How to Write A Thank You Email After an Interview
Have you heard about how important writing a “thank you” email is after an interview? Now, you’re probably wondering whether it is important and how to go about it.
First off, writing a “thank you” email after an interview does help you score more points with the employer.
Also, there are two types of people who write “thank you” emails. The first are those who succeed in landing the job and those who don’t.
The latter group fails even when they write this letter because their letters lack vital winning components. These lacking features are what you are about to learn. Implementing these features in your “thank you” email will increase your chances of getting the job over your competition.
Why write a “thank you” email after an interview
Knowing why you ought to write a “thank you” email is the right step toward crafting it convincingly. If you need more reasons to write a “thank you” email, try these:
To make a good impression
Saying “thank you” is probably the best gesture anyone could show. Also, it is even better when the recipient least expects it. Thus, you are making a good impression when you send a “thank you” email after an interview.
Besides representing and comporting yourself in the best possible manner, a “thank you” email makes you more likable. In getting a job, a skillset is as important as character. Perhaps all you need to seal the deal in landing the job is a simple “thank you” email.
A friendly reminder
When it takes too long to get a reply, you might need to invent ways of reminding the interviewer. Sending a “thank you” email will help in this regard.
Although the primary aim of sending a “thank you” email is for appreciation, it can also serve as a reminder. Thus, after thanking the employer for the opportunity, let them know you will be expecting their response.
To get extra information about the interview
Do you feel pressure after an interview and can’t wait to know the outcome? It means you are human after all.
After an interview, a little bit of anxiety sets in and you would like more information on the outcome. Having anxiety is normal, especially when you need a job.
If you were looking for a good way to know more about the interview, try writing a “thank you” email. Although the note is to thank the employer, it could prompt an informative response from the employer.
The interviewer might be expecting one
While it is not mandatory, most employers expect a candidate to send a “thank you” letter after the interview. Although sending a “thank you” email is not compulsory, it is a positive step that won’t take much time.
With time, employers have become accustomed to this gesture. To an extent, they deserve a “thank you” email. The reason is that they are allowing candidates to make a living and move further in their careers.
To reassure the prospective employer
A “thank you” email after an interview has other ways of giving you an edge over the average candidate. Sometimes, interviews are too short, meaning there is little time to show your prospective employer what you can do. In other cases, the interview questions do not do justice to helping you show your best attributes.
Writing a “thank you” email is a second chance to make things right. More candidates are starting to use this opportunity to hint at one or two superb attributes they possess.
How to write a “thank you” email
Writing a thank you note differs from other official letters due to some key features. These key points show your personality, originality, and keenness to join the organization. Do take note of the order:
Have a direct subject line.
Every letter, especially a formal letter, ought to have a heading. In this case, the subject line should reveal the theme of the letter at a glance. Since it is a “thank you” letter, let it say “Thank you!” It would be even better if you included the name of the recipient.
For example, writing “Thank you, James!” (assuming that is the hiring manager’s name) works well. Also, you could be more specific and write “Thank You, James, for Yesterday’s Interview.” This type of heading is direct and it will ring a bell.
Start with a personal yet formal greeting.
The difference between a thank you note and other types of letters is the content. This note follows the same principles of writing any other formal letter. Thus, start the letter with a formal greeting.
Try to make it a personal greeting as well, meaning it should be addressed to the hiring manager by name. Instead of writing “Dear Hiring Manager”, you should address it to someone specifically. Likewise, if you were interviewed by multiple people, address the letter (preferably separate letters) to all of them by name.
Express your gratitude for the opportunity.
I recommend that gratitude comes from a sincere place first and foremost. After the greeting, start the body of the letter by saying “thank you.”
You could lead with “Thank you for…” or come up with something more creative to start the letter. Showing gratitude for how the employer received you and allowed you to prove yourself is essential.
Reiterate your keenness to join the organization.
After thanking the employer for the opportunity the interview presents, remind them why you want to join them. It shows that you are serious about joining their organization.
On the other hand, having a change of heart concerning the job is possible. Thus, don’t hesitate to explain to them that you are no longer interested in the position if need be. The employer will respect your decision and appreciate that you saved them the trouble of pursuing you further.
Recall the highlights of the interview.
Interviews are not always tense and serious – some can be fun and interactive. Some candidates and interviewers bond so well during an interview that they are mistaken for old colleagues.
Even though the interview was not too interactive, there would be some positive points to hold on to. Thus, take note of the best bits of the interview and mention them in the letter.
It is advised to remind the employer of some positive remarks they made about or to you. These will jog their memory and bring back the same positive interactions you engaged in.
Mention some important information they shared in the interview.
Besides the compliments, the interviewer must have showered you, and recalled other vital information they disclosed. These pieces of information are also different from the highlights of the interview you are advised to share.
For instance, interviewers hint at future company plans including events, other employment opportunities, and when to expect feedback. You may touch on these details as a way of reminding them or provoking a confirmation of the information.
Confirm the scheduled response date.
After an interview, I suggest that you ask the interviewer when to expect a response. In most cases, they give an estimated time frame.
While writing the thank you note, hint that you would be expecting to hear from them at the proposed date. If there would be any changes, the interviewer will respond and address them.
Doing this will help you to have realistic expectations. You may proceed to write a follow-up letter if you fail to hear from them after that date. See our previous articles on when to send a follow-up letter.
Close professionally.
After you have finished writing the thank you letter, end it by offering to give more information about yourself. There is likely other information like completed projects in your portfolio you would like to share. Try telling them to “be free to contact you” for any additional information about you.
Finally, close the letter professionally with a “sincerely”, followed by your official name. Underneath your official name, you may add your email address, phone number, and website URL. Proofread the letter, make sure there are no typos, and send it to the appropriate email address.
Important points to note in your “thank you” email
There is a difference between those who get positive results from writing this note and those who don’t. The difference lies in the structure and timing of the letter. Here are the factors to consider in this letter:
Send this letter within 24 hours of the interview.
Are you wondering when is the best time to send a “thank you” email? It is within 24 hours of the interview.
Exceeding this period would send the wrong message to the employer even though you had good intentions.
Firstly, employers expect a “thank you” email after the interview. These days, some employers only move forward with candidates who sent a “thank you” letter after the interview. Also, you want to remain in the mind and plans of the employer. Thus, sending it more than a day after the interview is risky.
It should be brief.
A “thank you” email gives you another shot at impressing your future employers and you have lots to say, right? Please, try not to say so much just yet.
I suggest that you make it as brief as possible. The employer must have had a tiring day of interviewing candidates – reading a lengthy letter afterward isn’t very soothing.
You could try to make the letter between 150 and 220 words. Something they can read through in under 2 minutes works best. Also, the formatting of your letter goes a long way in making it look wordy or concise. Pay attention to these details and you should be fine.
Be specific.
What a “thank you” letter presents is the chance to gain an audience with the interviewer once more. While you do this, try to go straight to the point as much as possible. Although there might be many points to get across, sticking to specifics works best.
For example, when making references to particular moments during the interview, state them clearly. If other matters arose from that point, there is no need to bring them up. Likewise, if dates were mentioned, restate them if you have to. Also, whatever recommendations they gave to you, highlight them but try not to explain them.
Don’t pressure the interviewer.
Writing a “thank you” email after an interview presents an opportunity to chip in one or two ideas or inquiries. However, try not to pressure the interviewer into making a decision that favors you. It could backfire.
Whenever a candidate tries to take advantage of professionals in HR, they can tell. Therefore, asking them for a response sooner than agreed upon will not help. Likewise, trying to find out if you were impressed during the interview or have a change won’t help either.
Be sincere.
Although a “thank you” letter helps you to score more points with the interviewer, try to be sincere. Firstly, being invited to the interview is a privilege not many have. Also, being sincere about showing appreciation proves that you have integrity and want the job for the right reasons.
Furthermore, there is a difference between genuinely appreciating something and trying to butter up someone. If the “thank you” email is not sincere, it shows. Thus, try to bring yourself to a place of appreciation so that your note will reveal you are true intentions.
Conclusion
Sending a “thank you” email to your future employer after an interview is no longer optional. It is what the average employer expects from you. This letter is presented opportunities to connect with the interviewer after the interview.
You could try mentioning some of the next steps you want to take towards your professional development in the note. The best time to send this letter is within 24 hours of the interview. Address this “thank you” email to the hiring manager and try to be as brief and professional as possible.
Has writing a “thank you” email after an interview helped you to secure a job? Please let us know in the comments section below.