A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:Ok lame idea or not?I posted before about the fact I completed my masters degree in creative writing recently, and I choked whilst writing my final project. As I suspected, my grade for that project was terrible and while I still passed, I’ve been a little down on myself and my abilities recently to the point I was worried I’ve just been fooling myself with my desire to work as a TV writer. After all, if I can’t hack the pressure of a uni deadline how could I manage the pressures of TV?!However, on a whim a few weeks ago, I applied for a role as a script editor on a huge UK TV soap set in London. I’m pretty underqualified based on what they stated were looking for, both in terms of experience and skills, but I figured you’ve got to be in it to win it so I spent time cultivating an application that highlighted all of my transferrable skills and why I thought they’d help me do the job well.Well, by some absolute miracle, they invited me for an interview!! Everyone else on my course applied but I was the only one invited. So they asked me to prepare a sample script edit in a very short timescale which I did, and I went for the interview last week and it went great. They were so lovely and really complimentary about the work I’d submitted to them and they were impressed with my knowledge and enthusiasm for the show (I’ve always watched it). I left buzzing and completely energised, then today I found out... I didn’t get the job! They found someone with more experience who can hit the ground running, but they did say I should look out for future opportunities and apply again in the future.HOWEVER, I actually don’t feel disappointed at all. I feel really delighted to have got that far and the exec producer was so unbelievably lovely he’s actually made me feel like I can do it if I just keep putting myself out there and trying hard to break in. The whole industry doesn’t feel like a closed door any more, and in fact I’d go as far as to say he’s reignited my passion for writing as I loved doing the assignment he set! And I managed the deadline! I also feel honoured that they chose me out of all the talented people I worked with on my course. So maybe I do have something?So my question is, do you think it would it be lame to send him a short thank you card? I wouldn’t be as gushy as I have been on here, I guess I just want to say thanks for taking a chance on me and giving me a little boost when I needed it. Or is that the lamest thing ever? I don’t want to come across as a kiss ass but I do feel very grateful as he’s reignited a passion I was starting to worry had left me for good. Reply to this Question
Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
male
reader, Phil052 +, writes (23 November 2017):
 This Is such good news and a great opportunity for you! I wish you all the best in the job, and finding somewhere to live!
A
female
reader, Honeypie  +, writes (21 November 2017):
 GOOD LUCK!
And knock them out of the ballpark!
...............................
A
reader, anonymous, writes (21 November 2017): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThank you to everyone for your thoughts.
To give you an update I ended up going for it and I sent the card off last week. Then today I got a call out of the blue from the exec producer telling me that the first choice candidate turned the position down and HE OFFERED ME THE JOB!!
I doubt it had anything to do with the card but either way I’m absolutely delighted and I’m now excitedly looking for somewhere to live in London!
So thanks again everyone and hopefully this little good news story will make you smile on this rainy day!
...............................
A
male
reader, Billy Bathgate +, writes (16 November 2017):
A card is not appropriate but a follow up letter is. Thank the interviewer for taking time to interview you. And make one final pitch for why you think you are right for he job.
...............................
A
female
reader, aunt honesty  +, writes (15 November 2017):
 It is so nice to see that they have brought the life back in to you and you have regained your passion. You really should send a thank you card. It is not lame at all. In fact any person would like to hear thanks and that they reignited your passion for writing again. I am happy that this opportunity as made you feel much better and I hope you have a great future whatever you get in to.
...............................
A
reader, anonymous, writes (15 November 2017): Do it! Curtesy goes away and who knows what opportunities they might have in the future.
...............................
A
male
reader, Phil052 +, writes (15 November 2017):
I definitely think you should do it. You had a positive and uplifting experience and a thank you note will be a good way to keep you in their minds should an opportunity arise! So pleased you had this experience and it shows your talent in this field!
...............................
A
female
reader, eyeswideopen +, writes (15 November 2017):
 Actually a thank you note sent after an interview, whether or not one gets the job, is almost required by professionals these days. It just shows appreciation for the interviewer's time. It is common courtesy. By all means write one. Good luck on what appears to be a bright future.
...............................
A
female
reader, Youcannotbeserious +, writes (15 November 2017):
 Absolutely do it! It would be a lovely thing to do. I am sure it will bring a smile to the face of the producer in question. Manners and gratitude are not nearly as commonplace as they should be, and this displays both.
I would keep it short (I am sure he is busy) but make it clear how much his input meant to you. Something along the lines of "Thank you for inviting me for interview. It was a pleasure to meet you. Thank you also for your encouragement, which meant more than you will ever know. I look forward to meeting with you again."
Good luck with your chosen career.
...............................
A
female
reader, YouWish +, writes (15 November 2017):
 No, that's actually a very classy thing to do. Enclose your business card along with the note.
You should do it. It shows poise and an appreciation for their time. You might even stick in their minds in case another opportunity arises, and at the least, they may hear at some happy hour another production who needs someone, and they may give them your contact info to reach.
That actually happened to me when I was a lot younger! -- I had interviewed for a position that I ultimately didn't get, and sent them a "thank you" in response for their time and advice. Three months later, they called me offering a completely different job that they created because their business was expanding. Unfortunately, I had taken another job, so it was my turn to politely decline. But you never know!
...............................
A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (14 November 2017):
As a person who has interviewed people, I say yes. Do it. Make it short, professional and memorable (if possible - just not over the top).
You might never apply or interview with this person but I think sending a thank you for the chance, the experience and inspiration is still something nice. And I bet it's rarely done.
I think telling people who have inspired up (short term or long term) that you appreciate it is a good thing. More people should do that.
...............................
|
