How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview

Here’s the scene. You’re nailing that big interview. You’ve got the right qualifications, skills, experience, and all your answers to those tricky interview questions are popping. There are big smiles across the table and a real connection between you and the interviewer. You even managed to slip in a joke or two, charm turned up to 11. You’ve got this. You can feel it in your bones.

You leave the interview, safe with the knowledge that you gave it your all, but that feeling quickly starts to fade. You begin to question whether those jokes we’re really appropriate. You get flashbacks to those shared smiles and start to see the cracks appear. You hate yourself for mentioning your love of obscure Balkan jazz and you wonder about the relevance of that meandering story about your time backpacking in Brazil. And then you see the next candidate for the position. More professional, more confident, more suitable!

Well, if that story sounds even vaguely familiar then it’s safe to say you’re not alone. In fact, that post-interview comedown is pretty common, even in the most self-assured candidates. The good news, however, is that you can take the initiative and reach out after your interview to ensure your application remains at the forefront the hiring manager’s mind—and all it takes is an email.

Here then, we look at how to write a thank you email after an interview so you can land that dream job once and for all.

When to Send a Thank You Email After an Interview

There’s a simple rule when thinking about when to send a thank you email after an interview—as soon as possible. Unlike a follow-up email, a thank you email can be much more succinct and doesn’t necessarily require a reply. What it does give you, however, is a chance to express your gratitude for the time the interviewer has given you, while ensuring your skills, experience, and personality remain in the picture, without coming across as impatient or pushy.

If you want to know when to send a thank you email after a phone interview or video interview, then the answer is equally simple—immediately. Phone interviews are often a little more problematic than face-to-face interviews, so sending an immediate thank you is an excellent way to iron out anything that was not expressed as well as you would have liked or simply apologize for a poor connection.

What to Say in a Thank You Email After an Interview

While a little appreciation can go a long way, there are a few other things to think about when composing a thank you email besides simply saying “thanks”. These include:

• Reinstating your interest in the position
• Highlighting specific points made during the interview
• Offering to provide additional information
•  Making yourself available for further discussion/interviews

When asking yourself what to say in a thank you email after an interview, you should always try to recall specific points that were covered during your chat. Begin with your “thanks” and let the recipient know you are still very much interested in the job, that you have a particular passion for your role, and that you were impressed by the company itself.

Next, try to address certain points made during the interview and provide more detail for any questions that were left open.

Finally, a simple sign off that reinstates your availability and offers the recipient more information on request will cover all of your bases going forward.

How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview

Learning how to write a thank you email after an interview is a simple process, particularly if you have previously defined the things you want to say using the above guidance. The following sample will give you a template from which to work, however, you should always tailor each email specifically for the role and company you have just been interviewed for—most hiring managers can smell a template a mile off!

Good examples for subject line include:

• Thank You – Jane Smith
• Great Interview — Thanks — Jane Smith
• Thanks for the Interview Yesterday [Interviewer’s Name] — Jane Smith

How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview — Sample

Whether you’re learning how to send a thank you email after an interview or you’re interested in boosting productivity in your current role, Spike has you covered.

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