“He didn’t send a Thank You note.”
This was the sentence that jumped out from a recent conversation with a hiring manager. She went on to explain her philosophy that she thinks about herself as a customer first while interviewing sales candidates. How they treat her is a good indicator of how they will treat the customer.
In talking with the candidate, I shared this feedback and he immediately understood the missed expectation. He sent a follow up note owning up to the mistake and most importantly, when he had his next interview, he sent “Thank You” notes to the whole team.
This particular candidate got an offer and accepted the job.
There are two great lessons in this exchange.
The first is that the details still count and that you never know what someone might value. Better to be prepared, be thorough, and make that extra effort to get what you want. You never know if the person you are talking to subscribes to the “How you do anything is how you do everything” philosophy.
The second lesson is that there is no room for making the same mistake twice! If you make a mistake in the eyes of the person you are communicating with, then own it! Call it out and make it clear that you got it and understand. Then, don’t do it again.
Lesson learned and don’t make the same mistake twice.
Written by: Austin Meyermann, Founder and President of Hunter Crown, LLC
Looking for your next great opportunity?
Have hiring and/or recruiting needs?