The Power of Politeness in the Workplace: From Thank You Letters to Small Gestures
As an intern, you may wonder how you can make a lasting impression on your colleagues or employers. While doing your best work is important, going the extra mile can truly make a difference.
In this article, we’ll explore the power of little things in the workplace, and how they can help you stand out.
Sending a Thank You Letter After an Internship
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to make a lasting impression is sending a thank you letter after your internship. It shows that you are grateful for the opportunity, and it’s a polite way of saying thank you.
But why is a thank you letter so important? First, it’s polite.
Showing gratitude is a fundamental aspect of being polite, and it can leave a lasting impression on the people you worked with. A thank you letter shows that you recognize the value of the time and resources that were invested in you.
Second, it’s memorable. A thank you letter can help you stand out from other interns who may not have shown appreciation in the same way.
Recipients of your letter are more likely to remember you positively, which could be useful if you want to stay in touch or ask for a reference in the future. To make your thank you letter stand out, you should consider a few tips.
First, choose the right medium. An email is fine, but a handwritten letter can make an even stronger impact.
Second, be specific about what you appreciated about the internship. Did you learn new skills?
Did you enjoy working with your team? Third, keep in touch.
If you have the opportunity to stay in touch with anyone you worked with, let them know that you’re interested in maintaining a professional relationship. Finally, make it fun.
Don’t be afraid to show some personality in your letter. It will make the letter more memorable.
If you’re unsure how to begin writing a thank you letter, there are templates available to help make the process easier. You could consider writing a letter to your direct supervisor, anyone else on your team who made an impression, and anyone else you met, interacted with, or had coffee breaks with during your internship.
Importance of Little Things in Making a Lasting Impression
Aside from sending thank you letters, there are several small gestures you can make to stand out in the workplace. These are the little things that may not seem significant, but they can leave a lasting impression on your coworkers or employer.
The first of these is to remember people’s names. A person’s name is a fundamental aspect of their identity, and remembering someone’s name shows respect.
It can also be useful when you need to rely on that person in the future or ask them for help. The second is to send a thank you note for small gestures.
If someone went out of their way to help you with a task, or provided some valuable insight, a brief thank you note can go a long way. It shows that you recognize the time and effort they invested in you.
Third is to show politeness and respect at all times. Being polite should be a given in any professional setting, but it’s important to maintain this behavior even when you’re having a bad day.
Being respectful to your coworkers and employer can build a positive reputation for you in the workplace, which can lead to valuable opportunities down the line. Finally, acknowledging that people have invested time and resources in you is crucial.
It’s important to recognize that a company or organization may have a long list of candidates to choose from for an internship or job. If they’ve chosen to invest in you, it’s a lucky opportunity, and you should show that you recognize and appreciate it.
Conclusion
Overall, small gestures and polite behavior can make a big impact in the workplace. Sending thank you letters after an internship, remembering people’s names, showing gratitude for small gestures, and demonstrating politeness and respect can all contribute to making a lasting impression.
These behaviors may seem insignificant, but when combined with good work ethic and a positive attitude, they can help you stand out in the workplace and achieve success.
Personal Experience and Examples
When it comes to turning an internship into a full-time role, personal experience can be a valuable teacher. Here are a few examples of personal experiences and examples that can provide insight into different ways that internships can shape a career:
Personal Experience Turning an Internship into a Full-Time Role
I had the opportunity to turn my internship into a full-time role after graduating from college. During my time as an intern, I worked hard to learn as much as possible and take on as much responsibility as I could.
I also made sure to communicate regularly with my manager about my career goals and interests, which helped them see that I was committed to the company long-term. When the time came to apply for a full-time role, I was confident in my ability to do the job well, and my manager had already seen what I was capable of.
It made the process much smoother, and I was ultimately hired for the role.
Example of Getting Rejected and Following Up
Getting rejected from a job or internship can be disheartening, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road. After applying for an internship that I was really excited about, I received an email letting me know that I wasn’t selected for the role.
Initially, I was disappointed, but I decided to follow up and ask for feedback on my resume and application materials. The hiring manager responded with some useful feedback on my materials and let me know that they would keep me in mind for any future roles.
A few months later, I received an invitation to interview for another internship at the same company and ended up getting the role. Following up and asking for feedback helped me improve my application materials and stay top of mind for the hiring team.
Example of Turning an Internship into a New Career Goal
One example of turning an internship into a new career goal involves a former intern who worked for a large nonprofit organization. During their time as an intern, they were exposed to various departments within the organization and discovered an interest in business strategy and operations.
After the internship, they began to explore graduate programs and career opportunities in that field and eventually landed a job at a consulting firm. While the internship didn’t lead directly to their current role, it played a pivotal role in shaping their career goals and giving them the experience and exposure needed to pursue a new path.
Newsletter Sign Up and Job Search on The Muse
The Muse is a helpful tool for job seekers, and it offers a few key features that can make the job search process easier and more effective.
Benefit of Filtering Job Search to Fit Personal Needs
One valuable feature of The Muse is the ability to filter job search results by various criteria, including location, job type, company size, and more. This can help job seekers narrow down their options and focus on roles that are the best fit for their skills and career goals.
Advantage of Signing Up for a Newsletter
Another great feature of The Muse is its newsletter, which provides regular updates on job listings, hiring trends, and career advice. The newsletter also features interviews with hiring managers and industry experts, which can give job seekers insights into what companies are looking for in candidates.
The Muse’s Job Search Platform
Finally, The Muse’s job search platform is a valuable resource for job seekers, as it includes listings for a wide range of roles at companies of all sizes. The platform also includes detailed information about each company, including its mission, values, and culture, which can help candidates assess whether a particular role is a good fit for them.
Overall, The Muse offers a range of helpful features that can make the job search process more efficient and effective, from filtering job search results to signing up for the newsletter to using the job search platform to find and apply for job opportunities.
Why Send a Thank You Letter after an Internship
Sending a thank you letter after an internship is more than just a polite gesture. It’s an opportunity to show respect and gratitude for the opportunity you were given, and it can help you make a good impression on those you worked with.
Here are a few reasons why sending a thank you letter after an internship is important:
Importance of Respect and Gratitude
Sending a thank you letter after an internship is an important way to show respect and gratitude to the people who invested their time and resources in you. It demonstrates that you recognize the value of the opportunity you were given and that you appreciate the effort that was put into making your internship a positive experience.
Advantages of Sending a Thank You Note
In addition to showing respect and gratitude, sending a thank you note after an internship has a few other advantages. First, it can help you stand out from other interns who may not have taken the time to send a thank you note.
This can be particularly helpful if you’re interested in maintaining a relationship with the organization or the people you worked with. Second, it can help you make a positive impression.
A well-written thank you note can demonstrate your professionalism, attention to detail, and communication skills, all of which are highly valued in the workplace.
Honoring the Opportunity of Being an Intern
Finally, sending a thank you note after an internship is a way of honoring the opportunity you were given. Internships are often highly competitive, and being selected for one is a significant accomplishment.
By sending a thank you note, you’re acknowledging the privilege of being an intern and the value of the experience.
Tips for Writing a Post-Internship Thank You Letter
If you’re interested in sending a thank you letter after your internship, here are a few tips to help you make it as effective as possible:
Choosing a Medium for the Thank You Note
There are a few different mediums you can use for a thank you note after an internship, including email, handwritten letter, or a typed letter. The choice depends largely on your personal preferences and the norms of the industry you’re working in.
A handwritten note can be especially meaningful and memorable, but an email is often more convenient and may be more appropriate in some cases.
Importance of Saying Thank You
It may seem obvious, but the most important part of a thank you letter is, of course, saying thank you. Start your letter by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity you were given and the people who made your internship experience positive.
Getting Specific about the Internship Experience
To make your thank you note more meaningful, get specific about what you appreciated about your internship experience. Did you learn new skills or gain valuable experience?
Did you enjoy working with your team or your supervisor? Be specific and give concrete examples to help your letter stand out.
Expressing Interest in Staying Connected
If you’re interested in maintaining a professional relationship with anyone you worked with during your internship, be sure to express that in your thank you note. Let them know that you enjoyed working with them and that you’re interested in staying in touch.
You might even suggest a time to get together for coffee or lunch in the future.
Adding a Personal Touch to the Note
Finally, don’t be afraid to add a personal touch to your thank you note. This can help your letter stand out and demonstrate your personality and character.
Whether it’s sharing a personal anecdote or including a funny drawing or sticker, adding a personal touch to your thank you note can make it more memorable and enjoyable to read.
Templates for Writing a Post-Internship Thank You Letter
Writing a thank you letter after an internship can be made easier with the use of templates. Here are some templates you can use for different recipients:
Thank You Letter Template for Direct Supervisor
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Supervisor’s Name]
[Supervisor’s Position]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be an intern at [Company Name].
It has been an invaluable learning experience, and I am thankful for the guidance and support you provided throughout my internship. I truly appreciate your dedication to mentoring me during my time at [Company Name].
Your guidance and feedback allowed me to develop new skills and grow both personally and professionally. I admire your leadership and the way you approach your work with passion and integrity.
The projects I had the chance to work on under your supervision challenged me and provided valuable insight into the [industry/field]. I am grateful for the trust you placed in me and for the opportunity to contribute to the team’s success.
I learned so much from observing your management style and the way you handle various situations. Thank you once again for the incredible experience as an intern at [Company Name].
The knowledge and skills I gained during my time here will undoubtedly be a solid foundation for my future endeavors. I sincerely hope to stay in touch and continue learning from your expertise and guidance.
Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Thank You Letter Template for Teammates
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Teammate’s Name]
[Teammate’s Position]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Teammate’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to work alongside you as a member of the team at [Company Name].
The collaboration and support I received from you during my internship were invaluable. I am grateful for the guidance and expertise you provided.
Your willingness to share your knowledge and insights made a significant impact on my growth and development during my time at [Company Name]. I greatly admired your dedication and professionalism, and I was continually inspired by your passion for the work we did together.
Working with you on various projects allowed me to learn firsthand about the intricacies of the [industry/field]. Your enthusiasm for the work, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence were qualities I deeply admired and tried to emulate throughout my internship.
Thank you once again for your kindness, patience, and support. I believe the experiences and memories we shared will always hold a special place in my heart.
I would love to stay connected and hear about your continued success in the future. Wishing you all the best and looking forward to staying in touch.
Warmest regards,
[Your Name]
Thank You Letter Template for Other Acquaintances
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Acquaintance’s Name]
[Acquaintance’s Position, if applicable]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Acquaintance’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to meet and interact with you during my internship at [Company Name].
Your insights and support were truly valuable and made my internship experience much more memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations, whether they were about work-related topics or simply getting to know each other over a cup of coffee.
Your knowledge and experience in the [industry/field] were always evident, and I learned a great deal from our interactions. I am grateful for the time you took to share your perspective with me and the advice you provided.
Your genuine interest in my growth and success as an intern meant a great deal to me. Your kindness and willingness to help others have left a lasting impression.
Thank you once again for your guidance, wisdom, and the impact you had on my overall internship experience. I hope to stay connected and have the opportunity to learn from you in the future.
Wishing you continued success and fulfillment in all your endeavors. Best regards,
[Your Name]
Utilizing these templates can help you structure your thank you letters effectively while maintaining a personal touch.
Personalize the templates by adding specific details from your internship experience to make your gratitude more genuine. Remember, sending a thank you letter is a powerful way to leave a positive impression and build strong professional relationships.
In conclusion, sending a thank you letter after an internship is a crucial way to show respect, gratitude, and professionalism. It allows you to stand out, make a lasting impression, and honor the opportunity you were given.
By following tips and utilizing templates, you can craft a thoughtful and personalized thank you letter to your direct supervisor, teammates, and other acquaintances. The little things, such as expressing gratitude and staying connected, can go a long way in building strong professional relationships.
Ultimately, taking the time to send a thank you letter demonstrates your appreciation for the experience and opens doors for future opportunities. Remember, showing gratitude is not only polite but also a powerful tool in leaving a positive and memorable mark on your professional journey.