A Simple But Powerful Tool: Thank You Cards

Within the past month, we have been interviewing applicants for a senior recruiter position. As part of human resources, I have panel interviewed applicants. Earlier this week, we came to a decision. The decision was between two very qualified individuals. Both had great skillsets, interviewed well, and would fit the chemistry of our office. I initially gave my recommendation for one, but changed it after I received something from the other applicant.

For me, it was interesting how the simple act of a “thank you for interviewing me” email from this applicant impacted my decision so strongly. And, as serendipitous as things usually are, I ran across a recent article on this topic by Kumar and Epley (2018) in Psychological Science.

This study was straight-forward enough. In a series of four experiments, individuals sent gratitude letters to recipients; the senders and recipients were subsequently asked to complete surveys about the experience. Of course, not every recipient completed the survey, but enough did to get some clear results.

Kumar and Epley (2018) found people do not truly appreciate the value of gratitude on others. In three of the four experiments, the senders underestimated the recipients’ positive reaction to the gratitude. This undervaluing of the impact appeared to influence whether someone would express gratitude.

These researchers also suggested expressing gratitude in person or verbally made more of an impact than sending a card or letter. The latter appears to people as not being as sincere. It is definitely harder to express gratitude in person to someone, but it is important.

I have a stack of “thank you” cards on my desk. I fill one of these out when someone goes out of their way to help me. I try to take some time periodically to write these notes of gratitude to people. Sometimes I get a response; sometimes I do not. Either way, I feel that this small investment, overall, pays dividends. Given this research, I will try to more explicitly express gratitude in person from here on out.