Writing a thank you letter after an interview is not only proper interview etiquette, but it’s your opportunity to follow up with the employer and leave a good impression as they make considerations about everyone they have interviewed.
It’s also a good opportunity to remind the interviewer about your conversation and show appreciation for inviting you to meet with them. If you felt like you could have answered a question better, use the letter as an opportunity to rephrase your answer.
Thank you letter best practices
- Send a thank you letter within 24 hours of the interview. Follow up promptly while you will still be fresh in their memory.
- It can be a thank you email, but a handwritten letter really shows the effort and authenticity.
- Do include your contact details.
- Don’t make it too long, a paragraph or two is ideal, your reader will be busy
- Crucial – Edit and proof your letter or email more than once and preferably by someone other than yourself, before sending
Here’s a basic example of a good thank you letter for a job interview
Dear [insert name of interviewer]
I sincerely thank you for your time interviewing me for the [insert name of role] position today. It was great to meet you and I appreciate the opportunity.
The interview confirmed my interest in the role and I am confident that with my skills and experience I would bring valuable service to [insert name of company].
Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.
Thanks again for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[insert your name]
[insert contact info]
As you can see, it doesn’t have to be long and complicated, but it will really help your application stand out and leave a great impression with the employer. When they receive the letter, they will remember your interview again and be more compelled to see you favorably since you took that extra step to connect with them, it shows initiative and keenness for the job.
Only around 1 in 20 applicants will follow up with a thank you letter of any kind, so it’s a great way to make yourself stand out and remind busy recruiters why they should hire you.
What other things do recruiters like to see from potential candidates? Take a look at our blog and interview tips page to find out.
All the best for your next interview!