You wrote your resume. Applied for the job. Wore your best clothes. Survived the interview.
Now you can rest easy, right?
Not quite! There’s a final, important step that many job-seekers forget to complete — and it can sometimes be the decisive factor in whether you get hired: writing a “thank you” email.
How to Write a Post-Interview “Thank You” Email
1. Write a Unique Email to Each Person
While an email cc’d or bcc’d to every interviewer certainly works in a pinch, if you want to make an impression, tailor your “thank you” email just a little bit to each interviewer. It’s important to get the names of your interviewers or ask for their emails or business cards so that you can complete this step!
2. Send It Within 24 Hours
Don’t send your “thank you” email too soon (as this might give the impression you haven’t thought very thoroughly about the interview). Instead, wait at least an hour or two, then compose and send your email. Be sure to send it within 24 hours at the absolute latest. Same-day is encouraged!
3. Show Gratitude
Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
4. Mention Your Key Selling Points
Briefly reference a few key selling points during the interview, especially relating to the job qualifications and your experience. This shows you were paying attention, are aware of the employer’s needs, and have what it takes to be hired.
5. Express Interest in the Job
It’s a nice flourish to re-emphasize how much the opportunity means to you and how excited you are about the possibility of working with the employer and their team. Be specific! Name a particular project, job responsibility, or task that excites you. Closing on a strong note of interest, such as “I look forward to learning about the next steps in the process,” can leave a positive impression.
Sample “Thank You” Email Template
Subject: Thank you for the Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
It was a pleasure to meet with you and your team and learn more about the impactful work [Company Name] is doing. Thank you very much for the opportunity to interview for the [Position Name] role today.
Having interviewed with you, I am even more enthusiastic about this position, especially [Project/Initiative]. This endeavor aligns with my [Number] of years of experience in [Skill] and background in [Topic]. I am eager to contribute my skills in [Specific Skill or Experience] to help drive these initiatives forward and support the team’s goals.
Thank you once again for considering my application. I am very excited about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to its continued success. Please contact me if you need any additional information. I look forward to the next steps in the process.
Best wishes,
[Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile or Professional Website, if applicable]
Why You Should Write a Post-Interview “Thank You” Email
1. It Reminds Them That You Exist
The interviewer will have met with perhaps dozens of candidates before making their final decision. Sending a “thank you” email helps bring you back to their attention.
2. It Restates Your Qualifications
A “thank you” email is a perfect opportunity to recap your key selling points! Be sure to mention one or two of your best qualifications (years of experience, certifications, skills, etc.) as part of your reflection on the interview.
3. It Gives You a Second Chance
Ever walked away from a conversation and suddenly thought, “Gah! I totally forgot to mention that!” If you forget one of your key selling points during the interview, you can include it in the “thank you” email. For example: “I also wanted to bring to your attention that I’m fluent in both English and Spanish, which will allow me to provide quality service to a wider range of customers at your organization.”
4. It Shows Gratitude
The interviewer took possibly hours to receive, review, and select your application — likely carving out time from a very busy schedule! Writing a “thank you” email shows gratitude for this time, their consideration, and the hiring opportunity. It also says a lot about what kind of person you are — someone who acknowledges, respects, and treats others well.
5. It Significantly Increases Your Chances
Almost 70% of interviewers agree that receiving a “thank you” email impacts their final hiring decision. Furthermore, one in every five employers has rejected an interview candidate after not receiving a “thank you” email! Sometimes, the hiring decision comes down to two equally qualified candidates. In these instances, the “thank you” email may be the tipping point that turns the final selection in your favor!
The Bottom Line
“Thank you” emails take as little as ten minutes to write and send — and sometimes, this little message of appreciation is the decisive factor in whether you’re hired. It’s a small gesture that sets you apart from the rest and statistically increases your chances of success. After your next interview, grab the employer’s business card or write down their email, then send them a message within 24 hours. You might just be surprised by the results!
For assistance with writing a “thank you” email, contact the EFSC Career Center.
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