Beyond Etiquette -

Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 9/15/2025

Hidden Power of Thank-You Notes After Job Interviews

Amid a competitive recruitment process, my ultimate choice of a candidate often hinges on an unseen dimension: Connection. It’s not just qualifications. It’s also about shared interests, values, and communication style. My gut whispers, “I can work with this person.” Recall, that connection is a two-way street—a dance of give and take that transcends etiquette.

An effective thank-you note after an interview can enhance a lasting impression. Here are some tips to help you create a memorable and impactful connection.

• Promptness:
  • Send a thank-you note promptly—ideally within 24 hours of the interview.
  • This shows high interest and professionalism.
    
    
• Personalization:
  • Avoid templates.
  • Tailor your note to reflect specific details of the interview.
  • Mention something unique that you discussed or learned during the conversation.
    
    
• Express Gratitude:
  • Express honest gratitude for the opportunity to meet the interviewer to discuss the position.
  • Thank them for their time and consideration.
    
    
• Be Specific:
  • Highlight specific aspects of the interview that resonated with you. For example:
    • Mention a particular project or challenge discussed.
    • Express appreciation for insights shared by the interviewer.
    • Refer to any positive interactions or connections you felt.
      
      
• Reiterate Interest:
  • Reaffirm your interest in the position and the company.
  • Let them know that you are excited about the possibility of contributing to their team.
    
    
• Address Any Missed Points:
  • If there were any points you didn’t cover during the interview, use the thank-you note to address them.
  • Provide additional context or insights related to your qualifications.
    
    
• Professional Tone:
  • Keep the tone professional and positive.
  • Avoid overly casual language or excessive exclamation marks.
    
    
• Proofread:
  • Before hitting send, proofread your note carefully. Typos or grammatical errors will detract from your message.

So, the next time you pen a thank-you note, recognize its hidden power. It’s not just about politeness. It’s about forging a bridge—one that can lead to meaningful professional relationships and career success.

“Connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a
way that increases your influence with them.”
~ John C. Maxwell

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Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 9/8/2025

If you’ve been invited to an interview over lunch or dinner, take it as a compliment—it means the company views you as a strong contender. Employers use this type of setting for several reasons:

1. Evaluating social skills: It allows them to observe your conversation style, manners, and how you interact with others.
   
   
2. Checking cultural fit: They get a sense of how you’d represent the company with colleagues and clients.
   
   
3. Observing grace under pressure: Even in a casual environment, they’re watching how you manage yourself in a situation that feels slightly outside the standard interview room.

Tips to Master the Restaurant Interview

1. Do Your Homework
   • Look up the restaurant in advance so you know the location, parking, and menu.
   • Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early.
   • Stay current—review company updates and skim the latest headlines.
     
     
2. Mind Your Manners
   • Tap into your dining etiquette training.
   • Follow your interviewer’s lead
     • let them choose the table and take their seat first.
     • Be mindful of price; order something modest and easy to eat.
     • Assume the host will pay—offering to split the bill can feel awkward.
     • If alcohol is mentioned, only accept if they order first, and even then, keep it minimal.
       
       
3. Remember: It’s Not About the Food
   • The meal is secondary to how you present yourself.
   • Show attentiveness, respect, and polished communication.
   • Keep the conversation engaging, but don’t veer into topics like salary or perks unless the interviewer initiates it.
   • The right role will feel like a natural fit for both you and the employer.
     
     
4. Follow Up Promptly
   • Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
   • Keep it short, personal, and professional.
   • Mention a highlight from your discussion to reinforce your interest.
   • Express gratitude for their time and reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position.

At the end of the day, a restaurant interview is less about the entrée and more about showing professionalism, adaptability, and character. Make the most of the opportunity, and you’ll leave a lasting impression.

For more insights, you might also check out:

1. Lunch and Dinner Interview Tips – The Balance
   
   
2. 6 Steps to Making the Perfect First Impression | Resume Target Blog
   
   
3. Salary Expectations

LifeSkills Academy educators are professionals, some with academic backgrounds, and all have proven success in the world of commerce. We feature online learning in:

• Etiquette/Social Intelligence
• Financial Skills
• Adulting Practices

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Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 9/1/2025

Imagine you are a Human Resources Ninja tasked to fill a new, pivotal leadership role for a start-up thundering its way upward. Thousands of resumes arrived overnight with no end in sight. The ball is in play!

Is your resume one of thousands or ‘the one?’

From this perspective, take another look at your best-yet resume and start putting ‘finishing touches’ that best convey who you are. Here are key points to target:

• Is the most important information at the beginning?
  • Why? Make it easy to engage the interviewer. If they have to hunt for key points, they may not read the whole resume and move on to the next one.
  • Easily display your name, contact information, and the position you’re applying for.
  • Why are you applying for this role?
    • List work experiences that best align with the position in descending order of impact.
    • Include relevant metrics and the achieved result. For example:
      • Increased sales revenue 33% within six months by implementing a targeted marketing campaign.
      • Streamlined processes, reducing project turnaround time by 21%.
        
        
• Eliminate buzzwords, cliches, and unexplained jargon.
  • Alphabetic acronyms can be used after the full name is spelled out first. Example: Public Utility District (PUD)
    
    
• Use Active/Passive Voice appropriately.
  
  
• Be concise, professional, and clear.
  • Long, technical descriptions of your work experience/skills quickly lose a reader’s interest. A helpful, free resource:
    • Hemingway Editor (hemingwayapp.com)
      
      
• Check out this resume tutorial on YouTube for more excellent tips.

Here are other resources that I found helpful and practical.

• Best Resume Format for 2024 [Guide & Templates] (zety.com)
  
  
• 35+ Best Resume Tips to Help You Land a Job in 2024 - Resume Genius
  
  
• Soft Skills Explained - and the Top 7 for Your Resume | TopResume

“Remember, even a Jedi Master prepares for job interviews.
Ready yourself, you must.”
― Padmé Bright

LifeSkills Academy educators are professionals, some with academic backgrounds, and all have proven success in the world of commerce. We feature online learning in:

• Etiquette/Social Intelligence
• Financial Skills
• Adulting Practices

Join our email list to receive updates and details: info@lifeskillsacademy.expert