I want to put this to the community. I had written about my own health issues months ago, and appreciated the response. Now my brother needs some help.
My brother had Guillain - Barre syndrome as a child; and autoimmune disorder that attacks the central nervous system. As a result, he cannot sign his name, never mind a hand written note, it looks like a second grader. He will have an English degree from a four year college in three weeks, and loves writing. He's been typing for years...We're really proud of him. He's overcome so much, and that would make him a great addition.
I want to help him, and I'm concerned that a minor issue could/will hurt him when he starts interviewing.
Any suggestions? Thank you!!!
It's not his weaknesses. It's his strengths...
In my organization, and I would think others, there are times when signatures are required. Expense accounts and perhaps invoices,etc. Some companies may strongly support, if not require handwritten notes to customers. Therefore, this could be something he brings up in the interview. If he does, then no interviewer would expect a handwritten note. Perhaps his typed and mailed note would stand out from the rest. When was the last time any of us received a business letter? And a business letter can say thank you.
Over the course of my thirty plus years, I have interviewed and worked with all types of people. I never met anyone that didn't have some weakness. If I were to interview him, and his accomplishments equaled those of other candidates, I might actually give him "extra credit" for overcoming adversity.
Finally, I am a firm believer in thank you notes. Period. But handwriting thank you notes is a best practice and, in this day and age, it is the exception, rather than the rule. That means that there are plenty of people who get jobs without ever writing one. So if he cannot handwrite a thank you note, it's not necessarily a deal breaker.
Good luck to him and to all out there right out of college.
Glenn
Agree with Glenn
I worked for several years with a man who had been affected with Guillain-Barre. He was a brilliant collaborator and had far-reaching influence across the US in a major corporation ($27B). I wouldn't bat an eye.
--Michael