RECRUITING

Thank-you note may put you closer to job...

Remember that nagging parent who always insisted you send thank-you notes?

Turns out it's great advice in the world of job recruiting, too.

Expressing your thanks in writing can set you apart from other job candidates, according to CareerBuilder.com, an online recruiting website that recently surveyed hiring managers at top companies throughout the country.

The survey, "How to Get in the Front Door", showed that while some of today's job seekers may see the thank-you note as outdated, almost 15 percent of managers surveyed said they would immediately dismiss a candidate who failed to send a prompt thank-you letter following the interview. Another 32 percent indicated they would still consider interviewees who didn't write a note, but would think less of them and would give them less standing against a rival candidate who did.

While the survey did indicate that thank-you notes were not a deciding factor for the majority of hiring managers in making final personnel decisions, the majority said they expected one from interviewees.

One difference, however, is hiring managers' preference on what form the message should take.

One-quarter of those surveyed said an e-mail response was acceptable and even preferred, while 19 percent said an e-mail immediately after the interview followed by a typed letter was better. Receiving a typed letter was the preferred method for 21 percent of potential bosses, and 23 percent said they prefer a handwritten note.

Not all career professionals agree that thank-you notes are the best way to go, however. Kevin Wheeler, the founder and president of Global Learning Resources Inc., a human resource advisory firm, said that saying thank-you in writing is "sort of retro at this point" when online recruiting and e-mailed resumes are the norm.

"For jobs below the executive level, I doubt if it makes any difference to write a thank-you note or not," he said. "It makes a difference to focus on one or two companies you really want to work for and show a genuine interest in that company from the beginning of the job search and continue to show that interest until you've landed the position."

When a job seeker decides to write their appreciation, however, it is important to act quickly.

"No matter which format you choose, it's crucial to act quickly when sending a thank-you letter to your interviewer," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder.com. "Sending the letter quickly reinforces your enthusiasm for the job, and helps keep you top-of-mind for the interviewer."

COMPENSATION

Better packages best ways to keep managers...

Providing a better compensation and benefits package is the best way to keep senior managers content with their jobs and less likely to look for new work, according to survey results released earlier this month by ClearRock, a Boston executive coaching and outplacement firm.

Just over half of the firms surveyed by ClearRock said senior-level executives were best retained with higher wages and robust benefits packages. Improved stock options and the opportunity for executive coaching sessions rounded out the top ways firms are keeping their top managers happy.

The study was conducted as an upturn in the job market has given executives at various levels more flexibility in shopping around for better opportunities.

"Many organizations remember how difficult it became to retain key employees during the last good job market, and have taken steps earlier in the hiring recovery cycle to hold onto them this time around," said Annie Stevens, managing partner at ClearRock.

Middle managers are best wooed by higher pay, better benefits, and coaching opportunities, but 28 percent would also prefer flexible schedules.

"There are more job opportunities for middle managers now than at any other point in this decade," said Stevens. "Although it's important to have talented senior-level executives to develop strategy, it's the middle managers who make sure that their plans are effectively fulfilled through other people."

THE OFFICE

Break up your day with 'micro pauses'...

Feeling confined in your cubicle? You're not alone. Over 57 percent of workers surveyed in a study commissioned by WorkRite Ergonomics, an office furniture developer, said they sit at a desk for 30 or more hours per week, and the same number said they would prefer to stand for at least part of the day.

The vast majority - 89 percent - reported having aches and pains at the end of the day. Ergonomics researchers at The University of Sydney in Australia recommend a number of ways to keep comfortable in the monotonous world of the American office. Breaking up long computer-intensive tasks with other duties can help prevent muscle strain, and incorporating "micro pauses" into your workday can give your body time to recover from stress.

Nathan Hurst can be reached at nhurstglobe.com.

c.2005 The Boston Globe