Hearing that call inviting you to an interview is an exciting and pivotal moment in your job search. It’s a critical step toward landing your dream job and an opportunity to shine. To make the most of it, focus on the details—showcase your skills, demonstrate your commitment, and treat your potential employer with respect throughout the process. Don’t forget to follow up with a thoughtful thank you email after the interview. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to express gratitude and leave a lasting impression.
When someone interviews you, they are investing their time and energy to give you a chance at a great opportunity. Sending a thank you note is a gesture of appreciation. If you're unsure where to begin, this guide and the following email template can provide some inspiration.
Getting Ready to Write Your Interview Thank You Email
As you’re preparing to write your interview thank you email, you should consider what has led you to this point in your job search. What makes this position a great fit for your skills? Why are you the best candidate? Questions like these are important to contemplate if you want to write a winning interview thank you note.
Follow these five steps for further guidance in crafting your note:
1. Identify Your Objective
The first thing you need to do is identify your objective in writing the note. Assuming that you still have an interest in the position, your objective is to persuade the hiring manager to proceed with hiring you. With this goal in mind, focus on using language that’s clear, concise, and straightforward about your intentions.
2. Get the Details Right
If you’re a first-time job seeker, you might be unfamiliar with the format that an interview thank you email typically follows. It’s important to remember, though, that details are very important. Consider what a terrible impression you’d make, for example, if you misspelled the name of your interviewer! Double-check details like this before sending your note to ensure that your efforts don’t backfire.
3. Follow Important Etiquette
It’s also important to pay close attention to the rules of etiquette that dictate the interview thank you note form. Etiquette dictates that you should always maintain a professional tone, avoid presumptuous questions about wages or benefits, and make it clear that you appreciate the interviewer’s time.
4. Set Yourself Apart from Other Job Seekers
Your interview thank you email is also an opportunity to set yourself apart from other job seekers. Remember that you likely aren’t the only candidate who is vying for the job, so you need to delicately differentiate yourself by reminding your interviewer of your qualifications. Subtlety is the name of the game, though — you don’t want your email to sound like an advertisement for yourself.
5. Include the Correct Salutation, Subject Lines, and Signature
Finally, you need to ensure that you craft the correct salutation and signature for your email. The salutation is the greeting that you begin the email with, and the signature is the closing where you sign your name. You also need to include a professional subject line that clearly indicates the nature of your note.
Sample Interview Thank You Letter
Subject: Thank you for your time
Dear Ms. Wexler,
I am reaching out to thank you for taking the time to speak to me on Monday. I enjoyed learning more about the Senior Legal Researcher position, and I believe that it aligns with both my skills and my career goals. The information you shared about Morgana Law Associates makes me excited for the future and the opportunities it may hold.
As I stated when we spoke, I believe that my expertise in banking law would be an asset to your team. I am well-versed in California property law and commercial interstate transportation law, too. I would love to apply this knowledge and experience to the vital work that your company is doing. The opportunity to do so would be an honor and a thrilling step forward for my career.
Most importantly, I would like to thank you once again for your time and consideration. My interest in the role has only grown since our interview, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Rory Mars
Craft a Standout Interview Thank You Email
Sending a post interview thank you email is one of the best ways to remind your interviewer to follow up with you. It is also an effective tool for setting yourself apart from other candidates and reinforcing your qualifications for the position. First-time job seekers can follow these five steps and follow the form of the template to craft an interview thank you note that stands out.
