Let's cut to the chase: sending a thank you email after an interview is not just polite. It keeps your name fresh in the hiring manager's mind and shows that you’re serious about the job.
In this piece, we'll guide you through crafting an email that does more than just say thanks—it reinforces why you're the top pick for the role. We’ll cover timing tricks, how to echo back parts of your conversation with personal flair, and offer sample emails for different interview types like phone or video calls.
We get it—post-interview jitters make even seasoned pros second-guess every word they send. But relax; by following our lead on what makes a thank-you note sing, you'll leave those generic messages in the dust and step closer to snagging that job offer.
Should You Send A "Thank You" After An Interview?
Short answer: yes. When you've just wrapped up a job interview and you'll be eager to make that lasting impression. A thank-you email that can do just that. With just a touch of gratitude, you can give your application the nudge it needs to land the job.
86% of employers say not sending a thank-you note shows a lack of follow-through. And 75% of HR managers say a thank-you note impacts their decision-making process after an interview Yikes. That's an easy way to knock yourself out of contention for a new job. It's also so simple to send one. Make sure this is on your to-do list after any interview.
It's a good idea to have a few templates for emails in your arsenal while you're on the job hunt. Since you'll be sending out so many emails and applications during this time, several templates can make your life easier. For example, you might keep templates for:
The Importance of Timeliness and Tone
Time is of the essence when it comes to follow-up emails, with most hiring managers expecting them shortly after an interview—yet surprisingly, 69% of candidates drop this ball. Hit 'send' within 24 hours to show you're both interested and on-the-ball.
Your tone should reflect professionalism mixed with enthusiasm for the role; think friendly yet respectful—a handshake in email form if you will. This balance helps solidify a positive rapport while reinforcing your fit for not only the job but also their team culture.
Why Sending a Thank You Note Is Crucial
You aced the interview, shared a laugh with the hiring manager, and got a good vibe from the team. But don't rest on your laurels just yet. The job search isn't over until you seal it with a thank-you note. Think of it as the cherry on top that can sway hiring decisions in your favor.
The Importance of Post-Interview Gratitude
A thank-you note is more than just good manners; it's strategy. After an intense day meeting candidates, who will stand out to the hiring manager? The one who took time to send a thoughtful follow-up email shows initiative and attention to detail—traits every company values.
It’s not about reinventing the wheel but reinforcing connections made during your interview and keeping your name at the forefront when decision time rolls around. With most candidates skipping this step altogether, sending that email could be what tips the scales in your favor.
To make the most out of your thank you note, be prepared to write one heading into the conversation.
Jot down quick notes when you’re interviewing. Write down your interviewer’s name, what you discuss, and a few key words to trigger your memory, so you can make your follow-up message more meaningful. The thank you note starts during the interview.
-Lourdes Olvera-Marshall, Networking and Career Management Professor at NYU
Making Your Mark Beyond The Interview Room
Your post-interview thank-you note does double duty: It reiterates interest in the position while giving you a chance to touch base on anything that didn’t come up or wasn’t clear during the chat. Did the discussion veer off before you could highlight how your customer service expertise perfectly aligns with their needs? Here's where you weave those threads back into the narrative.
Including personal touches like recalling a specific part of the conversation makes the message resonate even more powerfully because they show genuine engagement—not just copy-pasted platitudes. You certainly want to hit on your appreciation for the time they spent interviewing you, but you can also use this opportunity to highlight why you're the perfect person for the role in question.
How To Write Your Thank You Email After An Interview
Sending a personalized thank you message after your interview can set you apart from other candidates. It shows the hiring manager or team that you're not just looking for any job, but that this specific role and company culture have struck a chord with you. To make sure your follow-up email hits the right note, let's break down how to reflect on your interview experience effectively.
1. Subject Line
Make it clear and direct. For instance, "Thank You for the Interview" or "Thank You - [Your Name] Interview".
2. Greet the Interviewer
Address the interviewer by name. For example, "Dear [Interviewer's Name],".
3. Express Your Gratitude
Start by thanking them for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the role and the company.
4. Restate Your Interest in the position
Clearly state that you are interested in the position and excited about the possibility of joining their team. Mention something specific about the company or role that particularly appeals to you.
5. Highlight Your Qualifications
Briefly restate why you believe you are a good fit for the role. You can refer to a part of the conversation from the interview that reinforces your suitability for the job.
6. Mention Something Specific from the Interview
This shows that you were attentive and engaged during the interview. For example, refer to a topic that was discussed or a shared interest that came up in conversation.
7. Close by Reaffirming Your Interest and Gratitude
Finish your email by once again thanking them for the opportunity and stating your eagerness to hear about the next steps.
8. Use a professional Sign-off
Use a professional closing such as "Best regards" or "Sincerely," followed by your full name.
9. Proofread, proofread, proofread
Before sending, make sure to proofread your email for any spelling or grammatical errors.
Avoid making any requests in your thank-you e-mail, either. You don't have a job offer yet and don't want to create friction.
People are busy. Avoid requesting anything that creates additional work. You want to show your interviewer that you’re easy to work with.
-Christopher Littlefield, Leadership Trainer
5 Example "Thank You" Email Templates
Example 1: General format
Subject: Thank You for the Interview
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. It was a pleasure to learn more about the [specific role] and the innovative approach your team takes to [specific aspect of the company or role].
I am very excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and believe that my skills in [mention specific skills or experiences relevant to the job] align well with the goals of your team. Our discussion about [specific topic discussed in the interview] was particularly insightful and further solidified my interest in being part of your company.
Thank you again for considering me for this exciting opportunity. I look forward to the possibility of working together and contributing to the success of [Company Name].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. It was a pleasure to learn more about the [specific role] and the innovative approach your team takes to [specific aspect of the company or role].
I am very excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and believe that my skills in [mention specific skills or experiences relevant to the job] align well with the goals of your team. Our discussion about [specific topic discussed in the interview] was particularly insightful and further solidified my interest in being part of your company.
Thank you again for considering me for this exciting opportunity. I look forward to the possibility of working together and contributing to the success of [Company Name].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Formal and Concise
Subject: Thank You for the Interview Opportunity
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I wanted to express my gratitude for the chance to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] yesterday. It was a pleasure to discuss my potential fit with your team and to learn more about the exciting projects at [Company Name]. I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your team and am looking forward to the opportunity to do so.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I wanted to express my gratitude for the chance to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] yesterday. It was a pleasure to discuss my potential fit with your team and to learn more about the exciting projects at [Company Name]. I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your team and am looking forward to the opportunity to do so.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Enthusiastic and Personal
Subject: Great to Meet You Today!
Hi [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you so much for meeting with me today to discuss the [Job Title] role. I truly enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed] and am even more excited about this opportunity at [Company Name]. I believe my experience in [relevant experience] aligns well with the team's goals.
Looking forward to the possibility of working together.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Hi [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you so much for meeting with me today to discuss the [Job Title] role. I truly enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed] and am even more excited about this opportunity at [Company Name]. I believe my experience in [relevant experience] aligns well with the team's goals.
Looking forward to the possibility of working together.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Reflective and Detailed
Subject: Thank You for a Wonderful Interview
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Job Title] position. Our discussion about [specific aspect of the job or company] was particularly enlightening and has reinforced my interest in working with [Company Name]. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills in [specific skills] to your team.
I appreciate your consideration and am eager to hear about the next steps.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Job Title] position. Our discussion about [specific aspect of the job or company] was particularly enlightening and has reinforced my interest in working with [Company Name]. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills in [specific skills] to your team.
I appreciate your consideration and am eager to hear about the next steps.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Follow-Up on a Key Interview Point
Subject: Thank You and a Quick Note on [Interview Topic]
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I wanted to extend my thanks for the opportunity to discuss the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I was particularly intrigued by our conversation about [specific topic] and have been thinking more about how my experience with [related experience] could be beneficial in this context. [Insert example of how your past experience ties in to what you discussed with the interviewer.]
Thank you again for considering me. I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team.
Best,
[Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I wanted to extend my thanks for the opportunity to discuss the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I was particularly intrigued by our conversation about [specific topic] and have been thinking more about how my experience with [related experience] could be beneficial in this context.
Thank you again for considering me. I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team.
Best,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Short and Professional
Subject: Appreciation for the Interview
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you for interviewing me for the [Job Title] position. I appreciated the chance to learn more about [Company Name] and am excited about the prospect of joining your team.
Looking forward to your feedback.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you for interviewing me for the [Job Title] position. I appreciated the chance to learn more about [Company Name] and am excited about the prospect of joining your team.
Looking forward to your feedback.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Reflecting on Your Interview Experience
A strong professional relationship often starts with remembering personal details. Mention something specific about what was discussed during the meeting—a project mentioned by the interviewer, or perhaps an aspect of the job title position they seemed excited about. This demonstrates that not only were you attentive during your conversation but also deeply interested in making a valuable contribution to their team.
Recalling moments of shared interest strengthens potential connections by bringing back positive memories. Whether it was discussing customer service strategies or tackling software engineering challenges, these instances create a bond and foster stronger relationships.
If they shared information about business development plans or recent successes within their department, mentioning these will show them I'm already invested in being part of future achievements.
Last but not least, include contact details like LinkedIn URL and personal website at the end as soft reminders of who I am professionally. Plus they serve as easy ways for my prospective employer to reach out if needed.
The Optimal Timeframe for Sending Your Email
Timing can be everything when it comes to sending your thank-you email. You want to strike the right balance, showing eagerness without coming off as overbearing. It's a common understanding that fitting into busy schedules is key; you don't want your message lost in the shuffle of a hiring manager's crowded inbox.
Experts suggest that sending a follow-up within 24 hours post-interview ensures you're still fresh in the interviewer's mind and demonstrates promptness—a trait most employers value highly. Yet, waiting just long enough—like until the next morning if your interview was late afternoon or evening—shows thoughtfulness and respect for their time.
This timing isn’t arbitrary: data shows many candidates overlook this step altogether. So even after an interview that went well where you felt like a great fit, cementing that positive impression with timely gratitude could set you apart from others vying for the same role.
Thanks for Reading (See What We Did There?)
Remember that a thank you email after an interview can be your ace in the hole. It's your chance to echo back key moments from the chat and underscore your fit for the role. Make it timely, make it personal.
Timing is everything. Take advantage of other job candidate's lack of attention to follow up. Wait at maximum 24 hours to send that email.
Do you have trouble writing these kinds of emails? Well look to Magical. Magical lets you use AI to write the perfect thank you email that will have you standing heads above your fellow candidates. Download it here (It's Free!).
