It’s difficult to overstate the importance of interpersonal skills, social awareness, and the ability to inculcate trust for those who wish to become a financial planner. One of the best ways to demonstrate these items, along with a keen awareness of the necessity of prompt follow-up, is to send “thank you” notes to professionals you encounter at any stage in your career. Whether this person offered mentorship, interviewed you, or simply provided a word of encouragement, a heartfelt “thank you” can set you apart from the crowd.
Post Interview Correspondence
Professional decorum dictates that an email expressing gratitude be sent within 24 hours of an interview. This correspondence should be personalized, gracious, and reiterate your interest in the firm, if you are indeed interested! A hand-written thank you card should be placed in the mail within 48 hours of an in-person interview. It may sound old fashioned or outdated; but a handwritten note expressing gratitude and sharing something you learned during the conversation will make you stand out in our increasingly digital world. Of the thousands of candidates we’ve interviewed at New Planner Recruiting, very few actually take the time to send handwritten notes to us or the client firms we represent. . Many of the candidates that do end up receiving offers or advanced to the final round of the interview process. These small gestures of professionalism can be so impactful that it isn’t uncommon to see thank you cards sitting on the desk or hanging on the walls of a professional’s desk.
Projecting An Attitude of Gratitude
Fair or not, many firm owners are under the impression that Millennials and members of Generation Z tend to be entitled and ungrateful. By making a conscious effort to demonstrate gratitude via a thoughtful note, you can quickly alleviate any misconceptions about you or your generation. Further, it demonstrates to the interviewer that you can provide prompt follow-up which is a trait you need to be successful as a financial planner.
It can sometimes be difficult to stand out in the crowd of applicants. If you’re struggling to land that dream job or simply want to make the best impression possible in each interview, take the time to send follow-up emails and thank you cards to those who interview you. Not only is it the professional thing to do, but it also demonstrates passion and gratitude, unteachable traits that every firm owner is looking for.
If you’re interested in beginning your journey in financial planning or are looking to make a change, submit your resume here or check out our list of top-tier opportunities here. The team at New Planner Recruiting is eager to help you on your way to ultimate career success.
