What Are Interview Thank You Messages?
A thank you message after an interview is a brief message sent to an interviewer to thank them for their time and consideration. Interview thank you messages are a polite way of expressing your gratitude after an interview and can be used to reinforce your interest and enthusiasm for the position.
A thank you message should be sent within a few days after the interview. Sending a thank you gives you one more chance to make a good impression, stand out from the competition, and reinforce your interest for the position.
Types of Interview Thank You Messages
There are four main types of thank you messages that can be sent after an interview:
- Post Interview Thank You Email
A post interview thank you email should be sent within 24-48 hours of the interview. This email should be brief and contain an expression of gratitude for the time the interviewer spent interviewing you. You should also include a reference to key points of the conversation between you and the interviewer.
- Handwritten Thank You Note
For more traditional companies, a handwritten thank you note is a nice gesture and can make a positive impression. Depending on the type of organization, you may want to consider sending a handwritten thank you note, along with a thank you email. And it’s a good idea to send a thank you note even if it isn’t expected.
- Follow Up Phone Call
Depending on the interview experience, you can also choose to follow up with a thank you phone call. This is not always necessary, but can give you an opportunity to make another positive impression.
- Thank You Card
Finally, you may choose to send a thank you card. Thank you cards are perfect for those companies that appreciate traditional etiquette.
When Should a Thank You Message Be Sent?
A thank you message should be sent as soon as possible after the interview. Sending a message any earlier or later than this window of time may not elicit a positive response. Keep in mind that thank you messages should be sent within two business days of the interview.
How to Craft the Perfect Interview Thank You Message
Writing a great thank you message doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these steps to craft a perfect thank you message to send after an interview.
- Always Address the Interviewer
It’s important to address the thank you message specifically to the interviewer or interviewers by name. Remember that the message should be composed and sent to each person interviewed.
- Express Your Gratitude
The first sentence of your thank you message should express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position.
- Reference Specifics of the Interview
In this section of the thank you message, reference points from the interview that you found both interesting and relevant to the role. This can help to demonstrate your knowledge of the position and your enthusiasm for the role.
- Highlight Your Qualifications
Your thank you message can also be used to highlight any relevant qualifications or certifications you have that are pertinent to the position. This is another good opportunity to reinforce why you are the right candidate for the job.
- Show Your Interest in the Role
Finally, end your thank you message by expressing your interest in the role and your desire to secure the position. This will leave the interviewer with a positive impression and reinforce the message that you’re the right person to fill the role.
Tips for Writing a Thank You Message
When writing a thank you message for an interview, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Remain Professional
It’s important to remain professional throughout your thank you message. Use proper grammar and spelling and avoid any casual language. This should be a short but formal message, not a personal letter or email.
- Be Concise
Your thank you message should be short and to the point. Make sure the message is not longer than necessary and covers the topics laid out above.
- Show Your Appreciation
Most importantly, be sure to show your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and consideration. After all, it is a thank you message.
Interview Thank You Message and Email Examples
Here are some sample interview thank you messages and emails that you can use as a guide:
Email Thank You Message:
Subject Line: Thank You for the Opportunity
Dear [interviewer’s name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I enjoyed our conversation and learning more about the [position] position.
I am confident that my qualifications and experience make me the right person for the job. I have [list relevant qualifications] and believe that I am well-positioned to make a positive and immediate impact on the organization.
I am eager to join a team such as yours and am excited about the possibility of working with you.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Handwritten Thank You Note
Dear [interviewer’s name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the position. I was truly impressed by the organization and am even more interested in the position after learning more about it.
I am confident that my qualifications, experience and passion for [mentioned job area] will be a great asset to your team.
I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Follow Up Phone Call
Subject Line: Thank You for the Opportunity
Hello [interviewer’s name],
I just wanted to thank you again for your time and consideration. I truly enjoyed our conversation and am even more excited about the opportunity.
I am confident that my skills are exactly what the position demands and I am eager to join the team.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information or have any additional questions.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Thank You Card
Dear [interviewer’s name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me about the [position] position. I enjoyed learning more about the role and am excited about the possibility of joining the organization.
I am confident that my qualifications, experience, and passion make me the perfect fit for the role and I am eager to be a part of the team.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
A thank you message after an interview is an important way to express your appreciation to the interviewer. Sending a thank you message reinforces your interest for the position and can leave the interviewer with a positive impression of you.
There are four main types of thank you messages you can send after an interview, including a post interview thank you email, a handwritten thank you note, a follow up phone call, and a thank you card.
A thank you message should be sent as soon as possible after the interview and should address the interviewer by name, express your gratitude, reference specifics of the interview, highlight your qualifications, and show your interest in the role. When writing a thank you message, be sure to remain professional, stay concise, and most importantly, show your appreciation.
These ideas and examples should help you craft the perfect thank you message after an interview.
