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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mike99 on March 12, 2006, at 9:27:51
Does anyone have suggestions or resources for a brief 3-4 line thank you note. Everything I've found online relates to a gift thank you or interview followup thank you note.It is for a professional I job-shadowed for a few days. I will never see them again or require any sort of recommendation or anything from them. I just want to thank them for their time and say I learned a thing or two (though I really didn't).
I'm having a hell of a time making anything sound eloquent in just a few sentences.
Posted by Racer on March 12, 2006, at 12:47:12
In reply to generic thank you note, posted by mike99 on March 12, 2006, at 9:27:51
I'm terrible at that sort of thing, but had a thought that maybe might help: you did learn something from shadowing this guy. You learned that he had nothing to teach you this way. That's still something. Maybe it means that you knew more than you thought, or maybe it means that you had prepared well -- or, of course, it may just mean that he was uninspiring.
As for the note, here's how I do this sort of thing: I put together the actual message I want to send, in bullet points, and anything complimentary I might want to include, also in bullet points, and then use the bullet points to make my note. So, from what you wrote, I might do something like this:
1. I appreciate his time
2. It was a learning experience for me. (though I don't mention what I learned...)
3. It was generous of him to allow me to shadow him.
4. I hope I didn't get in his way.
5. The experience was valuable to me.
6. Directed sort of compliment would go here, something that relates to his interest/job/whatever. Something like 'I admire your work in area x.' Only, of course, if it's true, and it's best if you can put in something specific: "I really admire your work in communication system design, especially part x, which creates so many more options for scalablity." Something like that. With a slant towards what he's interested in.So, my note might say something like,
"Dear SoNSo:
Thank you very much for allowing me to job shadow you on these dates. It was a valuable experience for me, especially the opportunity it offered to learn more about systems design (or whatever). I appreciate your generosity both with your time, and with your knowledge and expertise, and hope that it was a positive experience for you, as well. (<<that's teh part about hoping I didn't get in his way.)
Thank you again,
Sincerely yours,
Racer X"
One thing to keep in mind, is that grammar, syntax, and most importantly -- conforming to conventions of business correspondence. All these things matter, especially to those of us a bit older, who got them drilled into us. It's worth following those rules.
(^^^sorry, that's a big bugaboo for me, and for many people I speak with.)
It only has to be short -- and sent. It doesn't have to be eloquent. It can be even simpler -- "thank you very much for your generosity in allowing me to shadow you on these days. I appreciate it very much.
Sincerely yours,
etc."
It doesn't have to be much -- but it does have to be sent...
And good for you for doing it.
Posted by mike99 on March 12, 2006, at 15:55:52
In reply to Re: generic thank you note » mike99, posted by Racer on March 12, 2006, at 12:47:12
Racer,
Thanks so much for taking the time to share all that with me--seriously. It was everything I needed to know and nothing I didn't. I'm printing out your post for future reference.
I'm very happy with my note and glad to have it done and done well. And simple--thanks to you.
VERY much appreciated,
Mike
Posted by Racer on March 12, 2006, at 18:27:45
In reply to Thank YOU Racer » Racer, posted by mike99 on March 12, 2006, at 15:55:52
This is the end of the thread.
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