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By Isabel Thottam – Resumeway

Did you know that sending a thank you email after an interview can make or break your chances of getting a job? Most HR managers agree that receiving a thank you email after an interview helps them make the final decision. Although some may say that this does not affect the process, many consider it common courtesy. That is to say, sending a thank you email after the interview is not a necessity. Yet, it is polite, and it can influence the outcome of your job hunt.

Each employer might have different expectations when it comes to post-interview communication. But, it is better to be safe than sorry and always send a polite thank you email after an interview. Not only do most hiring managers appreciate this, but it can help set you apart from the rest of the applicants. Studies have shown that only about one-quarter of applicants send a thank you email. Thus, your email is likely to make the hiring manager remember you above the others.

How to write a thank you email after an interview

Whether you are writing to your future manager or an interviewer, your thank you email should leave an impression. It should include an active subject line, a show of your gratitude, and show your interest in the next steps. If you are unsure about how to write the best thank you email after an interview, follow these simple steps!

  • Subject line – Your subject line should grab the attention of the reader and make you stand out. Mainly, a subject line should be short and personal. Below are some great examples of a subject line for a thank you email after an interview.
Thank you for your time, [interviewer’s name]
Following up after [position] interview
[Position] interview follow-up
  •  Body – Always begin your email by addressing the reader by name. Then, express how thankful you are for the opportunity. Letting the interviewer know that you are grateful for their time can go a long way. Thank them for their interest in you and your expertise.

At this point, it is also good to restate your experience and skills. Although you may be simply repeating what you said in the interview, it will remind the reader why you are the right fit for the job. Furthermore, mention your interest in and excitement about the job or company values.

Your thank you email is also an opportunity for you to correct yourself or clear up any confusions.

Finally, ensure you mention a specific topic or story you talked about. Not only will this show that you personalized the email, but it will make the reader think back to the interview.

An example of a short yet effective body of a thank you email is:

Dear [interviewer’s name],

Thank you for your time and for the opportunity to interview for the role of [position] at [company name]. It was great talking to you and getting to know more about the position. I am excited about this role, particularly because it aligns with my skills in [your area of expertise]. 

I believe my experience with [a product or system] that we discussed could be hugely valuable to the company.
  • Final questions – At the end of your email, make sure to ask about the next steps. Asking about how the hiring process will show your interest and determination to get the job. In short, this will show the interviewer that you will not ghost and are serious about your career. Finally, make sure the hiring manager has all the information they need to make a well-informed decision.

For example, you may finish your email like this:

I am excited to hear about any updates and next steps in the hiring process for this position.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need clarification of anything we talked about.
Thank you again for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

What not to include in a thank-you letter

Your thank-you email should leave a great impression on the hiring manager. However, it might do the very opposite if you don’t avoid these common mistakes.

  • Writing too much – Your email should be short and sweet. A simple thank you goes a long way. Thus, avoid writing more than 200 words in your thank-you email after an interview.
  • Copying – Using templates is useful and straightforward, but always make sure to personalize your email. Don’t send identical emails to multiple interviewers. Always refer back to a specific event you talked about to show that the email was written just for them. And most importantly, never send one email to multiple recipients.
  • Typos – Always proofread your communication with the hiring manager. Leaving mistakes in your writing will make you seem lazy and sloppy.

When to send a thank-you email

The timing of your thank you email after an interview matters almost as much as its content. There are two main things to remember when deciding when to send a thank you email after an interview.

First, you should send your thank you email within 24 hours of the interview. Generally speaking, the sooner, the better. Second, send your email during working hours. Sending out a thank you email after an interview at 10 pm will not look good. Ideally, send the email between 12 pm and 1 pm. This time is when your interviewer is most likely to be on break and check their emails.

Most importantly, make sure to personalize each thank you email you send. Refer to a specific discussion or a joke from the interview. Also, try to remain professional and make sure to proofread before sending it. By following these tips, you can write an eye-catching thank you email after an interview. Not only will this leave a great impression on the hiring manager, but it will make you stand out and increase your chance of getting the job of your dreams.

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