How to Write a Job Interview Thank You Email (3 Sample Emails)
This career article focuses on how to write a job interview thank you email (with 3 sample emails). Take a look at our articles on Interview Tips for more job interview help for job seekers.
It’s always nice to send or receive a genuine note of thanks. Many people send thank you letters after important events in their lives, like after a wedding or a baby shower. But what about thank you letters for job interviews?
Writing a job interview “thank you” email isn’t a step that everyone does, but writing a memorable job interview thank you note can have a direct impact on getting a new job.
If you’re considering sending a thank you letter to your interviewer, you probably have some questions:
- Why should you thank employers after a job interview?
- What should you write in your “thank you” letter?
- Who should you send your note to?
- How soon should you send your “thank you” email after a job interview?
We’re answering all these “thank you” job interview questions and more, so you can continue to make a great impression and get hired fast.
Why Should You Follow Job Interviews With “Thank You” Letters?
Job interviews don’t really end when you walk out of the meeting with hiring managers and employers. They’re still evaluating you (and all of the other candidates) up to the moment they make a final decision on who to hire.
Sending a job interview thank you email is a simple and fast step that can make a big difference in how you appear through the eyes of your potential employer.
Your thank you email reminds the employer about who you are and why you’re the best fit for the job.
Hiring new employees can take multiple days, weeks, or even months. Following up with a job interview with a thank you letter is a polite and unobtrusive way to stay present in employer’s thoughts.
This follow up email is also a great way to demonstrate some of your skills that you could bring to the job, like relationship building, communication, and networking.
Great thank you notes can also be the deciding factor between you and an equally qualified candidate. If the employer is having a difficult time deciding between you and another applicant, they’re more likely to choose the applicant who sends a thank you letter. They indicate how eager you are for the position and they’re a positive demonstration of your character.
If these reasons aren’t enough to prompt you to send a note, consider that some employers (especially more traditional hiring managers) will expect a thank you letter from candidates. Failing to send a thank you email could actually hurt your chances of getting hired.
How To Write A Job Interview Thank You Note
Here are some best practices to follow when writing your post-interview thank you letter.
Thank them for their time
Be very clear in showing what you are thankful for. Thank your interviewer for taking the time out of their busy schedule to interview you.
Showing that you acknowledge the effort that goes into the hiring process can go a long way.
Reiterate your interest and skills
Make it crystal clear how interested you are in the position, and be sure to say why. Your motivations for taking the role and expressed passion might help you stand out from other candidates.
Also take this time to briefly bring up your most relevant skills and qualifications. It’s important that your thank you letter be a reminder of why you’re the best possible fit for the position.
Address their concerns
It’s good practice to ask questions at the end of your interview, particularly to ask whether the employer has any hesitations or concerns about your ability to fill the role.
While it’s essential that you address those concerns immediately if they were brought up during the job interview, your thank you letter offers a second chance to ease those concerns.
Make it personal
Don’t simply use a templated thank you letter. Address the interviewer directly by name and include any details that will help jog their memory of your interview.
Did the conversation go on a tangent that you found particularly interesting? Bring it up and mention that you enjoyed the discussion.
Don’t be afraid to include some of your personality in your letter, as company culture fit can be just as important as your qualifications.
However, make sure your letter reflects the tone of your interview. If the interview itself was more formal and traditional, for example, you’ll want to use a more formal tone in your letter.
3 Samples Of Thank You Letters For Job Interviews
Here are some examples that you can follow to write a thank you letter that really stands out. However, remember to follow the tips outlined above, particularly when it comes to personalizing the letter to your unique situation and interview.
1. General
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to interview me [yesterday/today/this morning] for the [position] position at [company name]. It was a true pleasure to meet you, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about your company, its culture, and the role.
I would like to again express that I very much look forward to the possible opportunity to [something directly related to the position, indicate your interest and why]. As we discussed, I am confident that my skills and experience in [specifics] make me an ideal candidate for this position.
If you require any additional information for your decision-making, or if there are any concerns you would like addressed, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. After A Second Job Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to interview me [yesterday/today/this morning] for the second time for the role of [position] at [company name]. I truly appreciate your continued interest in my candidacy and enjoyed learning even more about the position and your company.
As we discussed, I am confident that my skills and experience in [specifics] make me an ideal candidate for this position. [Expand on your qualifications]
Thank you again for your consideration. If you require any additional information for your decision-making, or if there are any concerns you would like addressed, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
3. After A Group Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to interview me [yesterday/today/this morning] for the [position] position at [company name]. It was a pleasure to meet you and the other candidates, and I thoroughly enjoyed the group discussion which I found to be engaging, thought-provoking, and informative.
Today’s group interview further reinforced my interest in joining your team, and I very much look forward to the possible opportunity to [something directly related to the position, indicate your interest and why].
I feel that my skills and experience in [specifics] came across in the interview, demonstrating that I am an ideal candidate for this position. [Take some time to mention any skills that you think may not have come up in this interview because of the group setting].
If you require any additional information for your decision-making, or if there are any concerns you would like addressed, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Thank You Note After Job Interview FAQs
Won’t I be bothering the employer by following up with them after my interview?
Absolutely not. You’re not asking them for anything, merely thanking them for their time. Your interviewer(s) will appreciate the thanks, and for jogging their memory about the interview and your qualifications (especially if they conducted multiple interviews on the same day).
Learn more about standard guidelines for following up on job interviews and applications here.
Is it better to send an email or use old-fashioned snail mail?
Either or is a great option. However, bear in mind that there’s a possibility a traditional letter won’t be received in time for it to have any effect on your interviewer’s decision.
But, if you can deliver the letter yourself, a handwritten letter can really stand out.
When making your choice, think about the company’s culture. If the company is modern, tech-centered and makes an effort to be eco-friendly, paper might not be the best idea.
However, if the company is more traditional, they might really appreciate a handwritten note.
When should I send my thank you letter?
Aim to send your thank you letter within 24 hours of your job interview. Be sure to wait at least a couple of hours, otherwise the employer may think you’re using a templated letter and not actually put much thought into genuinely thanking them.
Who should I send the thank you letter to?
Send a personalized email to each person on the interview committee. Don’t merely copy and paste the same email as this can seem uncaring.
Ask for each interviewer’s business card before leaving your interview to ensure you have all the contact information you need.
