What Is An Interview Thank You Email
An interview thank you email is an email you send to your interviewer or prospective employer just after the interview process. The goal is to thank them for a successful interview while pointing out major highlights for you during the interview. You can write your email in a formal tone and send it between a few hours and a few days after the interview. While it isn’t mandatory that you send one, it’s advisable to send it. This is because it shows courtesy, which can positively impact your interviewer.
Read more:Job Interview Thank-You Letters
Do You Need To Send A Thank You Email After An Interview
Its recommended that you send a thank you email after each job interview you attend. Doing so shows the employer that you appreciate their time, and just as importantly, that youre still interested in the position. After attending an interview, the employer isnt sure that you still want this job .
So its important to write a thank you message and to reaffirm your interest in the position and tell them that youre eager to hear about the next steps. If you dont say this, they wont know!
How To Write A Thank You Note
When writing a thank you note, its crucial you make the most of your message by communicating the correct information. You should express gratitude and touch on relevant information critical to the relationship. For example, if youre sending a thank you letter after a job interview, you should highlight key skills that make you the best fit for the opportunity.
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Prompt To Take The Next Step
To close the thank-you note, encourage the hiring manager to take the next step in the hiring process. Reference what you learned during the interview to complete this section since you may need to provide references or complete a second interview to get the job. For example, you can write, Please don’t hesitate to contact me to arrange a follow-up interview.
The Basic Thank You Email
As mentioned earlier, some interviews only necessitate a basic thank you note, such as after a phone interview.
Here is a basic sample thank you email:
Subject Line: Great speaking with you
Dear Mr. Marquez,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview with Midwest Nonprofits. I appreciate the time you took to explain more about the organization and share expectations for the ideal candidate.
After learning more about the position, I believe that my years of experience in fundraising for nonprofit organizations will help garner new opportunities to be part of your team,
Please get in touch if I can provide any further information regarding successful projects completed.
Sincerely,
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Conclude With A Valediction
As with any other professional correspondence, you’ll need to finish your email with an appropriate closing. Much like the greeting, the formality of your signoff will depend on your relationship with the recipient and should match it in tone:
- Informal: See you at the sales meeting,
- Formal: Sincerely,
What About A Group Email Thank You
Perhaps you feel a little overwhelmed at the thought of writing several separate thank you emails because you interviewed with half a dozen people.
Believe us: its worth it to write unique emails, and heres why.
Perhaps one interviewer expressed an interest in your soft skills while another of them questioned you on specific hard skills from your resume.
Sending separate thank you email messages gives you the opportunity to highlight those unique selling points to each individual.
- This will showcase your attention to detail.
- It will also help you stand out to those deciding whether you get hired.
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Ask About The Next Steps
It’s great to be forthcoming about what comes next in the hiring process. This shows enthusiasm in the job. Asking something like, “What else can I provide to be helpful and move forward to the next steps?” is a great way to show your passion for the position.
Here is an example:
Looking forward to hearing what the next steps in the interview process might be. Very excited about this opportunity!
Subject: Appreciated Your Time Today
Hi ,
Thanks for meeting with me today I appreciate you taking the time.
I really enjoyed our conversation, and was especially excited about what you shared about the companys new initiative for aligning the sales and marketing orgs. Its always great to chat with someone whos passionate about RevOps.
Let me know if you have any further questions. And no matter the outcome, I hope we can stay in touch.
Thanks,
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End With A Polite Signoff
Finally, end your thank you note with a signoff, such as Thanks again, or Sincerely, and a professional signature.
Take a few minutes to review your thank you notes for any spelling, grammar or syntax mistakes. A message thats free from errors shows youre professional and detail-oriented.
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How To Write An Interview Thank
Writing the perfect post-interview thank-you letter is all about knowing the steps . What are these steps, and what should be included in the email?
Great question! Take a look at our outlined steps below to find out how to write the best possible interview thank-you letter and secure your new position.
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Key Mistakes To Avoid
When writing your post-interview thank you email, avoid these common mistakes.
Writing snail mail
Avoid a thank you letter. While some resources suggest that the wedding planning industry and legal industry still appreciate handwritten letters, we live in a fast-paced digital age . An email can get to the interviewer quicker.
While they are both considered a very traditional industry, it’s best to focus on writing an email within 24 hours of your interview. A handwritten note sounds nice.
Most modern companies use email now, it’s best to use email versus mailing the note.
Waiting too long
Anything past 48 hours is too long. And doesn’t show enthusiasm or passion that the interviewer is going to be looking for.
Pro tip! Send the email immediately after the interview is complete. It’s not too eager, contrary to what you might think.
Not following up
Didn’t hear back from the interviewer about the next steps in the interview process? Then follow-up to the thank-you email and ask to get an update on the status of the position and the job placement.
A follow-up message should be sent if you haven’t heard anything from the prospective employer within 3 to 5 business days.
Writing a long email
Keep the message short, it should be only a few sentences. Using your own voice, rather than following some type of script. Provide information that can help with the hiring decision, but don’t be pushy!
Not leaving a good impression
Using an informal greeting
- Dear
Explain What Makes You The Best Fit For The Role
You can use this next section to reiterate any skills or qualities you may possess that make you well-suited for the position. View the job posting as you type this email and mention any preferred skills they have listed that you may have as well. You can also reference your notes if you took any during the interview and use those to connect yourself to the position or company.
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Template For A Thank You Email After A Phone Interview
An employer may conduct phone interviews, or phone screens, with a dozen or more applicants for every job opening. Youre in a crowded field of candidates, all vying for the opportunity to interview in-person. One way to differentiate yourself is to craft a considerate post-interview thank you email as soon as you get off the phone.
Subject Line: Thank you for your time today.
Dear ],
I appreciate having the opportunity to speak with you today about the ] position at ]. After our conversation, Im very excited about this opportunity. I believe my skills and interests are a perfect match for this role.
I am particularly interested in ]
I appreciate the time you took to interview me today, and I look forward to having the opportunity to meet you in person.
If you need any additional information from me, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Again, thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
What Is A Thank You Letter And Why Do You Need One
A thank you letter is a follow-up email you send after the job interview. It should be briefonly three or four paragraphs and never more than one page in length.
A good interview thank you email demonstrates your strong interest in the position. You can also reiterate the case you made for why the company should hire you. And frankly, it shows that you know how to follow up after an important meeting.
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Keep Your Message Brief
Since the interviewer may quickly scan your email, you should keep the content brief and simple. As you reread your email, try to delete any unnecessary information that may not be relevant to the interview or to your qualifications for the position. This will make it easier for the interviewer to quickly read your email and return to their work.
Take Your Thank You Email To The Next Level
While the template above is all you need, if you really want to blow a hiring manager out of the water, add in another few lines before I look forward to… with some ideas you have on how you could add value. Think: a quick mock-up of something you discussed in the interview if youre in a creative role, taglines if youre in branding, or some slides or possible partners if youre in business development or sales.
It could look something like this:
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Placing High Importance On Thank
Candidates who are motivated and prepared during interviews shouldnt be penalized for not sending a generic thank-you note afterwards. Even letting a similar candidate win over because of their interview thank-you email is often an arbitrary decision. All you know for sure is that this candidate followed customary advice on proper candidate etiquette. If you conduct effective interviews, you can already determine the candidates fit, without needing a thank-you email to tilt the scale.
Plus, some candidates may come from countries where thank-you notes are not considered important. Equating these notes with important criteria, like job-related skills, may cause you to unwittingly disadvantage those candidates.
Sample Interview Thank You Email/letter #:
Hello < Interviewers Name> ,
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me < yesterday/Friday/etc.> about the < Job Title> position at < Company Name> . It was a pleasure talking with you, and I enjoyed learning more about the opportunity.
The information you shared about < Something specific about the job that interests you> sounded particularly interesting.
I am confident that my skills will allow me to come in and succeed in this role, and its a position Id be excited to take on.
Im looking forward to hearing from you about the next steps, and please dont hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information in the meantime.
Thank you again.
Best regards,
< Your First and Last Name>
This example above is a little longer and more formal. You could send this as a handwritten thank you letter after the interview, or as an email.
Note that at the end of the third paragraph, you could also add details about WHY you feel confident youd succeed in this role. Doing this will make your thank you email more convincing to hiring managers.
Try to remind them of something you shared in the interview, like a piece of past experience, or a skill you have, that will prove to them youll be able to come in and be successful in their role.
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The Different Sections Of A Thank
Youll, of course, want to make any email you send out your own, but here are the different sections and items that you should be sure to include:
- A clear subject line
- A greeting that matches the formality of the interview
- A specific reference to what, exactly, youre thanking your interviewer for
- Reiterate what you like about the organization and/or the position, and why you think this role is a great fit for you
How To Make The Best Impression
However, even though it takes a little extra time, you will make the most favorable impression if you communicate directly with each member of the interviewing team.
Since your follow-up communication should do more than simply thank your interviewers, you should make sure your message is conveyed to all the people who might have a say in the hiring decision as a reminder of your strengths as a job candidate.
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Use Catchy Subject Lines
Avoid using common subject lines that may end up in the spam folder. For example, such specific information may include the time your interview took place. Ensure that you use an email heading that presents your email as unique and prompts the interviewer to read your email. Examples of great subject lines include: “Thank you for the opportunity,””Follow up regarding the interview today,” or “Great interviewing with you today.”
How To Follow Up After The Interview
After the second interview, it’s a good idea to send a second thank-you note or email message. In fact, it’s especially important after a second interview to take the time to write a personal message to the people who interviewed youeven if you interviewed with them already and thanked them for the first interview. Many employers expect you to reply promptly.
Your second interview thank-you letter gives you another opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position, reference your most relevant qualifications, and thank the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you. You can add some depth to your second thank-you by referencing new information or contacts you gained during the follow-up interview.
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How To Write An Effective Thank
Get everyones name right. Make it a point during or immediately after the interview to jot down the names and titles of everyone involved in the conversation. Often group members will hand you their business cards at the end of the interview. If they dont, make sure to double-check the correct spellings of their names by reviewing the companys website or LinkedIn.
Be graciousand grateful. The most important part of a thank-you letter is right in the name: thank you. Thank the hiring team for their time and attention and for answering your questions and clarifying the role.
Look at templates and examples before composing your message. Use examples to guide your writing, but be sure to customize your note. Canned language wont impress the hiring team.
Send your letter ASAP. Ideally, you should send your note or email right after the interview. Dont let 24 hours go by without conveying your thanks.
How Long Until You Hear Back After The Second Interview
The hiring manager will often provide a specific date by which they will contact you by. If that date has passed, feel free to send a follow up email to get an update.
If they failed to mention a specific date or timeline, give it a few days before reaching out.
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Example : Handwritten Note
Dear ABC Company Team,
Can you believe its officially been five years since ABC Company and XYZ Creative started working together? I wanted to take a moment to thank you for a wonderful five years and celebrate everything weve accomplished. Please enjoy this gift basket as a token of our appreciation.
It has been a pleasure getting to know you all. Heres to many more years of successful partnership!
Best,
More Complex Thank You Email
Replace the text below with whatever terms are appropriate for you and your situation.
Subject: Thank you for the interview on
Dear :
Thank you very much for your time today to interview me for the position of . I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about this job, to meet you and , and to see your facility .
As we discussed, I have of experience with . With my background and experience, I believe that I could become a contributor to your team very quickly.
I am excited about this opportunity to join . Please do not hesitate to email or call me if you have any questions or need any additional information.
I look forward to hearing from you .
Best regards,
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Be Positive And Passionate
Positivity and passion go a long way. In fact, it’s one of the main things that you might be evaluated on during the phone interview or in-person interview. It’s not necessary to go in-depth on the enthusiasm, just show interest in wanting to move forward with the company.
Including a note about the company culture, if the company website references something critical. For example, collaboration or inclusivity. Mention those as being part of your personal values. Most job seekers forget to scour the company website for clues!
Things To Avoid When Following Up
At the same time, there are also a few things you should avoid:
- Don’t Hound Your Interviewers: Initiatives such as a thank-you email and a follow-up a week or so later are more than enough. Beyond that, you won’t be promoting yourself you’ll be stressing them out. Remember that your goal is not only to show the hiring managers that youre qualified but also to convince them that they want to work with you.
- Don’t Send Anything That Makes You Look Bad: This includes personal social media profiles that contain unprofessional pictures or behavior. Err on the side of caution when determining this. You might see nothing wrong with a photo of you enjoying a margarita on a tropical vacation, but the hiring manager might feel differently. Likewise, don’t send memes or be too casual in the tone of your email by using internet acronyms, etc.
- Don’t Overwrite: Keep your message short and focused. The interviewer will not want to read a very long thank-you email. Focus on saying thank you and briefly reiterating your interest in the position.
- Don’t Send Misspelled or Grammatically Incorrect Emails: Even professional editors make mistakes when they try to work on their own. Get another set of eyeballs to look over your work before you hit “send.”
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