Sending a post-interview thank you email may be the one thing that sets you apart. (Surprisingly, according to a study by Robert Half, many job candidates don’t bother to send a post-interview thank you note.) Not only will writing one show you’re serious about the job, but it can have a huge impact on the employer’s impression of you. In fact, many hiring managers in the same study consider whether or not they received a thank you note as part of their final decision.
Don’t forget about this vital follow-up step. It’s a simple action that shows proper business etiquette, passion for the job, and gratitude for the opportunity.
If you’re unsure how to write an effective thank you email, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the mechanics of a post-interview thank you note, including several foolproof examples to get you started.
What is a post-interview email?
A post-interview email or thank you note is a brief message expressing gratitude to the hiring manager(s) and anyone who interviewed you and restates your interest in the job. It’s typically sent via email within 24 hours of the interview. For an extra personal touch, you can also write a note or letter by hand and send it via regular mail.
A typical post-interview email can include various things, but the crux should be an expression of gratitude. Your note should sincerely thank the interviewer(s) for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
It’s wise to mention something specific from the interview, like a challenge or need the company has that you feel qualified to fulfill. You can also include additional information you forgot to mention during the interview, but keep it brief. A long and rambling follow-up message is actually considered an interview mistake.
Why should you send a post-interview thank you email?
Sending a post-interview thank you email is considered good etiquette and can help leave a positive impression on the interviewer. It’s a way to reinforce the rapport you established during the interview, reminding them who you are, what you discussed, and why you’re the best fit. Assuming the interviewer has met with tens of other job candidates, a post-interview thank-you will make your appreciation and excitement known.
When should you send a post-interview thank you email?
It’s recommended to send a post-interview thank-you within 24 hours of your interview. Whether your interview was formal, merely informational, or a video interview, sending a thank-you will promptly demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and your appreciation for the opportunity.
If possible, try to send the email on the same day as your interview or early the next day, while the discussion is still fresh in the interviewer’s mind. It can also be extra memorable to send a handwritten note in the mail. However, this is probably best practice after an informational interview, when there’s less pressure on timing.
How to write a post-interview thank you email
A good thank you note hits a few basic points:
1
It expresses gratitude for the interviewer’s time.
2
It reiterates why you want the position and are a great fit.
3
It includes something specific that you talked about in the interview.
Most of the time, when candidates interview for a position, they meet several people on the team, which means you could be writing several thank you notes. For extra ease and speed, you can turn to Grammarly’s generative AI to help you craft thank you notes for everyone you interview with.
Below are a few examples of specific lines that Grammarly’s AI may suggest. Pick your favorites and add a bit of your own flair to get your post-interview emails done in a flash. Don’t forget to have Grammarly check your message for clarity and correctness before you hit send. Pro tip: Install Grammarly on your device or in your web browser to get in-line writing suggestions automatically.
Thank-you email subject line examples
- Nice meeting with you today
- Thanks for your time earlier
- Many thanks
- Appreciation for the interview today
- Thank you for the opportunity
Thank you email opening line examples
- Thanks so much for taking the time to meet with me today.
- It was wonderful meeting you and your team today.
- Thanks for chatting with me earlier.
- I am writing to express my gratitude for our insightful discussion earlier about the [position] role.
- I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the [position] and the vision of [company].
Thank you email closing sentence examples
- Thank you again for your time. Let me know if there is any further information I can provide to help you make your decision.
- I’d be happy to follow up on any of the items we discussed today.
- Thanks again so much for meeting with me. I eagerly await the next steps and look forward to hearing from you.
- Thanks again for your time. It was great to meet you!
Thank you email sign-off examples
- All the best,
- Many thanks,
- Thanks again,
- Looking forward to the next steps,
- Kind regards,
Post-interview thank you email examples
Here are two examples to get you started. Whether you use them or not, be sure to personalize what you send so it reflects your specific interview experience!
Example 1: Short and sweet
Thanks so much for meeting with me today. It was such a pleasure to learn more about the [position] and vision of [company]. The role is exactly what I am looking for, and I am confident my skills can support the company’s continued growth as a [industry] leader.
It was especially exciting to talk to you about [reference highlight from your discussion]. If there are any additional questions I can answer, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I look forward to being in touch and to the opportunity to work together in the near future.
Example 2: Longer and more detailed
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to meet with you today and discuss the [position] role at [company]. Our conversation was enlightening and engaging, and I am even more enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your team.
I was particularly impressed by [reference highlight from your discussion], which reinforced my belief that [company] is at the forefront of [industry/sector]. Our discussion further solidified my interest in the role and the exciting challenges it offers.
I am thrilled about the chance to contribute my skills and experience to the [team at company] and its ongoing success. I am confident that my background in [mention relevant skills] aligns with the requirements of this role, and I look forward to exploring how I can make a meaningful impact in this capacity.
Thank you so much for your time, and I hope we’ll be in touch soon.
Post-interview thank you email FAQs
What is a post-interview thank you email?
A post-interview email or thank you note is a brief message that expresses thankfulness to the hiring manager(s) after you’ve had a job interview. It’s typically sent via email within 24 hours of the interview.
Why is a post-interview thank you email important?
The purpose of the thank-you note is to express appreciation for the opportunity to interview for the position. It’s a simple action that shows proper business etiquette and enthusiasm for the role.
When should you write a post-interview thank you email?
It’s generally recommended to send a post-interview thank you email within 24 hours of your interview.