How to Write a Thank-You Email After an Interview
Create Your Resume Now
Featured In:
Learn how to write the perfect thank-you email after an interview to let employers know you’re the best choice for the role. Browse our text examples and read our complete guide with tips to craft your very own thank-you email.
Why You Should Send a Thank-You Email After an Interview
Sending a thank-you email after an interview is a traditional practice that shows you know proper professional etiquette and genuinely care about getting the job. Although thank-you notes used to be sent through the mail, that method has become obsolete with the everyday use of email for professional correspondence.
There are many advantages to sending a thank-you email. For example:
- It reinforces your interest in the role you just interviewed for.
- Allows you to establish a direct line of communication with your employer in a more personal way.
- Lets you remind potential employers of your top qualifications.
- It leaves the door open for potential employers to ask further questions and set up a second interview right then and there.
- It shows you value the importance of communication, attention to detail, interpersonal skills; therefore, confirming your professional skills.
Explore our diverse collection of resume templates and create your perfect resume.
What to Write in a Thank-You Email
Basic Thank-You Letter Example
Subject Line: Thank you for your consideration — Part-Time Receptionist, Liann Jenkins
Dear Mrs. Stevenson,
I appreciate the opportunity to interview for the part-time receptionist position at IMAGE Medical Spa.
I share your views on the importance of etiquette and confidentiality in environments where medical and aesthetic services converge.
I’m confident that my excellent customer service and unparalleled professionalism will be an ideal fit for the clinic.
I hope to become a vital member of Image Medical Spa’s team. I’m readily available to answer additional questions you may have.
Warm regards,
Liann Jenkins
A thank-you email should be short and to the point, but there are some key sections you should always include when writing one. Let’s discuss the purpose of each thank-you email section and how to execute them.
- Start with the subject line: A simple “Thank You” or an appreciative expression along with your name and job title should do it. Hiring managers can interview dozens of people in one day, so stating your name and desired position allows them to sift through emails easier.
- Greet the hiring manager: Address the person that interviewed you by the appropriate name or title. If they presented themselves as Dr., refer to them as such. If they ask you to call them by their first name, address them this way. You can write: “Dear Dr. Rosen,” or “Hello, Claire.”
-
Add a personalized note of appreciation: In this opening statement, let the interviewer know you’re grateful to be considered for the position. Be clear about the role you interviewed for so hiring managers remember you and match you to the job.
It’s crucial to personalize your statement by referencing conversation points from the interview. For example, you can share a news article related to a topic you discussed. Personalizing your letter won’t come off as a templated email you forwarded without much thought.
- Recap your skills and qualifications: Insert a summary of your best skills or qualifications for this particular job. Keep this part brief; they already have your resume and an in-person interview. The purpose of this statement is for them to identify you quickly by your top strengths.
- Prompt the hiring manager to take the next step: Conclude your letter with a strong statement that summarizes your motivation for this job. Politely but confidently inform the interviewer you hope to get offered the role and look forward to the next round of interviews.
- Share any necessary information: Insert a final sentence with a friendly reminder to the interviewer that they can reach you by phone number and email.
Best Thank-You Email Examples
Not all thank-you letters are the same, which is why it’s important you choose one that matches the tone and professionalism of your desired role.
For example, if your interviewer were serious and strictly professional, you’d do better by writing a formal thank-you letter. However, if your interviewer was friendly and relaxed, you can go for a casual thank-you letter. If you’re unsure, you should stay on the safe side with a natural and straightforward, simple thank-you letter.
Your thank-you note can be sent as an email where you write directly on the email body text. However, for a more personalized approach, you can try sending your letter as an e-mail attachment. You can use our Cover Letter Builder to quickly write a thank-you letter that’s perfectly formatted, spell-checked and branded with your name, information and personal style.
When sending your thank-you letter as an attachment, you should add a brief text that prepares the recipient for what they’re about to read. A simple “Dear Mr. [Last name}, attached is a note of appreciation after our interview.” is more than enough.
Below, you will find complete letter examples in different styles along with their text version in case you prefer to copy-paste it on your email. Check them out:
Simple Thank-You Letter
This example is a good choice for most entry to mid-level positions. The tone is natural but professional, so it’s a safe choice for candidates in most industries.
Subject Line: Thankful for the opportunity — Data Analyst, Leo Krasinski
Hello, Mr. Parker.
Thank you for speaking with me about the data analyst position at Lowell Credit Union. It was a pleasure to discuss your business philosophy and goals with you.
Our conversation about work ethic and leadership principles reconfirmed my desire to work with the Lowell Credit Union team.
I believe I can help you achieve better results in your marketing campaigns. In my previous position, I established a predictive modeling strategy that our marketing team utilized to drive product demand by 34%.
I’m positive my experience will produce your desired results at Lowell Credit Union.
If you need any additional information, please contact me. I hope to hear from you soon with an offer of employment.
Regards,
Leo Krasinski
Formal Thank-You Letter
Use this example if you’re applying for a corporate position, a senior level role, or a job in more traditional fields like law or finance.
Subject Line: Thank you for your time — Medical Assistant, John Rogers
Dear Dr. Helen Marlow,
Thank you for considering me for the medical assistant position at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital.
The description of your cardiology practice’s client service was inspiring. I’m grateful to have received valuable feedback from an excellent physician like yourself.
My experience at the university hospital has exposed me to cutting-edge technology and a fast-paced environment. I’m confident I will fulfill the practice’s need for medical record digitization and assist with the increasing workflow.
Please find attached a sample of my previous digitization work, and feel free to contact me for any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
John Rogers
Casual Thank-You Letter
You can use an informal approach like this one if your interviewer was personally engaged with you and had a relaxed conversation. This tone is typical in small creative companies or tech startups that encourage an open culture.
Subject Line: Thank you! — Copywriter, Cristina M. Lopez
Hello, Samantha!
Thank you for interviewing me for the copywriter role at Elevate Agency. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your creative team. I want to help you continue to set the standard for the most groundbreaking ad work in the industry.
I’m particularly interested in the ideas we discussed for Whataburger’s rebranding, since one of my goals is to take on more responsibility in larger-scale projects.
I’m confident my advanced video editing skills and managerial experience will propel Elevate Agency’s creative work to new heights this coming year.
Please let me know if there’s any information you need from me. Thank you again for your time!
Best wishes,
Cristina M. Lopez
linkedin.com/cristinamlopez
instagram.com/cristinawritesads
youtube.com/cristina_lopez
Do’s and Don’ts of a Thank-You Email After an Interview
Now that you’ve learned the basics of writing a thank-you letter, pay attention to the following do’s and don’ts that will help you finetune your letter and avoid common mistakes.
Do
- Ask for your interviewer's business card so you can send a thank-you letter to all of them.
- Personalize your letter for each recipient.
- Use a spell-checker to proofread your email.
- Keep your letter between one and two short paragraphs long.
- Deliver your letter within 24 hours from the time you interviewed.
- Send your letter from your personal email, not from your current work email address.
Don’t
- Hound your interviewers for an answer.
- Follow up more than once unless they missed the decision deadline.
- Ask for do-overs or re-answer past questions.
- Write your thank-you letter by hand (to avoid misspellings or less-than-perfect calligraphy).
- Don’t use fancy, unprofessional or unreadable fonts.
- Make your letter longer than one brief page, 250 words max.
- Don’t send your letter during the weekend; best to wait until Monday.
FAQ
Updated: May 09, 2022
How to deal with not getting an answer from your interviewer?
If your interviewer hasn’t gotten back to you yet, it could mean they’re still interviewing candidates, they haven’t reached a final decision or, unfortunately, you didn’t pass to the next round. However, there’s no need to fret. Only after you send your thank you letter, should you follow up by sending a short and polite message asking for an estimate of when you can expect a decision. If they’re still deciding on candidates, this shows you’re interested in the job, and you’re on top of deadlines.
How long should I wait before following up after my thank-you letter?
Only follow up after sending your thank-you letter if the deadline for their decision has passed. Usually, interviewers will let you know during your interview when exactly they’ll get back to you with their answer. Make a note of that date and wait patiently. If you don’t get their response by that day, it’s perfectly fine to ask them for an update on their decision-making.
Rate our Templates
