There are multiple benefits to writing a thank you note after a job interview. It’s a chance to demonstrate your communication and listening skills, it emphasizes your interest in the position, it maintains a line of contact within the company, and it helps you stand out from the crowd. But how can you shape your message to be as effective as possible? Here are eight tips on how to write a thank you email after an interview.
Craft a clear subject line
The first goal of a thank you email is to ensure it’s actually opened by the recipient. In order to do so, you’ll want to craft a subject line that makes it clear what the email is about — for example, “thank you for your time,” “following up on [job title] interview,” “I enjoyed meeting you today,” etc.
Keep the message succinct
The thank you email is not the place to add everything you didn’t mention during the interview, and you don’t want the reader to have to wade through a ton of superfluous information beyond the main point of the message. Keep it to a few short paragraphs, and focus on the conversation you had and why you want the role.
Tailor each email to the individual interviewers
Having one generic email to send to everyone may be quick and easy, but it might ultimately end up hurting your chances. Address each interviewer by name in the greeting, and adjust the tone and content both to that person and to the role you’re applying for.
Start with “thank you”
Then, of course, it’s important to open the body of the email with a sincere thank you. Show them that you appreciate their time and their consideration, and that you care about what was discussed.
Reference something specific discussed in the interview
By bringing up details talked about in the discussion will not only further personalize the email, but it will also demonstrate that you have an attention to detail and were actively listening. Immediately after the interview, note down some key points mentioned in order to retain and potentially reference them later.
Reaffirm your interest in the position
It’s also a good idea to restate in the email how excited you are to work for the company. This will further highlight your enthusiasm for the role and showcase to the interviewer that not only are you still interested, but that you’re passionate about this opportunity in particular.
Offer to provide any additional information
Remember how we said the thank you email isn’t the place to add extra details? Well, it is the place to offer additional details. There might still be some bit of information they would like clarification on, so at the end of the message, assure them that you can answer any questions they may have.
Finish with a professional signoff
Finally, it’s time to close your email. Use a professional signoff, such as “sincerely,” “regards,” or “thank you again,” followed by your full name and contact information below — you can also include links to your website or LinkedIn profile, if applicable.