The Well-Appointed Desk

Having a “well-appointed desk” goes beyond just having the right pen or paper at hand. I believe that it is also about having the right mindset and this includes a bit of office etiquette and professional strategies.

A great example of that is knowing how to make a good impression and that starts when you interview for a job. Take the time to write a thank you note.

I’ve seen it so many times in my career – a job is open, resumes are submitted and candidates are selected to interview. Then the interviewers go back to the day-to-day tasks of keeping their company or department running and the decision about which candidate to be offered the position is put on the backburner. Then, in the hectic-ness of the day, a small envelope appears on the desk. “Hmmm, I wonder what this is?” is the thought that springs to mind as the envelope is opened. Inside is a Thank You note with a few short lines thanking the recipient for the chance to interview and a word or two that brings back a conversation from the interview. “Oh, that’s right, I remember that candidate. And he/she was thoughtful enough to send a Thank You card. Maybe I should take another look at their resume?”

See how that works? It helps make you memorable and shows that this job is important enough to you to scrape ten minutes out of your day to write a note.

I believe that writing a thank you note is also important if you ask for a professional favor – a lunch meeting with a mentor to help you solve a problem – or anytime you ask someone to go above their normal duties for your benefit.

Just a little professional PSA for all our fine readers.

(via Crane & Co.: The Blog)