After the job interview, many candidates assume that the hiring process is over. However, the interview is just one part of the entire hiring process.
You have to consider all aspects of the process, including pre-interview and post-interview communication.
One of the most important aspects of post-interview communication is the thank you email after an interview.
After a job interview, sending a thank you email can be a critical step in the hiring process.
It is important to follow up with a thank you email as it further communicates with the employer, demonstrating your high motivation level and promoting your candidacy.
Sending a follow-up email or note is a way to differentiate yourself from other candidates, keeping your name in the front of the employer’s mind.
The article –
- Discusses the importance of sending a thank you email after a job interview.
- Provides tips for writing a well-crafted thank-you email by including specific sections in the email.
- Provides examples to help you start crafting the email.
The Significance of a Thank You Email
A thank you email can increase the chances of being hired.
Why?
- It can help you stand out among other applicants, especially if there are multiple candidates for the same position.
- If the hiring process is expected to take a long time, the follow-up email can help keep you in the mind of the interviewer and demonstrate your continued interest in the job.
- It is not only business etiquette, but it also provides an opportunity to sell yourself.
- It enables you to comment on the organization, how you think you would fit in, and how keen you are on the job role.
- It enables you to clarify or justify a statement or view that may have come up during the interview.
Sending a thank you note is as crucial as preparing for the interview. Unfortunately, many candidates do not take the time to send one.
Therefore, it is important to learn how to write a thank you email correctly.
Read further,
Post-Interview Thank You Email – 7 Best Practices
If you plan to send a thank you email after your interview, there are some tips to keep in mind to make it effective:
1. Addressing the Email – You can address your Thank You email to the entire human resources department or to the interviewer specifically.
If you have their contact information, it is best to send an email to the person who interviewed you.
2. Timing of the Follow-Up Email – It is recommended that you send the thank you email within 24-48 hours after the interview.
This demonstrates that you are proactive and interested in the position.
3. The Content – The email should be short and business-like.
Use the email as an opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the job and mention specific points covered during the interview that demonstrate your suitability for the position.
The thank you email is also a chance to provide any information that may have been overlooked during the interview.
4. Email or Phone Message? Deciding whether to follow up by email or phone message depends on two factors: the company culture and the hiring decision.
If people in the organization use email heavily as their communicating tool, then send a follow-up email.
If the hiring decision is made soon, you can follow up by phone message to act before the email misses its effect.
In other cases, use email.
5. Be Genuine – It is important to be authentic and sincere in your Thank You email. Write the email in a professional tone, avoiding language that is too casual or overly friendly.
6. Be Professionally Personal – When writing your Thank You email, it should come across as a personal note written in a professional tone.
Make sure you find out the name of the person who interviewed you, and address the email to them in their professional capacity.
Strike a balance between being too personal and too professional.
7. Express Your Enthusiasm – Your Thank You email is an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the job opportunity.
It is important to demonstrate your interest in the position and show that you are a good fit for the organization.
However, be careful not to sound too gullible or naive.
Crafting an Effective Thank You Email – Essential Sections and Guidelines
Here are some steps you can follow when writing a thank you note:
1.) Opening Paragraph – Start by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and time the employer gave you.
Thank the interviewer for the interview opportunity and mention the date and location of the interview.
2.) Second Paragraph – Express your interest in the role and the organization.
Provide specific examples of what you liked about the job opportunity and the company.
You may also reiterate your confidence that you are the right candidate for the position.
3.) Highlight a Key Point from the Interview – Mention specific aspects of the job that were discussed during the interview and explain how your skills and experience make you a good fit, or that you found particularly interesting or relevant to the role.
This shows that you were engaged and paying attention during the interview and helps to reinforce your suitability for the job.
4.) Address any Concerns or Questions – If there were any concerns or questions that were raised during the interview that you didn’t get a chance to address, you could use your follow-up email to do so.
This can help to ease any doubts the interviewer may have had and give you an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and expertise.
5.) Provide Additional Information – If the interviewer requested additional information from you during the interview, such as references or examples of your work, you could use your Thank You email to provide this information.
If the interviewer requested any specific documents, this is a good place to include them.
This shows that you are proactive and responsive to the interviewer’s needs.
6.) Add a Personal Touch – If you had a particularly good rapport with the interviewer, you could add a personal touch to your Thank You email.
For example, you could reference something that you talked about during the interview that you both found interesting or funny.
This helps to build a connection with the interviewer and makes you more memorable.
7.) Close on a Positive Note – Finally, you should always close your Thank You email on a positive note – Conclude the email with a nice closing statement.
Restate your appreciation for the opportunity to interview, and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and express your hope for future interaction and interviews.
This helps to leave a good impression and keeps you on the interviewer’s radar.
By following these tips and including these sections in your follow-up thank you email, you can increase your chances of standing out from the competition.
5 Samples Follow up Thank You Email
1st Sample:
Subject: Thank You for the Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my experience and qualifications with you.
I enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the role during the interview. I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the job requirements and the company culture.
Thank you again for considering my application for the position. Please let me know if you need any additional information or have any questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
2nd Sample: Dear Mr./Ms. [hiring manager last name],
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the [position] at [company name].
I am excited about the opportunity to work as a member of your team and confident that my professional experience and skills match the job requirements.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Sincerely, [Name]
3rd Sample: Dear Mr./Ms. [hiring manager last name],
Thank you for the interview for the marketing analyst position at IBM.
I believe my skills and enthusiasm would be a valuable contribution to the team.
Please let me know if you require any further information.
Sincerely, [Name]
4th Example – sent by SMS: Dear [Hiring Manager name],
Thank you for speaking with me today about the job opportunity.
I look forward to meeting with you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
5th Example: Dear Mr./Mrs. [Last Name],
Thank you for the job interview yesterday.
Please find enclosed the references you requested. I am excited about the prospect of being part of the R&D team and making a positive contribution.
Please let me know if you have any further questions. Sincerely,
[Name]