More common in some cultural settings than others, the truth is that, in general, sending thank-you letters after a job interview is a gesture of courtesy that is usually well received. A brief and courteous thank you for the opportunity of being invited to an interview can reinforce the positive impression you, hopefully, made during the interview. But what should an interview thank-you email look like? Find out here.
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Sample thank-you letters after a job interview
Sometimes it can be difficult to find the right tone for this type of message. That’s why we’ve compiled several examples you can use as a basis for your thank-you email after the job interview. In any case, it’s important to always personalize your message.
Example 1
Subject: Thank you very much for the interview on 15/01
Dear [name of contact person]:
I would like to thank you for the kindness with which you greeted me during the interview for the [job title] position.
If you need more information about my candidacy, please feel free to write to me or call me at [your phone number].
Kind regards,
[Your name]
In the subject line, make the content and context of your email clear. In the first paragraph, mention the reason for your message, reinforce your interest in the position, and return to a specific topic discussed in the interview. This shows that you’ve reflected on the conversation. Finally, include your phone number to facilitate communication.
Example 2
Subject: Re: Invitation to job interview
Dear [name of first contact person], dear [name of second contact person],
I want to thank you for the interesting and pleasant meeting we had on January 15th. I felt very comfortable, and now I’m even more certain that I’d like to work at [company name].
During our conversation, we talked about [specific topic discussed]. I kept thinking about it and found this resource that might be of interest to you: [link to content]. You might find it useful.
I hope to hear from you soon.
All the best,
[Your name]
This example is intended for responding to a previous email about the interview, leaving the thread of the conversation at the bottom for clarity. It’s a more informal template, so you should adapt the tone to that used during the interview. If you were addressed informally, maintain that style. If you’ve spoken to several people, mention them all in hierarchical order at the beginning of the message.
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If a specific topic was discussed in more detail during the interview, you can return to it in your thank-you email. For example, you can mention a specialized article related to the topic. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also your interest and motivation for the position. However, make sure the content shared is truly relevant. The recipient can freely decide whether or not to access the link you include.
Example 3
Subject: Thank you very much! Interview on January 15 for the position of [job title]
Dear [name of contact person]:
Thank you so much for the interesting conversation and for taking the time to show me your offices. I felt very comfortable with the team, and it would be a pleasure to be part of it. During our conversation, I realized we share similar interests related to [field of work].
I look forward to hearing from you. If you need more information about my candidacy, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can call me at [your phone number].
Best regards,
[Your name]
This template is brief, sweet, and contains all the necessary information. You get straight to the point, highlighting the aspects you liked most, but without giving too much praise. Plus, you make your interest clear and facilitate a quick way to contact them by including your phone number, even if they already have it on your resume. This saves them time if they need to contact you.
When is the best time to send a thank-you email for an interview?
When writing a thank-you letter after a job interview, timing is crucial. To be effective, this message should reach the decision-makers at just the right moment—not too early, not too late. Ideally, send it one or two days after the interview. If your message arrives within this timeframe, you’ll make a good impression and show that you’re still reflecting on the conversation and that your gratitude is genuine:
- If you do it too soon : sent the same day, you give an anxious image and lose the opportunity to be remembered, because it is difficult for them to have forgotten you in a few hours.
- If it’s too late : If you send it after a decision has already been made, your sympathy won’t be of much use. The delay also diminishes the authenticity of your gratitude.
Later, you can send a follow-up email to inquire about the status of the selection process. This will demonstrate your continued interest in the position.
The right way to say thank you after a job interview
Your thank-you letter for the interview should be, above all, sincere and kind . Urgency or insistence could seriously damage the positive impression you want to make with your message. Therefore, avoid requests or demands.
A polite thank you is more than enough. If you overdo the praise, the interviewer might feel like you’re flattering them, creating the opposite effect you intended.
In general, always consider expressing yourself concisely and not giving recruiters more work. It’s well known that during a selection process, HR employees are extremely busy. If they encounter a long message, it’s safe to assume they don’t feel like dedicating their limited time to you. A few pleasant words, on the other hand, will improve their mood and you’ll win points.
It’s also important to address your thanks to the right person, so first and foremost, get your interviewer’s or recruiter’s contact information . Keep in mind that, in modern electronic communication, HR departments often work with a general manager, so don’t hesitate to ask your interviewer for a business card at the end of the meeting.
Finally, don’t forget that this writing is also part of your application. It must not contain any errors , especially since, as this is a short text, any typographical, syntax, or style errors will quickly become apparent.
Letter or email? When deciding whether to write a letter or send an email, consider the procedure used in the selection process. Few companies today request a CV by post, but if this is the case, then you should send your thank-you letter by regular mail. Keep in mind that, unlike email, it takes a few days to arrive.Dos and Don’ts in Job Interview Thank You Letters
The risk of discrediting a good application with an unfortunate message always exists, but if you’re skilled at avoiding potential pitfalls, it’s possible to advance and make a positive impression. Below are the key points to follow and avoid when writing your job interview thank you letter:
| To do | What not to do | |
| Moment | One or two days after the interview is a reasonable time to remember your interview. | If you wait too long, you miss the opportunity to make a good impression. |
| Extension | A short, friendly message that doesn’t require a response. The recipient will be glad they don’t have to work anymore. | If you write a text that is too detailed and demands a reaction from the recipient, you are only creating more burden. |
| Tone | For the tone of your writing, be guided by the form of courtesy used during the interview. | Using a more friendly or informal tone than in the interview will disorient the recipient. |
| Errors | Like the rest of the documents that make up your application, your thank-you letter cannot contain errors. | A message written carelessly and with errors gives an unprofessional image. |
| Honesty | Your text should contain sincere gratitude and inspire a positive feeling in the reader. | If the reader detects that your praise hides interest, it will undermine your credibility. |
| Authenticity | Be yourself: A simple but authentic message is more effective than an exaggerated one. | Feigned kindness and courtesy are quickly detected and do not create a good impression. |
| Insistence | Moderation and kindness are good advisors. | If you include too many compliments in a message, you may make the reader uncomfortable. |
| Proximity | Maintain a professional distance. You barely know the other person. | Sharing intimate details of your private life or personal photos gives a very unprofessional image of yourself. |
Advice
In a competitive job market, standing out from the crowd of candidates can be difficult. One creative way to differentiate yourself is to create a personal website for your application . Find out how to do it easily in our article on how to create a website for your application .
What is the purpose of a thank-you email after an interview?
As the saying goes, “it’s a sign of good breeding to be grateful.” Standing out for your good manners and kindness has never hurt anyone, not in your everyday life, and certainly not in a hiring process. A short, friendly thank-you message for a job interview can offer you three major advantages:
- Make a good impression : With a message, you send new positive signals and get HR managers to value you favorably.
- Remember your application : In a selection process, there’s such an abundance of resumes that even the most experienced recruiters lose perspective. With a thank-you message, you can stand out from the crowd.
- Emphasize your interest : Sending a message of your own volition demonstrates your continued interest in the job. Referring to something your interviewer mentioned during the interview underscores your interest.
Since this type of message is currently uncommon in the workplace, sending a thank-you letter can give you a competitive advantage. Unlike other candidates, you can use this resource to make a good impression, as long as you do it right.
Note
A thank-you letter reinforces a good impression. However, if the interview didn’t go well, even the most cordial message is unlikely to change things.
