their enthusiasm for the project.}

Thanks again,
{Your name}

Template 2: Candidate Interview Thank You Email

{Subject line: Thanks for Meeting With Me}

Hi {Their name},

I just wanted to say thank you for meeting with me {yesterday/when you met}.

We’ll be in touch with follow-up information later, but for now I just wanted to say that I value your time, and appreciate your interest.

That’s it for now. Wishing you a great day.

{Your name}

Are you interested in hearing more on this topic?

I’ve got loads to share on it. If you want to hear more about how communications and thought leadership can relate to hiring and retention, write me and let me know.

You can simply say, “I’m interested.”

Or, if you have a bit more time, please tell me a bit about what your challenges and/or goals are on this matter.

With your input, I can customize future content to your needs and interests.

Let me know, OK?