Revelations Executive Search

Always send the thank you note. Lately, as I've engaged with and mentored younger professionals in the business world, I've noticed a common sentiment: the importance of the thank you note seems to be fading. However, I strongly disagree with this notion. It’s true that the delivery method has been updated (a thoughtful email or perhaps if appropriate a follow-up text will do) but it may not have the charm of handwritten and posted mail. Either way, it gets the job done and fully delivers on the promise of polish (especially if it's timely, specific, positive, and personal). BUT our need, as people, to connect through gratitude has not changed nor will it likely ever. Saying thank you truly matters — what you say shows you care and it fully demonstrates the kind of person you are. We’re all human, and we all appreciate being appreciated. Whether it’s a quick follow-up for an interview opportunity, a thanks to your team for a job well done, or to a speaker you particularly enjoyed learning from… If we lead and connect with gratitude, we all win. So write, type, text, or carrier pigeon the thank you note - every time. It matters. 

Yesterday, I posted my search for a Junior/Mid-Level Strategist. In the last 24 hours, I've received over 175 inquiries & referrals. First, THANK YOU to everyone who boosted the post, made referrals or reached out proactively. Thanks to you, I've got excellent candidates. That said, I want to share my honest #feedback on how people are representing themselves, for better and worse. Consider this a quick #WhatNobodyTellsUs segment on successful job outreach, which I hope can help you land a great role. I'm noticing VERY clear trends re: how people are showing up. When job searching, few things matter more than your #firstimpression, right? From bad to good, here are the outreach approaches I'm seeing: Trend #1: "You've just found your next strategist! Check out my profile if you want to know more." Listen, I love gumption more than most but this puts ALL the work on me. I know nothing about you and you're a single fish in a pond of over 175 people. I don't have time to go digging to find out more, even if you're a rock star of all rock stars. (Grade F) Trend #2: "Hi! I'm XYZ. I've worked at XYZ co's on XYZ clients. Here is a list of my specialities. I'd love to learn more about the position; let me know where I can send my resume." This is better, so at least I know a little bit about you but still puts the work on me. Genuine PSA: LinkedIn lets you attach a doc to emails. It's a small thing, but then I don't have to respond with my email, wait for your email, find your resume, etc. (Grade C+) Trend #3: "Hi! My colleague, whom you worked w/ at XYZ company, referred me to your posting. I'm really intrigued by what your company, What Nobody Tells Us Strategies, is doing. I work at XYZ co's on XYZ clients, and here is a list of my specialities. I've attached my resume and have outlined some of my strengths. I'd love to connect and learn more." This has many positives: A mutual, trusted connection; they've referenced my company (mind-blowing fact: only ONE person did this); and they've included an overview of themselves plus a #resume. I have a lot to go on and can tell they took the time to do their own research. (Grade B+/A-) Trend #4: "Hi! I'm XYZ and really interested in your role. Here's a link to a quick intro video so you can see who I am and why I'd be a good fit. I've worked at XYZ co's on XYZ clients, and here are my #superpowers. Here's a link to my #strategyportfolio so you can see how I think. I also know you're busy, so here's my #Calendly if you want to connect." This is an incredibly organized and thoughtful response, which made my job so much easier. Creating a #template like this takes work on the front end, but pays off. (Grade A+) This is all meant to genuinely help you if you're #seekingwork. There are so many people #lookingforjobs with 100s or even 1000s of candidates. Let these tips help you #standout, make a #positiveimpression, and get the job you want.