How do you write a job shadowing thank you letter or email?
In this video, I share a step-by-step process to write a thank you letter after job shadowing.
Putting together a thank you message after shadowing goes a long way. It can easily be done in a letter or an email and is a great way to show gratitude to those you shadowed. Personally, I've written and received numerous thank you letters.
Here's a step-by-step process you can follow to write a job shadowing thank you.
1) How and where are you sending the message?
If you're sending an email, you're sending it electronically and need an email address.
On the flip side, if you're sending a physical letter you can hand deliver it OR send it via the mail and need a mailing address.
Pro tip - Grab the business card of the person you're shadowing. This way you have all the information you need to follow up (email, cell phone, address, etc.).
Both email and physical letters are a perfectly appropriate way to send a job shadowing thank you. Honestly, it's the thought that counts.
2) Make sure you get their title correct
Unless you have a personal relationship with the person you shadowed, it's really important that you address them appropriately.
If you were fortunate enough to grab their business card, you can see how they address themselves professionally.
If you didn't, a quick google search can help you out. There are a lot of different ways to address a professional and so make sure that you get it right.
Common prefixes: Mr, Mrs. Ms., Dr., etc.
Common suffixes: MS, OD, DO, MS, etc.
3) Thank the person for their time
Time is the most valuable asset we all have. The person you shadowed took time out of their busy schedule to let you into their professional life.
As a result, thanking them for their time shows that you appreciate the opportunity they gave you and is genuinely a great way to lead off any thank you letter.
RELATED: 15 Ways To Practice Gratitude
4) Personalize the thank you
No one can be you better than you. Let your personality shine in your thank you letter!
Take the time to highlight why the shadowing opportunity was important to you and what you learned during the experience. Elaborate on how shadowing them will impact your career.
Pro tip - Did you take a photo with the person you shadowed? Include it in your thank you message!
5) Keep the door open for the future
Every interaction with somebody that you shadow is a great way to network. Leave them the best way to follow up and contact you in the future.
Also, if you're interested in a job, let them know! Communicate how excited you were to spend time with them and how you would be a great fit for employment as they add to their team.
RELATED: How To Network Like a PRO!
6) Include your name and title at the end
This is a no-brainer but make sure you include your name your contact information as well as your title at the end of the message.
If you're a student and don't have an official title, let them know where you're at in the student process and where you go to school.
7) Send the thank you right after the shadow
Don't procrastinate as you might forget to send the thank you. Do it as soon as possible.
Details of the shadowing experience will be top of mind and the person you're shadowing will be impressed by how quickly you followed up.
Job shadowing thank you examples
Coming soon!
Final thoughts
Sending a job shadowing thank you is a critical step in the process of shadowing a professional. The steps above provide you with a simple yet effective way to follow up and thank anyone you shadow.
What questions do you have about writing a job shadowing thank you? Let me know in the comments below and stay tuned for my next video where we can reflect and grow stronger together.
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