The playing field for well-paying jobs is super competitive. Research shows that, on average, 250 people apply for corporate positions.
Now, if you’re lucky enough to get that golden ticket to an interview, you should follow it up with a post-interview thank you letter. Sure, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you’ll get the position. But it leaves a big impression on your employer, not to mention, it gives you a competitive edge.
Have you never written a post-interview thank-you note? We’re here to help. In the following post, we will explain what details to include and provide a sample thank you letter after the interview.
Anatomy of a Killer Thank You Letter
While the thought of crafting a ‘post-interview thank you letter’ counts, it’s not enough to make you stand out. There’s a certain art to creating the perfect appreciation note! Here are the features to include in your thank you letter:
1- Subject line
A letter that has no subject line comes across as lazy and unprofessional. Besides, it only increases the likelihood of your letter being ignored. So be sure to include a subject line, which should be short and precise.
2- Salutation
Instead of conveying your message immediately at the beginning of the letter, it’s good to start with a salutation.
While you’re at it, don’t make any assumptions about the interviewers’ names and titles.
As an example, if your interviewer was female, do not automatically conclude that they were a ‘Mrs.’ Keep it professional and use multiple titles if you’re not sure. You can write, “Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr.”
On the same note, ensure you spell their names correctly. If several people interviewed you, send a thank-you letter to each one.
3- Note of appreciation
Once you get to the body of the letter, start by extending your thanks. Express your gratitude to the interviewer for sparing time to meet with you.
For the sake of clarity, be sure to include the job title at this point. For instance, you can say, “I am grateful that you made time to discuss the accounting position today.”
4- Recap of your skills and qualifications
Chances are, your hiring manager/interviewing panel meets with dozens of job seekers every day. For this reason, it’s good to remind them about your background and work experience.
However, it would help if you kept this section short and straightforward. Remember that the interviewer already has your resume and cover letter, meaning you don’t have to provide too many details.
5- Prompt to take another step
To summarize your thank-you letter, encourage the interviewer to take the next action. You may emphasize the details you provided during the interview. For instance, you can state that you’re available for a second interview or to provide more information (if required).
Sample Thank You Letters
Below we showcase some sample letters that worked well for many people.
Thank you letter Sample 1
Subject line: Thank You| Senior Accountant Interview
Dear Mr. Williams,
I highly appreciate taking the time to speak with me this morning regarding the Senior Accountant Position.
I’m glad that I got to know about your firm, particularly the information you shared about the team spirit that exists among employees. It piqued my interest even more as this is something that I too value.
Apart from my ability to work collaboratively, I have extensive analytical and problem-solving skills. I also have experience working with advanced accounting software and programs, which would be valuable in streamlining your accounting systems.
Please don’t hesitate to call me if you need any more information. Thank you again for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[First name Last name]
Email address
Phone number
Thank you letter Sample 2
Subject line: Thank you for the interview
Dear Dr. Spartan,
I would like to express my gratitude for interviewing me yesterday for the position of Product Marketing Assistant. I was very pleased with the description you provided about your company, and I’m excited about the possibility of working for you.
My skill set is perfectly suited for the position we discussed. Plus, I have a real passion for this area of work. My 5-year experience in a marketing agency and excellent interpersonal skills are some of my strongest attributes.
Again, I’m really grateful for meeting with me. I look forward to your response and hope that you include me on your team.
Warm regards,
[Your full name]
Email address
Phone number
3 Useful Hacks for Writing Thank You Letter After the Interview
Customization is Key
One tip to make your thank you letter stand out is to customize it. You can reiterate a topic that you talked about and why you found it incredibly intriguing.
You could even reference personal information that the interviewer told you. Perhaps they shared their plans to attend their child’s football match later that evening. If that’s the case, respond by saying, “By the way, I hope your daughter’s team won the match. How did things turn out?”
Delving into specific details shows the hiring manager that you were attentive and are genuinely interested in the job.
1- Timing Matters
The ideal time to send a thank you letter is within 24 hours of your interview. The majority of hiring managers feel that failing to submit a timely appreciation note shows a lack of enthusiasm and interest. So be sure to send it within a reasonable time.
2- Proofread Everything
Your thank you letter will only be as useful as the effort you put into it. As such, it’s good to review it before hitting that send button.
Countercheck the names and titles that you used. Make sure the contact details you’ve provided are accurate. Finally, check whether the information you provided is logical for your situation.
3- Wrap Up
Whether your interview was in-person, over a phone call, or video, it’s essential to follow it up with a thank you letter. While it may seem trivial, a well-crafted thank you letter goes a long way in helping you stand out.
Besides, it allows you to provide information that you forgot during the interview. It also helps you clarify details that you feel you didn’t present accurately. Most importantly, it illustrates your professionalism and skills in written communication.
If you’re new to writing appreciation notes, our sample thank you letters will serve as a good starting point.