Should You Still Send an Interview Thank-You Email?
Plus: Thank-You Email Tips, Timing, and Examples
Some career experts say you shouldn't send thank-you notes after a job interview because companies should thank you for your time, not the other way around. Don't listen to them. The employer should appreciate your time, of course. But don't expect to get their thanks, especially in this tough job market. On the other hand, even a small gesture from you can move your application forward in the hiring process.
A thank-you note after an interview can help you get to the next round or even secure a job offer. Monster reports that 80% of hiring managers say thank-you notes are helpful when reviewing candidates for a job, even though only 24% of applicants send them. A TopResume survey reports that 68% of hiring managers said thank-you notes impact hiring decision-making. It's worth relaying your appreciation for the interview to the people you met with.
Before you start, remember that this is one of the times when AI is not your friend. It's important to write a custom thank-you message that boosts your chances of getting hired, and you don't want it to read like everyone else's or that you didn't take the time to write it. If you use AI, carefully edit and personalize your note so it doesn't sound like it was generated by a tool.
Here's how to write a thank-you email for a job interview, what to include, who to send it to, writing tips, examples, and the best time to send it.
Whom To Thank for an Interview
You should send a thank-you email to the interviewer or interviewers who took the time to meet with you. You can also thank the person who arranged the meeting, even if they didn't participate in the interview.
You can contact the person who scheduled the interview or the company's HR department if you need their email addresses.
When To Send a Job Interview Thank-You Email
The best time to send a thank-you email is within 24 hours of the interview. Don't wait because, in some cases, hiring decisions are made quickly. Taking the time to reach out right away lets the interviewer know you are thoughtful, focused, interested in the job, and can follow up promptly.
You can also follow up with a LinkedIn message, phone call, or even a handwritten note if time permits and the company isn't making an immediate hiring decision.
What To Include in Your Message
When writing an interview thank-you email, your objective is to express your appreciation for the interviewer's time and reiterate your interest in the job. It's also an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and to show the interviewer, one more time, why you're an ideal candidate.
To do this effectively, make sure your email includes the following:
A sincere thank you for your time and consideration for the position.
A summary of why you would be a good fit for the job and the company.
A statement that reiterates your interest in the position and working for the employer.
A call to action that invites the interviewer to contact you for further discussion or to ask any additional questions.
If there's anything you wished you had mentioned during the interview, this is an opportunity to share it with the interviewer. It's also a chance to explain (briefly) anything that might have been an issue during the interview.
Tips for Writing a Job Interview Thank-You Email
Here's how to write a thank-you email that makes the best impression:
Be prompt by sending the email within 24 hours of the interview.
Be specific by referring to points made during the interview.
Be concise by keeping your email brief, focused, and to the point.
Be professional in both your tone and tone of your writing.
Be error-free by proofreading your email before hitting send.
Interview Thank-You Email Examples
Here are examples of interview thank-you emails you can use as a starting point for your messages. Be sure to take the time to customize your message to fit your circumstances.
Example #1:
Subject: Thank You—[Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the company and am excited about working with a team of skilled professionals.
My skills and experience would be an asset to the team, and my success in similar roles demonstrates my ability to excel in this one. If you need any additional information or would like to discuss my qualifications further, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Once again, thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example #2:
Subject: Thank You—[First Name Last Name]
Dear [Interviewer],
Thank you for the interview today. I was impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of your team, and I appreciate the time all of you took to answer my questions and provide insight into the company culture.
As we discussed, my background in [insert skill/relevant experience] would allow me to make valuable contributions to your organization. If there's any additional information I can provide or if you have any follow-up questions, please let me know—I'd be more than happy to assist.
Thank you again for the opportunity to meet with you and your team. I look forward to hearing more about the position and moving forward in the hiring process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example #3:
Subject: Thank You—[Job Title] Interview [First Name Last Name]
Dear [Interviewer],
Thank you for your time and for considering me for the [Insert Position] role at [Company Name]. I enjoyed our discussion, and I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your organization and the direction it's headed.
I was excited to learn more about the [Task/Goal/Initiative] you mentioned during the interview. My experience managing similar projects could be an asset to your team. If you'd like to discuss my background and qualifications in more detail, don't hesitate to get in touch with me via [Insert Preferred Communication Method].
Again, I am grateful for the time you spent interviewing me today. I'm excited about the prospect of joining your team and contributing to the success of your organization.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
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