You sent off your
cover letters and resumé and completed the required online applications. You
conducted informational interviews, talked to people in your career field who
connected you to other professionals in the field. You interviewed, worked
through case studies, presented your recommendations, participated in more
interviews, and finally after all your hard work you got the job. You deserve
to celebrate. But like it or not, there’s still one more step in your job
search. You need to close the loop by sending a “thank-you, I’ve accepted a
position email (or call)” to the people you connected with during your job
search.
This often-overlooked
step leaves a strong, positive and professional impression with people that can
pay big dividends for you in the future, just as it did for David, a junior at
highly ranked liberal arts college. “I spoke with the partner I had the most
contact with during the interview process. He told me I was their top candidate
for the internship position and although he was disappointed, he understood why
I accepted the internship offer that I did. He said to contact him after my
summer internship to hear about how it went and to see if his company might be
a good fit when I graduate.” David closed the loop while at the same time left
the door open for a future opportunity.
Close the loop
with...
It’s not necessary to close the loop with everyone you spoke with during your
job search. A telephone or Skype interview with the HR person that didn’t go
any further doesn’t require a close-the-loop email. However, if you talked with
an outsourced/external recruiter for the position, it’s a good investment to
send the email. Why? Because it’s likely this recruiter works with companies to
fill entry-level/junior positions and it’s a good contact to have for the
future. Here’s who else belongs on your close the loop email list.
- Anyone you had an informational interview with, particularly those who connected you to others. This is a way for you to build your professional network.
- People you interviewed with multiple times and/or stayed involved during the interview process. They liked you and it's a way for them to know which companies they are competing with for young talent.
- The employers who made you an offer you did not accept. You always want to leave the door open for opportunities with these people and employers.
Be sure to let your school’s career services center know, even if they were not involved in your job search. They should want to know where their students have landed jobs.
A simple format will
do...
There is no standard format for a close-the-loop email though it should
generally be brief, open with a “thank you”, tell the person where you landed,
and include—if you haven’t asked already—an invitation to connect on LinkedIn.
Dear Mr. Smith:
Thank your for the opportunity to interview with XYZ. I appreciate the support you provided during the interview process. I’m happy to tell you that I’ve accepted a position with The Big Name Company in Chicago starting June 1st.
Thank your for the opportunity to interview with XYZ. I appreciate the support you provided during the interview process. I’m happy to tell you that I’ve accepted a position with The Big Name Company in Chicago starting June 1st.
My contact information
will stay the same (see below). Please feel free to contact me if I can be of
any help to you. I’m also sending you an invitation to connect on LinkedIn.
Signature (includes
at minimum your name, phone, email)
This email is short,
gracious and informative.
Send when...
Unlike your interview thank-you emails, you do not need to get the
close-the-loop emails out immediately unless someone is waiting to hear from
you such as another employer and then a phone call is more appropriate. You
have time but don’t wait too long. You don’t want the connection you worked
hard to make go cold.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Jane Horowitz is a
career-launch coach and founder of More Than A Resumé. Jane
has championed college students in their job searches from colleges and
universities across the country, and with majors from engineering to fine arts,
from computer design to banking. Jane has made a measurable and lasting
difference in college students’ lives.
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