High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: 3 Strategies to Succeed in a New Leadership Position

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• 3 Strategies to Succeed in a New Leadership Position: "Show humility, be gracious and accept suggestions from your fellow leaders. You will win the respect of your team and it will be easier for them to follow your lead."

• 5 Ways to Create and Maintain an Abundance Mindset: "Instead of focusing on what you lack, focus on what you do have. You’ll feel more abundant, and you’ll appreciate the good - and even the bad -- just a little bit more."

• 6 Career Actions You Should Take But Probably Don't: "Don’t just assume the work you’re doing is good enough or valued or relevant to the current priorities. Ask for feedback."

• Think Slow and Other Tricks for Better Problem-Solving: "the rote recall of information—or the obligatory regurgitation of possible solutions at top speed—takes place somewhere outside the analytical mind, constituting a reaction less intellectual, more glandular in nature."
• The Follow-Up Email Every Job Seeker Needs to Know How to Write: "Use the opportunity not just to follow up, but to show once again why you’re the best candidate for the job."

Common Considerations When Sending Your Interview Follow-up Letter

One of the most commonly cited causes of stress in the interviewing process is the feeling of a lack of control. Once you have finished your interview - no matter how well it went - the next few days (or weeks in some cases) are the hardest of all. While you can't control the candidate pool and you can't control the hiring manager's decision making process, you can exercise some control over how you are perceived.

The statistics vary regarding how many job seekers send these letters, the numbers range from 1 in 50 to 1 in 300. No matter the numbers, the post-interview follow-up letter is an often-overlooked tool that can be used to stand out from the crowd. Sending a follow-up thank you note goes beyond common courtesy and manners. This letter conveys your interest, further establishes a very important communication link, and allows you to address any unspoken information.

Should You Always Send a Letter?
The short answer is yes, after every interview. However, there will be interviews in which you decide you are not really interested in the job for a number of reasons - job duties, environment, company culture, or the boss just to name a few. However, you should still send a note thanking the interviewer for their time. Build bridges and expand your network - even when you are no longer seeking the position.

When Should You Send the Letter?
Ideally, the letter should be on its way within 24 hours. The bottom line is that you do not know how or when they are officially making their decision. You want your thank you letter to be in the decision makers hands as soon as possible.

How Should You Send the Letter?
If you are an effective written communicator and you have legible handwriting, consider keeping thank you cards in the car. Write your thank you right after the interview, walk it back in, and leave it with the receptionist. However, sending your letter by email is perfectly acceptable. Remember to avoid all CAPS, check for spelling and grammatical errors, and look at your email signature and account name before sending your letter via email.

What Should be Included in the Letter?
The letter should be concise and straightforward, though there are some content requirements.

• Sincerely thank the interviewer for their time. 
• Demonstrate that you researched the company and have really thought about how you can help them fill their need or resolve their problem. 
• Remind the interviewer of what you feel was your key selling point in the interview. 
• Connect the letter with your interview by adding something personal (love of cats, sports teams, etc.) that helped you establish rapport with the interviewer.
• Clearly state your interest in the position and provide your value statement of what makes you cost-effective. 
• Offer a timeline of when you will follow up with them the next time.

Job Search Pointers You’re Not Sure Are Worthwhile

Have you occasionally found yourself wondering whether certain job-search pointers are worth your effort and time? Read on. Many hiring managers, recruiters, career coaches, and others agree that the following pointers may indeed get you noticed and make the difference in how you are perceived as a job candidate.

Ask a Professional to Proofread Your Resume: Anyone will tell you one of the worst mistakes you can make is to submit a resume containing a spelling error. Yet, it is a common mistake. Do yourself a huge favor and ask a professional proofreader or editor to look over your resume. Rates vary depending on geography and the experience of the editor, but a good median range is $30 to $40 per hour. Save money by reviewing your resume closely before handing it off for proofreading or editing.

Write Targeted Cover Letters: Many job seekers question whether they should bother submitting a cover letter with each resume. The answer is “yes,” and make sure the letter is targeted to the position you are pursuing.

Don’t Overlook the Value of Volunteer Work: Volunteering is a great way to use existing skills and talents, acquire new ones, and meet new people. Volunteer when you have the opportunity, and then include on your resume those skills that will translate well in the job market.

Follow Up After An Interview: Have you ever attended an interview and then not heard anything back? Hiring can be an incredibly slow process, involving several steps and people. Always challenge yourself to follow up about the job status after the interview. This gives you an opportunity to enthusiastically reiterate your interest in the job and the company.

Send a Thank You: Many job seekers neglect to send a thank you after interviewing or after receiving help with a job search. Don’t underestimate the importance in sending a thank you. When possible, send a handwritten note. This gesture is often noticed and appreciated.

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week

We're presenting a new feature here at the Daily Leap: a video of the week. The video we share will present news or advice related to career development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.


In this video career coach Margaret Buj provides tips on how to effectively follow-up following a job interview. These tips will help keep you in line for that job.