5 People You Forget to Thank in Your Job Search

5 People You Forget to Thank in Your Job Search5 People You Forget to Thank in Your Job Search8Rarely is a job search a one-person mission. Successful job candidates know that it takes a steadfast team of cheerleaders and allied gatekeepers to earn interviews and job offers.Yet as you scurry from one closed door to the next opportunity, fixated on the next step forward, its easy to overlook the people standing behind you. But forgetting to thank these important players potentially weakens your professional connections.A thank you is much more than a business etiquette rule or an act of politeness. A thank you is an investment in your professional future. The people you go to now for recommendations, advice, or a second opinion may not open their door again in the future if their time and efforts go unacknowledged.Remember these five people you forget to thank in your job searchJob references Former bosses and colleagues are taking time out to give you a glowing review. Take the time to thank them not only after the initial contact but also after the hiring process ends. In fact, The Emily Post Institute recommends sending two thank-you letters one after you receive the reference and one after the interview verdict.Employee referrals Employees who refer you to work at their particular company help you move along the hiring process 55 percent faster, according to recruiting platform Jobvite. Even if these connections rack up bonuses for referrals, theyre putting their reputation on the line to get you in the door. A thank you is in order.Resume aides Your friend, family member, or colleague who acts as your spell checker, editor, and personal publicist deserves a huge thanks for making you look good on paper. If you want to keep this asset on board in the future, take the time to show your gratitude.Your network Did a neighbor forward you a job lead? Did a LinkedIn connection get the word out about your job search? Did you email a friend for job advice? All of th ese people need recognition. This is how you nurture your network and stay top-of-mind for future opportunities.Hiring managers who didnt offer a job Sure, everyone knows thank-you letters are vital after interviews, but what about after job rejections? Follow up with the employer to thank them again for their time and to express interest in future opportunities. As a gracious candidate, not a scorned one, you impart a positive impression that may come in handy if you apply again later or encounter the interviewer at another company.One simple way to thank everyone on this list handwritten thank-you notes.Thanking someone through social media or email is quick and easy, but no one places a tweet or email on their desk. A beautiful, thoughtful thank-you note on professional stationery makes a longer-lasting impact on the recipient.But you can make use of LinkedIn and email to stay in touch. Check in when youve had a work anniversary, to send holiday cards, or to shoot over a link to a great industry article.Readers, how has a thank-you note made a difference in your career? Who do you forget to thank in your job search? Share with us in the comment section belowAshley Speagle lives in Atlanta and works as a communications specialist forPGi, a leading weltumspannend provider of collaboration software and services for over 20 years. PGi is constantly innovating, developing new technologies to make virtual meetings easier and more productive than ever before. Learn more at PGis blog, The Future of Business Collaboration.