Accelerate Your Search™ Now

The holiday season is upon us.  It is a great time of year to connect with your network.

One powerful search tool that is often overlooked is the “gratitude letter.”  This is the perfect time of year to send it to your current network of friends, family and past colleagues.

Most people know between 200 – 250 people.  Many, if not all, of your contacts have helped you in the past and, if they were aware of your current situation, would be willing to help again.  Gratitude Letters create powerful, positive energy and, almost instantly, add 200 people to your search team.

So, what exactly is a “gratitude letter?”  It is an opportunity to reach out, say why you appreciate the person and to share your current activities.  It is NOT a letter begging for a job.  Its purpose is to connect, update and appreciate.

Here is how to get started:

• Make a list of your contacts or print one out from Outlook or your CRM system.
• Next to each name write down one thing you appreciate about that person.
• Then verify you have a current mailing address for each contact.

Now you are ready to draft a simple one page letter.  Include your gratitude, a specific business accomplishment from the last year and what you are doing now.  You might say something like, “I am currently looking for my next opportunity as the Director of Marketing in the metro area specifically with ABC, Inc. or ZXX, Inc.  If you know anyone I should speak with at either organization, please let me know.”

If the contact is someone you would like to meet face-to-face, include a P.S. with a suggestion to meet for coffee or lunch.  For example, “If you want to grab lunch, my treat, either November 30 or December 3 at the Brown Deli, I’d love to catch up and find out what is new with you.”  You can also share in a P.S. that you have a bit of extra time and if there is a business project you could help with to let you know.  Make sure to add your mobile number below the P.S.

Print the letters on your personalized letterhead.  Stuff the envelopes, add a stamp and drop them in the mail.    Remember, the purpose is to show your appreciation and to update your network.

Don’t forget to include family and friends on your list.  The people closest to you may know all about your job search and be your biggest supporters.  As career transitions can be stressful, they are often the people who most need to know you appreciate their support.

Be bold.  If you are coming from a place of honest appreciation your network will be delighted that you took time to contact them in a personal manner.  Few people take time to be appreciative and less take to write a letter.  Connecting regularly with your network is very powerful.

Post a comment and share your favorite tip for sharing appreciation.