Saying thanks for a job recommendation

ShinyRedKnight

Over the past few months I have posted on and off here for advice regarding my job search (I decided against using that older thread since the core question here is very different and that thread is outdated). First, thanks to everyone for the great advice! I was recently able to find full-time employment.

One of my friends, who works at the company in a senior position, suggested I apply for this specific position, gave me advice on my resume, and recommended me. A couple of the interviewers know my friend pretty well. My question is, how do I say thank you in a way that's ethical and doesn't seem like, well, basically a bribe. He didn't do anything wrong, he simply recommended me through established channels based on knowing my work since we were in the same program of study. However, I do not want to put him in an awkward position. At the same time, I do not want to seem ungrateful.

Several friends have recommended a small gift, under $50, others have said that even that is too direct and perhaps a lunch or coffee when I catch him would be best. Others have said a thank you note where I don't say "thank you for getting me the job" but simple say thanks for the advice, the support, and to let him know that I am eager to learn and welcome any future advice as well. The problem is that I know my friend only from school and professionally, and do not know any address to which to send a thank you note. I am wondering if sending it within the company would be unprofessional, or if I ought to go with just an email and suggest coffee or lunch separately the next time I see him in person.

I'm being overly cautious since this is my first professional job, and my first employment since graduation about 6 months ago. What is the most legal, ethical way to say thanks for such an immense show of support?

davidsdurions

Unless your friend is a doctor and you are now a drug rep, you can pretty much do whatever you like for thanking another human for their assistance.

My suggestion depends on the hobbies your friend might enjoy, but I'd look at these areas:

Round of golf Round of drinks Trip to the outdoor shooting range where you've made arrangements to blow things up like on myth busters A fine cigar Shake their hand and look them in eye and tell them it meant a lot to you that they would help you out

dispatch.o

Above all. Do not let them down, if they gave a recommendation don't make them look like an asshole by showing a poor work ethic.

Most jobs have some amount of networking involved. That they put in a word for you and helped you get the position means they think you would be an asset. Prove your friend right and someday you may be in a position to assist them with something.

For now? Take them out for a beer after you've been at the job for two weeks. They will be curious how its going, and you can show gratitude in person while looking them in the eyes.

MichaelLC

Yeah keep it casual and don't make it weird. However don't stay and be miserable if the job doesn't work out either. You only owe your friend to do your best.

RareSloth

A little sincerity goes a long way! I don't think you have to do a lot to show your appreciation... I think its awkward to receive gifts in exchange for doing a good deed, so I wouldn't recommend a fancy gift although something small is a nice gesture.

What I would do:
"hey I really appreciate everything you've done, it was really awesome of you to do xyz." and then buy him a beer when you get a chance.

ShinyRedKnight

Thank you for all the advice! I'll make sure to send him a nice thank you, and after I settle into the position get lunch or drinks with him when I see him next. We won't be working in the same department, so by the time I see him next I should have already figured things out in the company and be able to focus on doing well. You're all right, I should also back up my gratitude with a good start so I'll focus on that as I should.