Sending an interview thank you note after is the best way to tell a hiring manager you are eager to move forward in the process. If you are not sure what to include, we have outlined it for you below!
Who Do I Send a Thank You Note To?
After every interview, no matter what stage in the process you are in, you should send a thank you note to each employee you spoke with. This includes phone interviews, Skype interviews, and in-person interviews. Your thank you notes should be personalized to the conversations you had with each person. Succinctly reiterate your interest, what you enjoyed and learned in your recent interview, and the next steps in the process.
Don’t forget to always triple check spelling and email addresses before you hit send!
What Should a Thank You Note Say?
Your thank you note should include these four key points:
- Always thank the interviewer for taking the time.
- Touch on something you took away from the interview or you learned. Why are you more excited for the opportunity after this interview as opposed to beforehand?
- Re-iterate why you are a good fit for the position. Reference your previous experience and how it aligns with the company’s ideal candidate.
- Close and set out how to move forward in the process. Phrases like, “Looking forward to hearing next steps,” can help keep the ball move.
When Do I Send a Thank You Note?
You should always send thank you notes immediately, or as soon as possible on the day you interviewed, so you can reference the experiences fresh in your mind. Also, following up with the interviewer shows that you are truly interested in the opportunity and assures them it is a top priority for you.
Do I Call, Email, or Mail a Thank You Note?
A thank you note is almost always an email. If you prefer, you can send a handwritten note as a follow up to your email. A thank you call is appropriate to thank your network after you receive a job offer, but it should not be used after an interview.
What Should a Thank You Note Look Like?
In general, keep your thank you note clean and easy to read. Make sure you use professional language, follow business letter formats, and avoid any easily fixed mistakes. Check out our eBook “The Interview Handbook” for a great thank you template and example!
