Always write a thank you email after interviews. This is a perfect opportunity to show that you’re still interested in the job and point out one more time that your skills are a perfect match. Along with that, you demonstrate your great communication and social skills. Lots of job seekers don’t bother sending a thank you email, so you will stand out even more when you send yours.
What Not to Say in Your Thank You Note
Don’t just send a form-letter note: “Thank you for your time. I am very interested in this job and I look forward to hearing from you.” You’ll still stand out because you bothered to send a note, but you’ll miss out on a big chance to sell yourself for the job one more time. If a hiring manager is on the fence about you, this note could be what nudges them in your favor.
How to Format Your Thank You Letter
Start your note by mentioning how nice it was to speak with them, and thank them for the opportunity. Then say that you believe you and your skills are a good fit, based on your conversation. Use things you talked about as evidence and mention them.
If you’ve thought of something else that makes your case, now is the ideal time to mention it. Talk about what you learned in the interview that makes you even more enthusiastic about working for this company (and be specific).
Close by saying that you’ll call in a few days. Don’t leave it too open by saying that you look forward to hearing from them, because that doesn’t leave you room to call yourself. Be active in this process…it’s not too bold; it shows your enthusiasm and eagerness to start the job. That’s appealing to hiring managers.
Use Your Thank You Note for Damage Control
If your job interview didn’t go as well as you hoped, use your thank you note to do damage control. This is a good opportunity to address problems or mention things you forgot to say.
Who Gets a Thank You Email?
Send a personalized note to everyone you speak with about the job. If you were interviewed by a panel, send a note to everyone on the panel. If you spoke to 3 people in 3 different interviews, send each person a note—even if you won’t be working directly for them. Everyone who interviews you will have a say in whether or not you get an offer. Make a good impression.
When to Send Your Thank You Email After Interviews
One of the reasons you want to send an email rather than a handwritten note is so you can get it there within 24 hours. That’s important. Hiring decisions can be made quickly. Get your note in before the decision is made.
The bottom line is…send a strong thank you email within 24 hours of your interview. It will be the smartest job interview follow up you can do.
***See a sample of an effective job interview thank you letter.
***Learn more about thank you notes and follow up strategies (including when to call) in my podcast, Following Up After the Interview.