Gratitude

Kara writes in:

I recently got offered a small PA gig and found out I had been recommended for it by a PM I worked under last month. I’m not in regular contact with her, so would it be appropriate to drop her a email, or maybe a message on facebook, thanking her for the recommendation? Or would that be weird/come across as pandering for more? And if she recommends me again, should I thank her every time?

Good golly, yes! It’s hard to think of a more appropriate time to send a thank you note.

You should always thank anyone who helps you find work, even if it’s just letting you know there’s a job available. I have a friend on the Coordinator’s 911 who sends me every job notice that pops up there. I think her, whether I’m looking for work at the time or not. Thanking her is not only the right thing to do (obviously), it reminds her to send me the next job notice that comes in. Who knows? Maybe I’ll need it next time.

In a case like that, where someone tells you about a job on another show, you should always tell them if you get the job. Something like, “Hi, [Helpful Friend’s Name]! I wanted to thank you you again for sending me that job posting. I interviewed for it last week, and this morning, they called and told me I got the job! You’re the best, -TAPA.”

The UPM who recommended you may not be your BFF, but the fact that she remembered you at all means she obviously liked you both a as PA and as a person. A little appreciation on your part will only add to that impression.