After attending an interview, sending a thank you email is a must. Not only is it polite and professional, but it also creates an opportunity for candidates to highlight their capabilities, reaffirm their interest in the role, and more.
Generally, writing an exceptional thank you email is relatively simple. As long as you tap on all of the right components, you can ensure you hit the right tone and cover critical points. If you aren’t sure how to begin, here is a step-by-step approach for creating the perfect thank you email following an interview.
How to Write an Interview Thank You Email
1. Address the Hiring Manager by Name
When you write the opening greeting for your thank you email, make sure to address the interview by name. Make sure to use the hiring manager’s preferred title when you do. Additionally, if the interviewer asked that you call them a variant of their first name during the interview – such as requesting you call them “John” instead of “Jonathan,” do that as well.
2. Express Your Appreciation
The main purpose of a thank you email after an interview is to express your appreciation. As a result, you want to ensure that your opening sentence accomplishes that. A simple, “Thank you for interviewing me for the [job title] position today,” can often suffice.
3. Let Your Excitement Shine
When hiring managers have to decide between two equally capable candidates, the one that comes across as more passionate about the opportunity typically comes out ahead. By showcasing your excitement for the opportunity, you imbue a sense of passion, which works in your favor.
Express the sentiment in a straightforward way. For example, writing, “It was a pleasure meeting with you about this incredible position,” can be a great follow-up to your first sentence.
4. Add Something Specific
Ideally, you want to tap on a specific discussion from your interview. This highlights your attention-to-detail and also shows that you were fully engaged throughout the meeting.
Find a way to mention a job duty, project, or something similar you discussed with the hiring manager. Additionally, tap on any relevant skills you have that align with that part of the role. Ways that you can add value to the company and hiring manager are important to note within your thank you follow up.
Often, you can use a simple formula to handle this part of the email, but add specifics from your interview discussion and the value you bring to the table…do not keep your email too generic. For instance, “I enjoyed learning about your team’s upcoming [type of project] project and look forward to having the opportunity to put my [relevant skill] experience to work to help you achieve your goals. I know my [state experience here] will contribute to success of the initiatives we discussed. I’m eager for the opportunity to make an impact on your team.” can be a practical approach.
5. Mention Interest in the Next Steps
Since showcasing your ongoing interest works in your favor, tap on that again in your next paragraph. “I am enthusiastic about next steps in the hiring process” is a simple way to convey that point.
6. Let Them Know You’ll Answer Questions
While many hiring managers won’t have any further questions for you after an interview, it can happen. Let the interviewer know that you’re more than willing to provide additional information. A simple, “Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information,” usually does the trick.
7. Sign Off
When you wrap up your email, choose an appropriate closing sentiment. “Thank you,” “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” or “Kind Regards,” can all work.
After that, include your first and last name, followed by your contact information. By restating your email address and listing your phone number, you ensure that the hiring manager can easily reach you without having to locate your resume for those details.
When to Send Your Thank You Email
Generally speaking, you want to send your thank you email within 24 hours to your On Cue Hire recruiter (not directly to the hiring manager) for them to pass along on your behalf. You want your note to arrive to the hiring manager’s inbox in a timely manner.
Ultimately, a great thank you email after an interview can make a difference, potentially increasing your odds of moving forward in the hiring process. If you’d like to know more or are seeking out new job opportunities, contact On Cue Hire today.
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