If someone forwarded you this email, feel free to subscribe below.

Each week, I’ll answer your most burning career questions. Have a question? Ask me here.

One thing I always recommend folks do before everyone officially hibernates is to send notes to everyone you networked with over that year! Aka networking aftercare. It can be something as simple as: 

“Hey Mariam! I hope that the end of the year is going well for you. I wanted to share a quick update on how much job search is progressing. Since we spoke, I’ve done x, y, z and have particularly enjoyed learning more about ________________. Your advice on abc has been particularly helpful! Have a great holiday season ahead!”

I’m a big fan of these kinds of notes because it’s a great way to stay on people’s radar in a way that is personal and genuine, especially if you may need something for them again in a few months. Plus, these are people who have taken the time to be helpful to you, and they probably genuinely want to know what you have been up to! 

I’m having conversations with recruiters, hiring managers, and other talent decision-makers weekly, and want to share tidbits of what I’m learning with y’all here too! 

The internet is pretty split on the post-interview thank you note. This particular recruiter doesn’t care one way or the other. But we know others still consider it to be “protocol.” As with anything job search related, there’s no hard and fast rule. And as a candidate, you are allowed to navigate all these norms however you want!

As one of our Forward community members recently said, though, “if it takes five minutes and it could potentially give me a better shot… why not.”

Job searching is hard work. You deserve a break. Here’s how I took time to rest and recharge this week!

After a weekend of turkey-eating, going on a walk was much needed. Happy belated thanksgiving and grateful for each and every one of you for reading this far!

Thanks for showing up this week! We appreciate you. See y’all same time next week!