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Thank You Email After Interview: How to Write And Why It’s Important

You’ve just completed an interview, and we’re sure you’re feeling exhilarated — and relieved. But, before you sit back and wait for the results, here’s one more thing you need to do: write a “Thank You” email after interview.

Sending a “Thank You” email after interviews is often overlooked by candidates. These emails are sometimes the last impression you make on the hiring manager before you get the job offer — or not. If you are wondering what you should write in the email, this guide provides everything you need to know. So if you are writing a “Thank You” email after interview, its importance, tips, and a sample email example will get you started.

Importance of Writing Thank You Email After Interview

Here are some reason why you should not skip a thank you email after interview:

1. An Opportunity to Stand Out

You might have only met one hiring manager for your job interview, but the chances are that the hiring manager might have met a few (if not many) candidates for the same position. Writing a “Thank You” letter after an interview helps you stand out from the competition and places you back into your hiring manager’s thoughts.

2. Shows You Care for the Position

For many hiring managers, not sending a “Thank You” email indicates that the candidate is not interested in the job and might reject the job offer. Writing an email expresses your eagerness for the role.

3. A Chance to Emphasize You’re a Good Fit for the Job

The email gives you another chance to emphasize your skills or experience relevant to the job. It also allows you to clarify the points you think you might not have communicated clearly or forgotten during the interview.

4. Opportunity to Overcome Objections

Your email also gives the hiring manager a chance to clear any reservations—or ask any follow-up questions they might have.

5. Demonstrates Your Written Communication Skills

A “Thank You” email can demonstrate your written communication skills, which are essential for most jobs where you will have to communicate with the team, customers, clients, and vendors.

6. Exhibits Professional Courtesy Toward the Interviewer

Many hiring managers consider a “Thank You” email as a professional courtesy. Sending an email that appreciates the time they have given you, shows that you respect them and are well-mannered.

6. A Great Opportunity to Network

Even if you don’t get the job, by emailing the hiring manager, you are connecting with the interviewer who might keep you in mind for other positions in the future.

ALSO READ: How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

Quick Tips When Writing a “Thank You” Email

Now that you know why writing a “Thank You” email after interview is so important, here are some tips to keep in mind before you get to writing:

1. Thank the Interviewer!

It goes without saying that the first thing to mention in the email is to thank the interviewer for taking the time to talk to you. Acknowledging their effort to learn more about you shows that you appreciate and value the time they gave you to see what you have to offer.

2. Reiterate Interest in the Job and Company, and What You Bring to the Table

Now that you have heard their expectations for the role in the interview, you can use the email as another opportunity to remind your hiring manager why you are the ideal candidate for the job. You can do this by talking briefly about your skills and experiences.

3. Use a Personalized and Professional Greeting

Begin with a formal greeting — ‘Dear John’ or ‘Hello John’— and customize the body of the email according to what you discussed in the interview.

4. Start with a Simple Subject Line

What you write in the subject can determine whether your email will be read or trashed. Keep it simple —‘Thanks for meeting with me’ or ‘Thank you for your time (name)’.

5. Keep the Email Short and Positive

Even though you are getting another opportunity to express what makes you a good candidate, writing a long email can give a negative impression to the interviewer. Keep your email short, to the point, and positive.

6. Close with a Professional Sign Off

Your email can be formal or semiformal based on the interview and the industry, but it should always be appropriate. Close your email with a professional sign-off, such as ‘Regards, ‘Sincerely’, or ‘Thanks’.

Highlight Parts of the Interview Unique to You

Most thank you emails are similar, but you can make them unique by personalizing your email according to your interview conversation. Highlight the parts that stood out to you in the interview. You can also include observations about the interview, role, or organization. Personalizing your email will also help remind the interviewer about your discussion and help you stand apart from the competition.

Sample Interview Thank You Email

Subject line: Thanks for meeting with me

Hello [Interviewer Name],

Thank you so much for taking time to meet with me today and discussing the [position name] role at [company name]. It was such a pleasure to learn more about the team and your industry. It sounds like an exciting opportunity, and I believe my work experience/skill with/in [experience/skill] would help me excel in this role.

I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps in the interview process, and please let me know if there are any additional questions I can answer in the meantime.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Thank You Email Length: How Long Should Your Message be?

The “Thank You” email after interview should be brief. Short emails are more likely to be read. Keep the message short; not more than three to four paragraphs, or one page in length.

2. Is it Better to Send a “Thank You” Email or a Note/Letter?

While a “Thank You” note or letter provides a personal touch and might be a good choice depending on the industry, an email is more efficient, fast, and has a better chance of reaching the interviewer. It also gives the interviewer a way to get in touch with you.

3. When to Send Your “Thank You” Email After Your Job Interview?

Your ‘thank you’ email should be sent a day after your job interview, ideally within office hours. Be sure to send the email within 24 hours (or 48 hours at most), while you’re still fresh in the interviewer’s mind.

Pro Tip: The job search can be an overwhelming process. It’s always a good idea to consider upskilling, as that can really help make you the ideal candidate for your dream job. Explore the diverse range of courses offered by Emeritus and boost your chances of getting hired!

To conclude, a “Thank You” email after interview is a small yet impactful step in the job-seeking process. It is often your last opportunity to make a good impression on the hiring manager and increase your possibility of getting a job offer. So take your time to write a perfect “Thank You” email, and be sure to proofread it before you hit ‘send’. Good luck!

By Krati Joshi

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