Recently, we've had the distinct pleasure of getting to know a fellow who always writes Thank-you notes. A short visit gets a note. A quick phone chat gets a note. Everything starts with "Thank you so very much for the time we spent together last xxx. I got yyy from our conversation. It's always such a pleasure to be with you."

It doesn't even feel the slightest bit like an Eddie Haskell routine. Maybe manners are in such short supply today that even a little bit goes an awfully long way. We've noticed an improvement (though slight) in our own manners as a result of being exposed to this guy.

Manners is the first thing that is obviously missing from most encounters that candidates have with a company. Some how, rudeness has become an acceptable substitute for a firm "no thank you".

More than anything, candidates should be treated like people.