You had an awesome interview and spent the evening kicking back for some much needed relaxation. The next day you’re feeling great, imagining how it’s going to feel when you get that coveted job offer.
It’s a weight off your shoulders to have the most nerve-wracking part of the application process behind you, but don’t let the day get away from you without taking this one crucial step: sending a thank you email after your in-person interview.
Why should you send a thank you message?
Is it still expected to send a thank you email after interviews? In a word, absolutely!
The majority of hiring managers and recruiters expect a follow-up note, yet 57% of candidates don’t send them. Ouch! That disconnect could really hurt your chances of getting the job.
Sending a thank you email after an interview keeps you at the top of the hiring manager’s mind. It helps you cement your strengths and gives you one more chance to emphasize why you’re the best candidate for the job. Plus, it’s just proper professional etiquette.
To maintain the positive impression you worked so hard to build, follow these steps for writing a great follow-up letter after an in-person job interview.
When to send an email or letter
Don’t wait too long after an interview to send a follow-up message. While you probably don’t want to send it from the parking lot, that evening or the next day is ideal. Send your follow-up within 24 hours of your interview for maximum impact.
How to write an effective message
Keep it simple
You’ve already provided a ton of information to make your case–namely your cover letter and resume. So you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Instead, keep your message short and choose just one or two high points to touch on. The subject line of your email can be equally simple, like ‘I appreciate your time today’ or ‘Thank you for the opportunity.’
Say thank you
Lead off your follow-up note with your gratitude for the interviewer’s time and the opportunity to chat. Expressing your thanks should be the primary goal of your message.
What To Include:
Greeting
Address the hiring manager by name.
Thank you
Begin by thanking them for their time. Cite the day and the specific position you were seeking.
Re-emphasize interest
Let them know your interest in the position remains strong, citing anything specific you discussed during the interview that excited you.
One or two strengths
Reiterate the top reasons you’re the best fit for the job, especially anything you didn’t get a chance to mention in the interview.
Additional information
A link to your online portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or anything else that will help strengthen your case.
Closing
Sign off with a professional closing and your name.
Sample post-interview email
Dear Jim,
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me about the pottery artist position this morning. I enjoyed learning more about the company and am very excited about the prospect of working on your upcoming Navajo ceramic collection this spring.
After hearing more details about the skills you’re looking for, I think my extensive experience with clay firing and kiln maintenance would make me a valuable addition to your team. I was also thinking more about what you said regarding marketing for your line. I’m attaching an example of a flier I created for my last exhibit; something like this could really help raise awareness for your pieces.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there’s any further information I can provide.
Thanks again,
Eileen Chee