Submitted by Anonymous (not verified)
in

Current advice on giving references a thank-you gift? I have been interviewing for a high-level position recently and my references were great for me. I am wondering what the current advice is on a thank-you gift for them. These people were a mix of previous supervisors and directs. They are spread around the world so not easy to take them for lunch. I would like to get them a nice bottle of wine but don't necessarily know their taste. I was also thinking of a gift card but then do I go general (i.e. Amazon) or specific (i.e. local wine store)? I would like to do this as soon as possible regardless of whether I get/take the job. I have been signalled that an offer is imminent. Thanks for the advice

Submitted by Lance Emerson on Wednesday March 27th, 2019 9:43 am

Nothing wrong with gifts, but in my opinion a hand-written Thank You note on a fancy note card and envelope is hard to beat for expressing your appreciation.

Submitted by Todd Puccio on Wednesday March 27th, 2019 4:20 pm

I recommend using notes only for references.
I think there may be an "ick" factor to anything else.
I had a friend that did that and I felt that it cheapened the experience for me a little.

It made me feel "bought". 
 --- That plus I never heard from him again afterwards.
 
TJPuccio