Learn How To Master the Art of Post-Interview Thank You Notes

In the world of job hunting, where digital communication reigns supreme, humble post-interview thank you notes might seem like a relic of the past. However, this simple gesture can be a powerful tool in your career arsenal, especially after a job interview. 

A well-crafted thank you note not only demonstrates your professionalism and courtesy, but can also set you apart from other candidates. Let’s explore the importance of this often-overlooked practice and how to master it.

The Importance of Post-Interview Thank You Notes

1. Reinforcing a Positive Impression: A thank you note serves as a final touchpoint after your interview, allowing you to reinforce the positive impression you made during your meeting. It’s an opportunity to remind the interviewer of your enthusiasm for the position and your qualifications.
2. Demonstrating Professionalism: Taking the time to write a thank you note shows that you value the interviewer’s time and appreciate the opportunity. This level of professionalism can leave a lasting impression on potential employers.
3. Standing Out from the Crowd: Rest assured, everyone is sending thank you notes. You don’t want to be the only one who didn’t send one. In a competitive job market, small details can make a big difference. 
4. Addressing Overlooked Points: If you forgot to mention something important during the interview, a thank you note provides a chance to briefly touch on these points.
5. Keeping You in the Employer’s Mind: A well-timed thank you note keeps your name fresh in the interviewer’s mind as they make their decision.
6. Don’t Be Left Out: During the interview process, if you’re the only one who doesn’t take the time to send a thank you note, the hiring manager will know which candidate not to move forward.

We have worked with hiring managers recently who have turned down candidates because they didn’t send a thank you note. Without that added layer of personalization and show of enthusiasm, a great candidate lost out. 

Constructing A Perfect Thank You Note

1. Timeliness is Key: Send your thank you note within 24-48 hours after the interview. This shows promptness and genuine interest in the position.
2. Personalize Each Note: If you interviewed with multiple people, send individual notes to each person. Center the content based on your conversation with each interviewer.
3. Keep it Concise: Your note should be brief but impactful. Aim for 3-4 short paragraphs at most.
4. Express Genuine Gratitude: Begin by thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the position and company.
5. Reiterate Your Interest and Qualifications: Briefly remind the interviewer why you’re excited about the role and how your skills align with the position.
6. Add Detail: Add in something you and the interviewer talked about, maybe not even pertaining to the role itself. Show off those active listening skills.
7. Close with a Call to Action: End your note by expressing your interest in the next steps of the process.
8. Proofread Carefully: Ensure your note is free of spelling and grammatical errors. A flawless note reflects attention to detail.

An Example to Illustrate

Sarah, a marketing professional, was interviewing for a competitive position at a leading chemical company. After a grueling series of meetings, she took the time to send personalized post-interview thank you notes to each of her five interviewers. In her note to the marketing director, she mentioned an idea they had discussed briefly about improving customer engagement. The director was impressed by Sarah’s initiative and the way she had developed the idea further in her note. This small gesture not only kept Sarah at the front of the director’s mind but also demonstrated her passion for the role and her ability to think proactively. When it came time to make a decision, this thank you note tipped the scales in Sarah’s favor, and she landed the job.

Helpful Tips for Crafting Your Post-Interview Thank You Notes

Be Specific: Reference specific topics discussed during the interview. This shows you were engaged and attentive.

   Example: “I was particularly excited to learn about the collaborative nature of your team projects.”

Show Enthusiasm: Convey your genuine interest in the role and the company.

   Example: “Our discussion about the company’s plans for expansion into Asian markets has only increased my enthusiasm for this opportunity.”

Add Value: If appropriate, include a relevant article or resource related to a topic discussed during the interview.

   Example: “Following our conversation about AI in marketing, I thought you might be interested in this recent study on the topic.”

Maintain Professionalism: While it’s good to be friendly, remember to keep the tone professional.

   Example: Instead of “It was awesome meeting you!” try “I greatly enjoyed our conversation and appreciate your  insights into the role.”

Use a Clear Subject Line For Email: Make sure your email doesn’t get lost in a cluttered inbox.

   Example: “Thank you for the Marketing Manager interview – [Your Name]”

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Generic Content: Avoid sending the same generic note to everyone. Trust us, that will be discovered by the hiring managers!
2. Overselling: While it’s good to reiterate your interest, avoid turning your thank you note into another cover letter, or making huge promises.
3. Being Too Casual: Maintain a professional tone, even if the interview was relaxed.
4. Apologizing: Unless you made a significant error during the interview, avoid apologies in your thank you note.
5. Pestering: Send one thank you note per interviewer. Avoid following up repeatedly unless invited to do so.

A senior HR manager we spoke with recently shared an interesting perspective. She said, “In my 15 years of hiring, I’ve seen the number of thank you notes decline, but their impact has only increased. When I receive a thoughtful note, it immediately elevates that candidate in my mind. It shows me they’re serious about the position and have the communication skills we value.”

To Sum It Up

The art of writing post-interview thank you notes is more than just a polite gesture – it’s a strategic move in your job search. It’s an opportunity to reinforce your qualifications, demonstrate your communication skills, and show your enthusiasm in the position. In a competitive job market, this small act can set you apart and improve your odds in success .

Remember, a well-crafted post interview thank you note is a reflection of you as a potential employee. It showcases your attention to detail, your ability to follow through, and your professional courtesy. So, the next time you walk out of an interview, don’t forget about the power of gratitude. A few minutes spent crafting a thoughtful thank you note could be the final touch that lands you your dream job.

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What do you think about post interview thank you notes? We’d love to hear your comments or questions! If you’re a candidate looking for a new role, browse all of our current open positions and please reach out to us with any inquiries! Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for news, announcements, and updates.