Showing gratitude is always important, but especially during a job search. After you’ve gone through an interview you should take the time to draft a thank you message to your potential future employer. Whether it’s a physical letter or an email, this token of appreciation could actually determine if you get the job.
What to Include in Your Thank You Note
What you say in a thank you note is important! Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time. Reiterate what a great fit you’d be for the position and plug your skills again, or include additional skills that you may not have had the chance to mention in the interview.
If you really want to impress your interviewer, you could include some ideas you have on how you could add value to the organization. A quick mock-up of something you discussed in the interview or a few slides can really set you apart.
How to Write a Thank You Note
- Start with a professional greeting (e.g. Dear Laura). If you’ve interviewed with multiple people, send personalized notes to each of them.
- Thank the interviewer for their time and let them know you appreciate the opportunity.
- Reiterate your interest in the position and that you’re looking forward to hearing about the next steps in the hiring process.
- Refer to something specific you talked about in the interview, like a particularly interesting part of the position.
- Refer to your skills and experience to reaffirm that you’re confident you can perform well in this role and explain why.
- Tell the interviewer that you can provide additional information as needed and they can contact you with any follow-up questions
- Close with a professional sign-off (e.g. Sincerely or Thank you, your full name, and basic contact info).
Your thank you note sets the tone as your first interview follow-up. Be prompt in starting that communication and thanking your interviewer for their time. It could mean the difference between your interview and all the others who want the same position.