Want To Leave A Lasting Impression Following A Job Interview? Here’s How To Write A Killer “Thank You” Email
The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer, Katharina Buczek.
If you’ve ever taken a resume-building workshop, attended a mock interview, or hired a career coach, then you know the value of a killer “thank you” email.
Yes, this follow-up note after a job interview is not a secret and is widely practiced. However, not all “thank you” emails are made equal– and ensuring you craft the ideal message can really set you apart from other applicants.
Crafting A Thank You Email
First of all, it is crucial that you send any “thank you” emails within 24 hours of your job interview. If you wait any longer, your message may get lost in a recruiter’s inbox.
Plus, you want your interview to be fresh in your recruiter’s mind when they read your note.
As for actually writing the email, be sure to address whoever interviewed you by name. Don’t forget to check the correct spelling. And if a recruiter asked you to call them by a nickname during their interview– for instance, “Kate” instead of “Katherine”– address them as such in the email.
Then, get straight to the point. Simply thank the interviewer for both their time and consideration before referencing one part of the interview that stood out to you.
This tidbit of information can be something that you found interesting or helpful during your conversation. You could also reference a specific question you were asked and reiterate your perspective.
armada1985 – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
Either way, this “call out” should be a hook that helps the interviewer remember your conversation and shows you were invested in the process.
Afterward, you should express your interest in the job opportunity one more time before offering to answer any additional follow-up questions.
As you navigate the interview process, it is important to remember that the writing of a stellar “thank you” email really begins right during the actual interview. You should be on the lookout for any keywords, facts, insights, or metrics that really resonate with you.
By mindfully working to “gather material” during an interview, you will have a ton to work with while writing your “thank you” email. And don’t be afraid to jot down these takeaways, too.
What Not To Include In A Thank You Email
Now, what not to include is equally (if not more important) than what you should include in a “thank you” email.
And one of the biggest mistakes applicants make is adding too much detail to their follow-up message. Keep in mind that the root point of your message is simply to say thank you and call out perhaps one takeaway from your conversation.
It is not the time or place to try and start another discussion or even attempt to keep the interview going.
At the same token, don’t request anything from the interviewer, either. Remember that they are likely swamped with interviewing other candidates and just do not have the time. Plus, you want to show that you are straightforward and easy to work with– not that you will create more work for the team.
Finally, be sure to double or even triple-check your “thank you” email for any typos. Written communication skills are extremely valuable, and you don’t want to leave a grammatically incorrect lasting impression.
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