Things I love:
A note left on my pillow that I find at the end of a busy day.

Thoughtful gifts that are not expensive but from the heart – like the four leaf clover I could never find as a ki.

Unexpected foot massages (they’re my favorite).

Dinner served with my favorite fork (without asking for it).

The things I named above are things I love and they are all things that my boyfriend, Glenn does for me on a daily basis. He listens, he knows what I like. He spends the extra 5 or 10 minutes or $5 or $10 dollars to make me happy. It doesn’t take a lot, it’s the little things that matter most to me.

I had a busy couple of days a few weeks ago and I didn’t have time to make a lasagna for an event I already committed to making. Glenn volunteered to go to the grocery store, get all the items, and make the lasagna for me. Not only did he make the lasagna for the event, but he made another extra one for us to have at home. OH-and he carved a “I (heart) U” out of corn tortillas and put it on top.

Not only did he make the lasagna for me, but he left that little something extra to make me smile.

So you’re probably asking yourself: How can a lovely lasagna help my job search?

Here’s how:

The people who are successful are the ones who remember that people care about the little things.

Here are some very simple tips to do that little something extra and be memorable:
1. Send thank you notes to everyone you have a significant and meaningful business conversation with. Also, if you meet or have an interview with anyone at the company you want to work at, definitely send a thank you letter! Express gratitude for them taking the time to help you. You can do this by looking up contact info on the web or getting everyone’s business card you speak with on the interview. Don’t take anyone’s time for granted – go the extra mile to show how appreciative you are!

a. Sidebar: This sounds obvious, but very few people actually do it! Take this opportunity to rise above and be recognized for your follow up!

2. Make follow up calls even if you aren’t asked to. Don’t get me wrong – don’t be obnoxious, but courtesy calls to check in and seeing where you stand can sometimes be a deciding factor. You can make the call at any point in the process, whether it’s after sending your anti-resume, to confirm an upcoming interview, after the interview, or to check on the status of the position. Companies like to know they’re hiring people who actually want to work there, so make a 5 minute call and express your interest. Thank them by sending a thoughtful card!

3. Remember the receptionist’s name when you come back for a second interview. A lot of people don’t realize how much pull the person sitting at the front desk has. She is the keeper of the domain – and usually knows about everything going on in the company. She also may be the Executive Assistant of the President…which means direct access. Do you want her to remember you? Remember her first and address her by her first name. Also strike up a conversation and get to know her. She may be your first ally!

4. In the interview, engage your interviewers in conversation about organizations they belong to or where they seek out additional training. It not only makes you look good for asking, but it also gives you an opportunity to tell them about what you do…offering a reason to send a follow up email with links and additional information. You can even call them before your next meeting or seminar and ask if they’d like to be your personal guest. Give them a reason to be invested in you! Example: If you are in a new industry association they don’t know about, send them the info and follow up before the meeting to see who you can expect to see there.

5. Before going to a networking event, look up the organization’s membership page and get acquainted with the companies on the list. Seek out the top 5 businesses you would most like to work for and learn as much as possible about them. Then, find out as much as you can about their top competitors. Seek out the CEOs or top level managers to introduce yourself once you get to the event. Enlighten them with your knowledge of their industry, business, and most of all, something about their competitor. How can you help them out? Do your research before meeting key people who may be your future employer and you are sure to make an impression! Send a follow up thank you letter with additional information – maybe an article or an advice column that he/she may find helpful.

There are so many ways to do a little something extra to leave a lasting impression. The key is to remember that if you’re not taking the time to think about the other person, you may be missing an opportunity. Take every chance to be memorable and results will come!