Perfecting your resume, crafting a compelling cover letter, reaching out on LinkedIn, and writing the perfect thank-you email—job hunting truly feels like a job in itself. But are all these steps really necessary to impress an employer? Certainly. Every detail matters in today’s job market, where competition is fierce.
With numerous candidates applying for the same position, sending a thank you letter after the interview can set you apart and create a lasting impression on the hiring manager.
Let’s delve into what creating a meaningful thank you letter entails.
Key takeaways
- Send your thank-you email within 24 hours to leave a timely and professional impression.
- Personalize your email to highlight key points from the interview and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm.
- Use the body of the email, not an attachment, and keep it concise (150–200 words).
- Reiterate your interest in the role and provide any missed information or qualifications.
- Avoid common mistakes like sending generic messages, waiting too long, or overlooking typing errors.
What is a Thank-you Email After an Interview?
A post-interview thank you email is a concise and professional message sent to express gratitude to the interviewer for their time and consideration.
Here’s what it does aside from expressing politeness:
- Reinforces your interest in the role.
- Reminds the interviewer of your qualifications.
- Highlights key points from the conversation.
Last but not least, a thank-you email consolidates your enthusiasm for the position. Not everyone takes the time to send one, and even fewer will go the extra mile if they don’t feel strongly that the role is a perfect fit for them—making your effort stand out even more.
Why is a thank-you email important?
An interview is a two-way street—you’re evaluating the company as much as they’re evaluating you. The hiring managers might be wondering if they’ve left a positive impression, which is one reason why sending a thank-you email is so important.
Taking the time to write a follow-up email demonstrates genuine appreciation for the interviewer’s time and effort, while also reaffirming your excitement for the role.
Finally, a thank-you email is an excellent opportunity to address any qualifications, achievements, or details you may have forgotten to mention during the interview, such as a specific project that highlights your skills or an accomplishment relevant to the role.
How to Write a Thank-you Email After an Interview?
Let’s start with the basics—like length and format. A thank-you email should be concise—typically around 150–200 words. Recruiters already have your information and a recent impression of your character, so be brief and impactful.
The thank-you note should be written directly in the body of the email, rather than as an attachment or separate document. It should be easily accessible and convenient for the recipient to read.
Here are the key components of a thank you letter:
Subject line
Keep it concise and professional, making it clear what the email is about. Include your name and the position you interviewed for, such as:
"Thank You – [Your Name], [Position] Interview." This helps the interviewer immediately recognize the email’s purpose.
Appropriate greeting
Address the interviewer formally, using their title and last name (e.g., "Dear Mr. Johnson"). If you interviewed with multiple people, send personalized emails to each and tailor the greeting accordingly. A professional salutation sets the right tone for your email.
Show your appreciation
Begin by thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to discuss the role. Mentioning the position and date of the interview provides context and reinforces your appreciation for their effort. You could say, for example:
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday to discuss the Marketing Specialist role at XYZ Company.”
Assure them of your interest in the job
Clearly state your enthusiasm for both the position and the company. This shows that you’re genuinely interested and excited about the opportunity. For instance:
“Our conversation further convinced me how good of a fit this role is for me, and I’m particularly excited about contributing to your upcoming product launch."
Highlight key points
Use this section to briefly mention your relevant skills or experiences that align with the job requirements. This helps remind the interviewer why you’re a strong fit for the position.
Example:
"I believe my experience with [specific skill or achievement] would allow me to make a meaningful impact on your team."
Add any missed information
A follow-up email is the perfect chance to include something you forgot during the interview—such as a relevant accomplishment or additional qualification. Keep it brief and relevant to the role.
Example:
"During our discussion, I didn’t get the chance to mention my recent project that aligns closely with [specific company initiative or need]. I’d be happy to share more details if needed."
Be available for further questions
Let the interviewer know they can reach out if they have additional questions or need clarification. This shows you’re approachable and committed to providing any necessary information. Keep it brief:
“Please feel free to reach out if there’s any additional information I can provide.”
A call to action
End your email by prompting the interviewer to share the next steps in the process. If the next steps have already been discussed, express that you look forward to hearing from them as planned.
Mention your excitement and interest in moving forward. Example:
“I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute and look forward to hearing more about the next steps” or “I’m excited about connecting as discussed.”
This keeps the momentum going and demonstrates your proactive approach.
Use a professional sign-off
End your email with a polite and professional closing. Offer to provide any additional information and express your anticipation for the next steps in the hiring process.
Like so:
“Thank you again for your time and consideration. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s any further information I can provide. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the next steps.”
Thank You Email After an Interview — 3 Examples
Here are some example follow-up emails that cover different scenarios.
General Thank-You Email
Subject: Thank You – [Your Name], [Position] Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday to discuss the [Position] role at [Company Name]. I truly enjoyed learning more about the team and the exciting projects you're working on, particularly [specific project or detail discussed].
Our conversation further convinced me that my skills in [specific skill] and experience with [relevant experience] align perfectly with the needs of your team. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific company goal or project].
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s any additional information I can provide. I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the hiring process and hope to connect again soon.
Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Thank-You Email Highlighting Missed Details
Subject: Thank You – [Your Name], [Position] Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I want to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. It was a pleasure to learn more about your team’s approach to [specific topic or value discussed] and the exciting goals you’re working to achieve.
During our conversation, I realized I didn’t get the chance to mention my experience with [specific project, skill, or achievement]. I believe this would bring value to [specific company goal or team need]. I’d be happy to provide more details or discuss this further if needed.
I remain very enthusiastic about the role and contributing to [Company Name]. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions. I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the process.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Polite Follow-Up When No Interview Update is Received
Subject: Follow-Up on [Position] Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on the [Position] role I interviewed for on [date of interview]. It’s been a few weeks since we last spoke, and I wanted to kindly inquire if there are any updates regarding the next steps in the hiring process.
I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to [specific company goal or project]. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide to assist with your decision-making process.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
When Not to Send a Thank-you Email
While a thank-you email is almost always a good idea, there are exceptions. Avoid sending one if the company explicitly requests no follow-up communication, as doing so could reflect poorly on your ability to follow directions.
PRO TIP
Similarly, if a company has a lengthy hiring process or limited resources, they may not prioritize thank-you emails. If you’ve had direct interactions with a recruiter or hiring manager, sending one is a good gesture. If communication has been minimal or fully automated, skipping it might be the better choice.
Lastly, if the interview revealed that the position isn’t a good fit for you, it’s better to refrain from sending an insincere email and focus your efforts on opportunities that align with your goals.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending generic, one-size-fits-all emails instead of personalized notes.
- Waiting more than 24 hours to send the email.
- Overlooking typos, spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors.
- Using a tone that’s too formal or too casual for the company culture.
- Failing to highlight enthusiasm, key qualifications, or important points from the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions About Follow-up Emails After an Interview
Did we miss anything? Have a look at these FAQs below.
What if everyone else sends a thank you note?
You’re probably not the only one with this idea, right? But don’t panic. Many candidates won’t bother, underestimating a thank you note’s impact or prioritizing other tasks.
Even if others send one, yours can stand out. A well-structured, personalized, and genuinely enthusiastic follow-up leaves a lasting impression.
Is it rude not to send a follow-up email after an interview?
While it may not be considered outright rude, skipping a thank-you email can leave a negative impression. It’s a simple yet professional gesture that shows appreciation, enthusiasm, and respect for the interviewer’s time.
Can I send a thank you email after work hours?
Yes, it’s acceptable to send a thank-you email after work hours. Emails can be read at the recipient’s convenience, but sending them within 24 hours of the interview is more important than the time of day.
How do you politely ask for an update after an interview?
Wait at least five to seven business days after the interview before following up. Politely ask for an update by reiterating your interest in the position and expressing appreciation for their time.
Example:
“I wanted to follow up on the [Position] role and inquire if there are any updates. Please let me know if I can provide additional information.”
How long after an interview should I hear back? When to assume you didn't get the job?
You should typically hear back within a couple of weeks, but this can vary by company. If you haven’t received a response after two weeks and no timeline was provided, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email. If there’s still no reply after additional follow-ups, it may be time to assume you didn’t get the job and focus on other opportunities.
Conclusion
A well-crafted thank-you email is a simple yet powerful tool to leave a lasting impression after an interview. By being timely, professional, and personalized, you can reinforce your interest and stand out as a top candidate.
Make one that's truly you.
