A follow-up thank-you email is a thoughtful gesture that can
demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are serious about your candidacy.
Discover how to write an effective thank-you note.
Do You Need to Send a Thank-You Note After an Interview?
Just after an interview, job seekers should send a thank-you
note. Candidates may send multiple thank-you letters if they met with multiple
people at the company during their job search, such as the recruiter, hiring
manager, and team members who were present at the interview. Whether you had an
in-person, video, or phone interview, a follow-up email or letter is critical
in making a good impression and moving you closer to your next job.
When Should You Send a Thank-You Note After an Interview?
The day after your interview is the best time to send a
thank-you note. It's best to send your handwritten note right away because it
might take a few days for it to arrive if you mail it. Make sure the hiring
process allows enough time for snail mail.
Although thoughtful, handwritten notes are not necessary. A
thank-you email is appropriate in today's digital age and should exhibit the
same degree of formality and gratitude as handwritten ones. However, if you get
the chance to conduct a second interview, a handwritten note might demonstrate
genuine interest and make a better impression than an email did.
How to Write a Thank-You Note After an Interview
Your thank-you note should be tailored to your job interview
experience and carefully edited to ensure that you impress your potential
employer. The thank-you note should follow the same template whether you
participated in an in-person or virtual interview. Follow the steps below:
1. Create a compelling subject line. If you're sending an
email after an interview instead of a written note, include a short subject
line that says something like "Thank you for yesterday's interview."
2. Begin with a greeting. Because the letter is brief but
formal, begin with the person's title, such as "Dear Mr." or
"Dear Dr."
3. Express your thanks. Begin by expressing gratitude; thank
the individual for taking the time to meet with you and provide additional
information about the company culture, position, and expectations.
4. Personalize the note. Mention something specific from the
interview, such as what you learned from the interview questions, workplace
culture, or new job insights. This section may begin your second paragraph, but
this type of thank-you note should not be longer than two paragraphs.
5. Use a final salutation. End formally, using words like
"sincerely" or "best regards," and include your name and
contact information below it so the reader can contact you.
6. Check your note for errors. Reread your letter several
times to ensure that there are no typos. You could even ask a friend to
proofread it for you. The last thing you want to do is send a professional note
that is riddled with mistakes. This includes not only checking spelling and
grammar, but also spelling the reader's name and job title.
Sample Thank-You Note after an Interview
When crafting an interview follow-up, consider following
this sample thank-you letter or email body copy:
Dear Ms. Lopez,
Thank you so much for taking the time this week to meet with
me. It was a pleasure to learn more about the position of Associate Marketing
Manager and the company culture. I'd be thrilled to join the team and
contribute to the growth of the subscription base. I believe my skills and
experience would be a valuable addition to your team.
I eagerly await your response regarding the next steps in
the hiring process. Please contact me if you require any additional
information.