Written by Sheryl Moinat, MJP Career Counselor
You nailed your job interview. You gave great answers to the questions and hit it off with the hiring managers. But you are not done yet.
Most employers expect a thank you email – and they pay attention to how well and how quickly you write it. This blog offers tips and templates to make that task easy.
The Benefits
Sending a thank you email shows that you care. It is also a great opportunity to get your name in front of the employer again. You can highlight your core competencies and successes. If the company communicated ideal qualifications, use the email to demonstrate how you meet each qualification.
How to Do It
Send thank-you emails within 24 hours after every interview, if possible.
Write a separate email to each interviewer. If you cannot get an email address for every individual, ask the interview organizer to convey thanks to the others.
You can even send a thank you if you don’t get the job. Sometimes the person who was offered the job didn’t take it, or the company may have more openings.
Also thank others who have helped with your job search, such as people who provided an informational interview, network contacts, and references.
What You Should Say
Express your appreciation for the time the interviewer spent describing the position.
Stay as professional as you were during the interview, even if tempted to be casual.
Address any concerns the interviewer may have about your skills and background.
Reinforce your skills that match the employer’s needs.
Add something positive about the company.
Mention that you are very interested in the position.
Ask about next steps, such as when the hiring decision will be made.
Proofread your email; errors could lead to being turned down.
Example #1
Dear Mr. Employer,
I appreciated the opportunity to meet with you this morning to discuss the Customer Service Representative position. Our conversation was very helpful in providing me a better understanding of Best Company and the job requirements.
This position would be challenging and a good fit with my background and knowledge. My strong communication and interpersonal skills will be helpful in making sure that customers are satisfied, and my results orientation matches your focus on accountability and measurement of key performance indicators.
I welcome the opportunity to answer any additional questions and will follow up with you next week, as you suggested. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team.
Sincerely,
Jane Applicant
Phone: 555-555-5555
Example #2
Dear Ms. Employer,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet with you this morning. I was highly impressed with your company and feel I could quickly become a contributing member of your team.
I believe my background in sales management is an excellent match to your stated requirements for the Sales Manager role. I have five years solid experience as a sales manager, including being recognized for surpassing sales goals on a consistent basis, along with strong leadership and mentoring skills.
Please feel free to call me if you have any further questions. I look forward to continuing our discussion.
Sincerely,
John Applicant
Phone: 555-555-5555