Some of the best career coaching advice I can give?
Please say thank you.
Not the quick “thanks heaps for your help” or a polite email that appreciates their time.
I mean a sincere, considered message.
Because if someone has advocated for you, they’ve done more than just “help”.
They’ve put their reputation on the line.
They’ve used their voice when it mattered.
They’ve chosen to support your career in a moment where they didn’t have to.
And too often, that support is acknowledged with a brief thank you.
If someone has gone out of their way for you, take the time to write to them properly.
Tell them what you respect about them.
Be specific about what their support meant to you.
Let them fundamentally know how their actions mattered.
This is ESPECIALLY if you didn’t get the opportunity you were hoping for.
And if you really want to leave amazing impressions throughout your career, don’t just write a message.
Write a letter.
On beautiful stationery.
Yes, go out and buy beautiful stationery if you don’t own some.
This takes effort, but that’s the point.
Your career will always involve other people.
You can’t get there alone.
So when someone steps up for you, the most powerful thing you can do is make sure they feel what that meant.
It’s rarely done like this.
And that’s why it’s so powerful if you do it.