​Thank you!

by Bebe Vanek

We say it countless times per day. We were taught by our parents and kindergarten teachers that we must say thank you when we receive something, or when someone is kind, or as acknowledgment of a good deed.

The importance of “thank you” in the vocabulary of a young lawyer is tantamount to res ipsa loquitur, inter alia. Okay, so we are not supposed to use legalese, but you get the point.  Saying or writing “thank you” is very important, and in a few instances, forgetting to say it can be an irrevocable mistake.

After a Job Interview:

Picture this: You just interviewed for your dream job; and it went really well.  A panel of five partners interviewed you, and you did your research – knew their names and practice areas and catered your answers to be relevant to each partner. 

You made eye contact.  You’re floating on cloud nine, feeling like you’ve got the gig in the bag.

Days, then weeks, go by, and you haven’t heard a word.  What went wrong?!  You realize that you forgot to send “thank you” notes….

Although this is a bit dramatic, a “thank you” note after an interview is one of the most important ways to show respect, follow-through, that you’re interested in the position, and cement the interview in the minds of the interviewer. 

I recommend adding personal information in each note that relates back to a specific question or topic covered in the interview.  I recommend sending handwritten notes, on nice stationary (Emily Post says, “handwritten notes are warmer and more personal than a phone call or email, and only second best to thanking someone in person”), but many people send emails immediately after a phone interview, and follow up with a “thank you” note after a call-back or panel interview.   

Why take the time? I was told by an employer in law school, that what put me ahead of the other applications in the hiring decision: my “thank you” note.  It may not be much, but it can have a big impact on your career and reputation.

After a Mentor Meeting:

We’ve all heard about the importance of mentors in the professional lives of young lawyers.  Every judge I have spoken about their career before the Bench, refers back to his or her mentors as an integral part of their professional development.  

As young lawyers, we are required to participate in the NLTP and meet monthly with a mentor to discuss the practice of law.  The NLTP is a large time commitment for our mentors, and a “thank you” goes a long way.  Our mentors are not obligated to meet with us, i.e. they are taking time out of their day to provide advice and share personal experiences, and sometimes, take us to lunch!  It is also a great way to build your professional network and be the name your mentor thinks of when a position is open at their firm. 

Why take the time? I was told by a professional friend and mentor that he really enjoys being a mentor, and would be happy to help more young lawyers, but values, above all else, the courtesy of a “thank you” note.

Final “Thank You” Tips:

Check, and recheck, spelling and address.  I once misspelled the address of a potential employer and my “Thank you” note was returned, undelivered.  Sadly, someone else got that job (and I like to think it was only because of the case of the MIA Thank You). 

Mr., Mrs., John, or Jane?  Address the envelope to match the name as listed on the firm or company website.  Inside the note, you can be less formal.  If the interviewer provided you with his/her first name during or after the interview, use it to personalize the note.  However, you can always use the interviewer’s formal name to show continuity inside the note if you aren’t sure.
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Be polite and be yourself.  If you valued something from your interaction with the future-recipient of your “thank you” note – say so!  You really cannot go wrong by being personable and saying thank you. 

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​Bebe Vanek is the Sponsored Projects Officer at University of Utah Office of Sponsored Projects.

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