Want to make sure you land your dream job?
Send a post-interview thank you email.
You just interviewed for your dream job–congrats! You put in a lot of hard work preparing for your job interview, and participating in the interview itself. But you’ll want to make sure that you don’t miss an important step in the job interview process, which is sending a post-interview thank you email.
There are varying opinions when it comes to the post-interview thank you note. Some people believe that a thank you note is unnecessary, and won’t make a difference in the selection process. While others believe that sending a thank you note after a job interview can help make a lasting impression.
Here are some reasons why it’s advantageous to send a post-interview thank you email and why you should always write one:
PRO: A thank you email puts you at the top of the hiring manager’s mind.
It’s likely that the hiring manager is conducting several different interviews for your dream job, and it may be hard to set yourself apart from the competition. A thank you note helps you stick out–in a good way. It’s a thoughtful gesture that also keeps you in the hiring manager’s recent memory.
PRO: A thank you note is seen as good interview etiquette.
While a thank you note may seem like a formality of a bygone era, it’s still considered good interview etiquette to send one. Sure, it may not necessarily sway the hiring manager’s decision, but the act of not sending one can leave a bad impression. So it’s better to play it safe and always send a post-interview thank you email.
PRO: You'll get to make one last effort to make a strong impression.
Yes, a thank you email is a way to express thanks, but it’s also one last chance to make a strong case for yourself. According to Ask a Manager, a post-interview thank you note should “build on the conversation you had in the interview.” In other words, don’t just send a default thank you message. Use this opportunity to affirm a particular aspect of the role that you’re excited about, or mention something about your background or experience that will be an asset to the role. This will distinguish you from other candidates and show the hiring manager that you were paying attention.
Below are some tips on how to write a strong thank you email, including what to include in your message, and when to send your email.
Tip #1: Take notes during the job interview
If you want to write a strong thank you email, then you need to pay attention and take good notes during the job interview itself.
You can’t rely on your memory alone to capture what’s being discussed in the interview. You’ll likely feel too nervous or excited to remember everything, so it’s best to have a notebook and pen on hand to record your notes. Later, you’ll thank yourself when you’re going through your notes and refreshing your memory.
Here’s what to write down:
Write down the names of the interview panel members. Jot down important projects, initiatives, and new products that the company is working on. Take note of any challenges that the organization is struggling with, and ways that this position will align perfectly with your skill set and experience. And jot down any key phrases that describe the company’s culture or mission.
Tip #2: Keep it succinct
No need for a lengthy memo here. A post-interview thank you note is not the time to re-summarize your cover letter. Hiring managers are busy people and won’t have time to read through a dense letter. So keep it short. A post-interview thank you email should be about 3-4 lines and no longer than a paragraph.
Tip #3: Send it within 24 hours
According to the Harvard Business Review, you should send your thank you note within 24 hours. Sending a thank you email within 24 hours is advantageous because the interview will still be fresh in your mind as well as for the interview panel. And if you wait too long to send your note, you run the risk of the panel already moving on to the next phase of the selection process.
Tip #4: If it’s a panel interview, send a thank you note to each panel member
This is why it’s important to take notes during your interview and write down the names of your interview panel members. Usually, you can find their email addresses in the email or calendar invitation.
Templates for a post-interview thank you email
Sample 1
Here’s a thank you email that you can use after a job interview with a large company or organization. You’ll want to keep it specific and personalized but also keep it formal and professional.
Dear [First Name]
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today. I appreciated learning about your company’s new work with X and challenges with Y. This is exactly the kind of work that I am interested in and I believe that my experience with a and b will allow me to do well in this role.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Warm regards,
[Your First Name]
Sample 2
Some jobs, especially small businesses or start-ups, may have more of a conversational communication style. In this instance, being too formal may make you look out of touch with the company’s culture. Here’s a short, less formal email that is still professional in tone.
Dear [First Name],
Thank you so much for meeting with me today. I really enjoyed learning about your team’s work with X project. This sounds right up my alley and I would be so excited for a chance to contribute my Y skills and experience.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Many thanks again!
[Your first name]
If you’re having trouble writing your thank you message, write a draft on paper first. This will help you find the key words and phrases you want to say. For more career advice, read our article here.
Written by JiJi Lee
