I have a connection at an EdTech company where I applied for a job over the summer.
He was really great about passing along my resume to the right person, giving me the low-down on the dept/job, and just generally being a wonderful inside connection during my interview process.
They offered me the job, and I ended up declining it because there were things that felt too high risk for me at the time. I feel bad in how I handled things with him because I never followed up to let him know I declined the job, or to thank him for how helpful he was. (I forgot, as it was a crazy busy time while I had my son home 100% of the time, as a single FT working mom....out of character for me to forget to thank someone!).
I would like to do something now to share my appreciation with him and how he helped me. I thought about sending a gift card or something, but is it that too over the top? Should I simply send a belated thank you?
Anonymous
12/01/21 at 8:14PM UTC
I'd send him a "long over due thank you letter", not email, and explain exactly what you just said. Add in a "I hope you understand." I'd also tell him why you didn't follow up with him, as he put his reputation on the line for you.
Anonymous
12/01/21 at 6:12PM UTC
Take the opportunity during the holidays to send a thank you and mention your appreciation of passing along your info. "And while that particular opportunity didn't work out, I am still very interested in working with great people like you and hope we will have that chance in the future". Thank you again.
