A thank-you letter is the cherry on top of a completed interview. It prolongs the positive aftertaste of the main meeting and might just be the joker up your sleeve if you are tied with another candidate. In this article, we break down how to write the perfect thank-you letter and when to send it.
The hiring process has undergone significant changes in the last few years. Most interviews are now conducted remotely. To prove their competence, candidates complete test assignments and analyze business cases. However, one element of the selection process has remained unchanged: the post-interview thank-you letter.
By thanking the interviewer for the opportunity to put yourself forward as a candidate, you have a chance to once again highlight your competitive advantages.
What elements should your thank-you letter include?
- The letter should not be long; aim for a couple of short, substantive paragraphs.
- Start by expressing your gratitude for the time they spent with you and be sure to mention your interest in the position in question. Write about why this specific role and company appeal to you.
- Highlight your relevant experience that fits the vacancy. Provide a few examples of skills that would address the company’s pain points. Explain how you would be an asset to the company and why you would quickly integrate into the corporate culture.
- Elaborate on any questions you didn’t get a chance to answer fully or feel you could have articulated better.
- Additionally, attach links to your professional network profiles or online portfolio to the message.
- Be sure to include a subject line. Add your name, the job title you are applying for, and the word “thank you.” If you were interviewed by several people, ask for their contact information at the end of the meeting so you can send individual thank-you notes. The messages should be slightly different for each manager.
- The final part of your thank-you letter should be a signature with your contact information: email address, phone number, and username or link to your professional social media profiles.
Sample Post-Interview Thank-You Letter
The example below provides a template you can adapt for your own thank-you letter. Tailor it to your specific situation.
Subject: Thank you — Interview with Customer Service Assistant Manager
Dear Maria,
It was a pleasure discussing the Customer Service Assistant Manager position with you at Company N today. The role you presented aligns well with my professional competencies and interests.
The workflow you described confirmed my desire to work with you.
In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring a creative approach to problem-solving, persistence in achieving project goals, and a proactive attitude to the company.
I appreciate the time you took to interview me. I am very interested in working for your company and look forward to hearing about the status of this vacancy.
Sincerely,
First Name Last Name
*@gmail.com
+998 71-000–
linkedin.com/in/name*
Sample Subject Lines for a Thank-You Letter
In the subject line, indicate why you are sending the email. Here are a few subject line templates:
Thank you — [First Name Last Name]
Thank you — [Job Title]
Thank you — [First Name, Last Name, Job Title]
Thank you — [Job Title, First Name, Last Name]
[Job Title, First Name, Last Name] — thank you
Sample Signature for a Thank-You Letter
Include your contact information in your signature so the hiring manager can easily reach you. Here is an example:
[Your Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Professional Website (optional)]
[LinkedIn URL (optional)]
[Job-Related Social Media Pages (optional)]
Send separate emails to each interviewer.
What to Avoid
Did you leave the interview with a great impression? Are you even more motivated to join the company? Feedback after the meeting is important not only for the candidate but also for the hiring manager. A post-interview thank-you letter confirms the seriousness of your intentions to join the company, and the positive impression reveals you as a communicative and open person.
At the same time, there are several pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t be overly persistent. The main goal of a thank-you letter is to convince the hiring manager that you are not only a professional but also a pleasant person with whom it would be comfortable to work. Being pushy can have the opposite effect.
- Filter the information you include. Be careful not to send links to social media accounts containing non-professional information, as it could compromise you. Memes, internet slang, or an overly casual tone can backfire, leaving a negative impression.
- Keep it short and focused. The message should be appreciative in nature; the manager may simply not want to read a lengthy text.
- Proofread for errors. Check the text several times, or ask someone close to you to read it before sending. Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s best to ensure there are none before hitting “send.”
Do you send thank-you letters to hiring managers?
