Thank You Note?

C

cobia22

5-Year Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2010
Messages
5
Hello all.
I had an interview for a Nomination on tuesday, and my mom thinks that i should send a "Thank You" note the secretary at my Senator's office who interviewed me.
I'm a bit wary because i don't want to come across as brown-nosing or desperate.
any experience/suggestions for this situation?
 
The secretary probably interviewed many different candidates for a nomination. Sending a thank you note may keep you "fresh" in his or her mind when it comes down to deciding who gets a nom and who doesn't. It can just be a simple note thanking him/her for taking the time to interview you.

I sent thank you notes to all three of my interviewers. I don't know if they helped or not but I got my nomination last year. In the end though, it's up to you.
 
It is not brown-nosing. By sending a thank you note, it shows a sign of respect especially if you thank them for the interview, since not many people have to chance to get interviewed. Not many people send thank you notes nowadays, but they show great signs of acknowledgment and respect.

Last year when DS got interviewed, he sent a thank you about a week later and they enjoyed it. He was waitlisted and is applying again this year. When starting the nominations again this year, they remembered him and have high hopes on giving him another nomination.
 
Agreed. Are you "thankful?" Then if so, the appropriate step is to communicate such. This is not brown-nosing; rather it is gracious, mannerly. Say it well and appropriately and send it. There is never reason to set aside good manners and gratitude. If nothing else, it reveals you've been raised right! ;)
 
Alrighty then. the note is done, and is as follows:

Dear Ms. Takos
Thank you for taking the time on Tuesday to
interview me for a nomination to attend the United
States Naval Academy. I feel that being commissioned
as a Naval Officer would be a perfect fit for me, and
I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
(Giant Swooping Signature)
p.s.: Happy New Year!


Thoughts?
 
Now you're into dirty pool. Do your own homework and writing. Maybe ask for an etiquette manual for Xmas. If you wrote your essay questions, this is a walk in the park. Walk.
 
This is one of the first of many times that you are going to have to rely on your own judgement as you find you way to the USNA. Trust your own instincts and make your own decisions as once you get to USNA, you will have to figure out many things on your own. Trust yourself and you will not go wrong.
 
you will find that the officer corps of the armed services still is very cognizant of the old rules of etiquette... a well written thank you note will never get you into trouble. Not sure where you can find one anymore, but a copy of Service Etiquette will stand you in good stead.
 
My son says all were issued this and it looks like a great book. I wonder how many of the mids have opened it? :yllol:
 
My son wrote a thank you note following his congressional interview.
We were just discussing Ms Hart the other night. The subject of etiquette came up at the Military Ball. They were taught the importance of a Thank You note in one of her lectures. They even had a class on how to shake hands. Yes, our mid was issued this book. I think he may have even looked at it.
 
Service Etiquette is definitely not a reference you use everyday, however, it is very handy.

I still have my copy on the bookshelf. You never know when you might need to look up a service equivalent uniform, be asked to plan an event that requires specific protocol (i.e. change of command, dinning-in/out, etc), or plan a visit for Flag officer(s) or a dignitary.

Most squadrons/CRUDES ships designate the Collateral Duty Public Affairs Officer (CDPAO) as the protocol officer....keep the book!

Additionally, the Department of the Navy has its own Social Usage and Protocol Handbook, OPNAVINST 1710.7A (http://www.hnsa.org/doc/pdf/1710_7a.pdf), which gives specific details on customs and courtesies, as well.
 
I have a copy of my Dad's Second Edition Service Etiquette (May 1965). As stated by Vice Admiral William R. Smedberg, III "...the purpose of Service Etiquette remains unchanged: to encourage careful attention to proper manners and the punctilious courtesy traditional in service life." :thumb:
 
usna2012mom said:
... They even had a class on how to shake hands...
Click to expand...

I had a quick chuckle at this. I tutored a number of male midshipmen about the appropriate handshake strength for fellow professional women - same as for fellow professional men - firm but not bone-crushing. I had a Batt Commander who literally did not know his own strength, and I would watch men and women both wince or look annoyed when he shook their hand. We had a quick, low-key lesson in my office, and all was well. I also worked with male midshipmen who had been taught the very light fingertip handshake "wiggle" to use for women, and encouraged them to save that for elders with arthritis, or ladies from home if that's what their culture was, and use just a normal firm handshake with peers, seniors and subordinates in the military workplace. I also worked with female midshipmen who had never really been taught how to shake hands professionally when introduced or when introducing others, but would stand there awkwardly with hands at their sides. Small things but part of the officer landscape.
 
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