Say "thank you!"

Writing thank you letters to individuals who have assisted you with job shadows and informational interviews is one of the best habits to adopt. Employers do appreciate it when a student takes time to thank them. It shows gratitude and professionalism, which are definitely traits you should be revealing to future employers.

Each time you do a job shadow or sit down and conduct an informational interview, I EXPECT you to follow up with a thank you letter. Please print out an extra copy, or show me your thank-you letter so I can document that you have written it.

Scholarship committees are also very appreciative of thank-yous, and may be more apt to renew the reward to someone they know is grateful. Please take some time to read through the example thank you letter below:


Emily Smart
1200 Greenwood Avenue
Echo, Oregon 97828

September 20, 2009

Mr. Eric Bradley
217 Grace Street
Hermiston, OR 97838

Dear Mr. Bradley,

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy work schedule to provide me the job shadowing experience on September 18, 2009.

I found the tour of the facility and the career related information you shared to be extremely valuable. Being able to talk to other accountants helped me realize my career goals and the kind of company I would like to work for someday. I specifically enjoyed attending a staff meeting to experience some of the every day issues that can arise in an office setting. Thank you for answering all of my questions; the information was very educational.

I thank you again for your generosity and patience in helping me explore my career path.

Sincerely,

Emily Smart

See how easy that is?! Short and sweet, yet professional (please type!)