After an interview, sending a thank you email is more than just a formality. It’s your opportunity to reinforce your interest, highlight your qualifications, and leave a lasting impression.
Here’s a summary of how to write a thank you email after an interview:
Send a concise, personalized thank you email within 24 hours after your interview. Start with gratitude, mention specific details from the interview, reiterate your interest in the role, and close with a professional sign-off. Tailor the email based on the interview type and recipients.
This guide will walk you through how to craft the perfect thank you email.
Types of Thank You Emails After an Interview
There isn’t just one way to write a thank you email after an interview.
Here are the main types of thank you emails to consider:
- Standard Thank You Email: The go-to for one-on-one interviews.
- Group Thank You Email: Perfect when you’ve been interviewed by multiple people.
- Post-Panel Interview Thank You: Use this after a panel interview where you faced several interviewers at once.
- Rejection Thank You Email: If you decide the role isn’t right for you.
- Virtual Interview Thank You: Adapted for online or remote interviews.
- Follow-Up Thank You Email: When you need to follow up after an initial thank you, whether to check in or provide more information.
Blueprint: How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview
Writing the perfect thank you email involves more than just saying “thank you.”
This blueprint will guide you through each step, explaining what to include, how to structure your email, and the best ways to start and end it.
Step 1: Use a Professional Subject Line
The subject line is your first impression. It should be clear, professional, and relevant to the interview. Keep it short and to the point, ensuring the recipient knows exactly what the email is about.
Examples:
- “Thank You for the Opportunity – [Your Name]”
- “Appreciate the Interview – [Your Name]”
A strong subject line immediately communicates the purpose of your email.
It shows respect for the interviewer’s time and ensures your email won’t be overlooked in a busy inbox.
Step 2: Start with a Personalized Greeting
Address the email to the interviewer or interviewers by name.
If you met with multiple people, list their names, or use a group greeting like “Dear Team.” Personalizing your greeting helps establish a connection and shows that you’re attentive to details.
Examples:
- “Dear Mr. Johnson,”
- “Hello Dr. Smith and Team,”
A personalized greeting makes your email feel more genuine.
It acknowledges the time and effort the interviewer(s) put into the process and sets the tone for a warm and professional message.
Step 3: Express Gratitude
Your first paragraph should focus on thanking the interviewer(s) for their time and the opportunity to discuss the role.
Highlight what you’re thankful for, whether it’s their time, the wisdom they shared, or the chance to discover more about the company.
Examples:
- “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the [Job Title] position.”
- “I’m grateful for the chance to learn more about [Company Name] and how I might contribute to your team.”
Starting with gratitude sets a positive tone and shows that you value the interviewer’s time.
It’s a simple but powerful way to express your professionalism and enthusiasm.
Step 4: Mention Specifics from the Interview
Highlighting something specific from your interview—whether it was a topic discussed, a question asked, or something you learned—demonstrates that you were engaged and attentive.
It also reinforces your understanding of the role and company.
Examples:
- “I enjoyed our conversation about the innovative strategies your team is implementing in digital marketing.”
- “It was fascinating to learn about the challenges your department faces and how the [Job Title] role contributes to overcoming them.”
Mentioning specifics shows that you were actively listening during the interview.
It also allows you to subtly reiterate your qualifications by connecting your experience or skills to the topics discussed.
Step 5: Reiterate Your Interest
Reaffirm your interest in the role and the company.
This is your chance to remind the interviewer why you’re excited about the opportunity and how you see yourself fitting into the team.
Examples:
- “The more I discover about [Company Name], the more enthusiastic I become about the chance to contribute as a [Job Title].”
- “I’m particularly enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team and applying my experience in [Relevant Skill/Experience].”
Reiterating your interest not only reinforces your enthusiasm but also helps keep you top of mind as the interviewer makes their decision.
It’s a way to emphasize that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
Step 6: Highlight Your Qualifications
Briefly summarize why you’re a strong candidate for the job.
Connect your experience, skills, or accomplishments to the specific requirements of the role. This serves as a gentle reminder of why you’re a great fit.
Examples:
- “With my background in [Relevant Experience], I am confident that I can bring value to your team by [Specific Contribution].”
- “My experience in [Skill/Field] aligns perfectly with the needs of your team, and I’m eager to contribute to [Company’s Goal].”
Highlighting your qualifications reminds the interviewer of your strengths and reinforces the reasons why you’re the right choice for the job.
It’s a subtle but effective way to market yourself one last time.
Step 7: Close with a Professional Sign-Off
End your email on a professional and positive note.
Express your appreciation again and convey your eagerness for next steps or further communication. A strong closing leaves a lasting impression.
Examples:
- “Thank you again for your consideration. I look forward to the possibility of working together.”
- “Best regards, [Your Name]”
A professional sign-off wraps up your email neatly, leaving the interviewer with a positive final impression.
It’s courteous, respectful, and reinforces your interest in the position.
Check out this heplful video about how to write a thank you email after an interview:
Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Thank You Email
Before hitting send, make sure you’re following these best practices and avoiding common pitfalls.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Send the email within 24 hours | Delay your response for days |
| Personalize each email | Use a generic, one-size-fits-all template |
| Proofread for errors | Send with typos or mistakes |
| Mention something specific | Write a vague or irrelevant message |
| Keep it concise and focused | Overwhelm with too much information |
Explanation:
- Do send promptly: Sending your email within 24 hours shows enthusiasm and respect for the process.
- Do personalize: Tailored emails are more impactful and demonstrate attention to detail.
- Don’t be generic: A generic email can come across as lazy or insincere.
- Don’t delay: Waiting too long can give the impression that you’re not interested.
How to Write a Thank You Email to Multiple People After an Interview
When you’ve been interviewed by multiple people, it’s important to acknowledge each person’s contribution.
Here’s how to craft a group thank you email that still feels personal.
Group Salutation
Start with a group salutation. You can either list each person’s name or use a collective term like “Dear Team.”
Examples:
- “Dear Ms. Adams, Mr. Blake, and Dr. Carter,”
- “Dear Marketing Team,”
A group salutation sets the stage for a message that acknowledges everyone involved, ensuring no one feels overlooked.
Mention Specifics About Each Interviewer
If possible, mention something specific about each person’s role or question during the interview.
This shows you were engaged with everyone, not just the main interviewer.
Examples:
- “Ms. Adams, I appreciated your insights into the company’s strategic direction. Mr. Blake, thank you for your questions about my project management experience. Dr. Carter, your discussion on team dynamics was particularly enlightening.”
Personalizing your message for each interviewer makes your email stand out. It shows that you paid attention and valued everyone’s input.
Express Gratitude for the Group’s Time
Thank the group for their collective time and insights.
Make sure your appreciation feels genuine and reflects the effort they put into the interview.
Examples:
- “Thank you all for the insightful conversation today. I appreciated each of your perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within [Industry/Role].”
Expressing gratitude to the entire group fosters goodwill and leaves a positive impression on everyone involved.
Reiterate Your Interest in the Role
Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position and the company, making sure to mention how excited you are about potentially working with the team.
Examples:
- “I’m genuinely excited about the prospect of joining your team and contributing to [Company Name]’s success.”
Reiterating your interest with a group shows your enthusiasm and reinforces your commitment to the opportunity.
Close with a Professional Sign-Off
Finish with a strong, collective sign-off that leaves the door open for future communication.
Examples:
- “Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team.”
A professional closing ties everything together, ensuring your email ends on a positive note that resonates with all recipients. It reinforces your professionalism and eagerness to move forward in the process.
How to Write a Thank You Email If You Don’t Want the Job
Sometimes, after an interview, you may realize that the position isn’t the right fit.
It’s still important to send a thank you email. This not only maintains a positive relationship with the company but also ensures you leave a professional impression.
Express Gratitude for the Opportunity
Even if the job isn’t for you, begin by expressing gratitude to the interviewer for their time and the chance to learn more about the role and the company.
Examples:
- “Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. I appreciated learning more about your team and the exciting projects at [Company Name].”
This shows respect for the interviewer’s time and acknowledges the effort they put into the process.
Politely Decline Further Consideration
Clearly and politely let them know that you’ve decided to pursue other opportunities. Be brief but honest in your reasoning.
Examples:
- “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to pursue other opportunities that align more closely with my career goals.”
Politely declining the offer ensures there’s no ambiguity about your decision while maintaining a professional tone.
Express Continued Interest in Future Opportunities
If applicable, mention that you’d be interested in future roles that might be a better fit.
Examples:
- “I would welcome the opportunity to explore other roles within [Company Name] that might align more closely with my long-term career goals.”
Leaving the door open for future opportunities shows that you’re thinking long-term and are interested in the company, even if this role wasn’t the right fit.
Close with Gratitude and Best Wishes
End your email by thanking them again and wishing them success in filling the position.
Examples:
- “Thank you again for your time and consideration. I wish you and your team all the best in finding the right candidate for the [Job Title] position.”
Closing on a positive note leaves a lasting impression and maintains a positive relationship with the company.
Special Circumstances
Not all interviews are the same, and sometimes you need to tailor your thank you email to specific situations.
Here’s how to handle a few unique scenarios.
After a Virtual Interview
Virtual interviews have their own dynamics, so it’s a good idea to acknowledge the format and express appreciation for the remote interaction.
Example:
- “Thank you for the opportunity to interview via video today. I appreciate the flexibility and enjoyed our discussion about [Topic].”
Acknowledging the virtual format shows that you’re adaptable and considerate of the unique challenges remote interviews can present.
After a Difficult Interview
If the interview was challenging or you feel it didn’t go as smoothly as you hoped, you can still turn it into a positive experience.
Example:
- “Thank you for the opportunity to interview today. While some of the questions were challenging, I appreciate the chance to think critically about how I can contribute to [Company Name].”
Addressing a difficult interview with a positive spin demonstrates resilience and a willingness to learn and grow.
Follow-Up Thank You
If you haven’t heard back after sending an initial thank you email, a follow-up thank you can be a polite way to reiterate your interest and inquire about next steps.
Example:
- “I wanted to follow up on my previous email and once again express my gratitude for the interview opportunity. I remain very interested in the [Job Title] position and look forward to any updates.”
A follow-up thank you shows persistence and continued interest without being pushy, keeping you top of mind for the interviewer.
After a Second Interview
If you’ve had a second interview, your thank you email should reflect the deeper level of discussion and connection.
Example:
- “Thank you for the second opportunity to discuss the [Job Title] role. I enjoyed diving deeper into how I can contribute to [Company Name] and am even more excited about the possibility of joining your team.”
A second interview thank you should build on the first, reinforcing your enthusiasm and deepening your connection with the interviewers.
After an Informational Interview
If the interview was more informational, focused on networking rather than applying for a specific role, your thank you email should reflect this.
Example:
- “Thank you for the insightful conversation during our informational interview. I appreciate the advice and guidance you provided regarding [Industry/Field]. I look forward to staying in touch and exploring potential opportunities in the future.”
A thank you after an informational interview helps solidify the connection and keeps the door open for future opportunities.
10 Examples of Thank You Emails
Read through these examples to get a sense of how to write a thank you letter after an interview.
1. Standard Thank You Email Example
“Dear Mr. Thompson, Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. I appreciated our conversation about [Specific Topic]. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team. Best regards, [Your Name]”
2. Group Thank You Email Example
“Dear Hiring Team, Thank you for the engaging conversation during my interview for the [Job Title] position. I appreciate each of your unique insights and am excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name]. Best regards, [Your Name]”
3. Rejection Thank You Email Example
“Dear Ms. Garcia, I wanted to thank you for the interview today. After careful thought, I’ve decided to pursue other roles that better align with my career goals. I appreciate your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]”
4. Virtual Interview Thank You Example
“Dear Dr. Wilson, Thank you for the opportunity to interview via video today. I appreciate the flexibility and enjoyed our discussion about [Specific Topic]. I look forward to the next steps. Best regards, [Your Name]”
5. Follow-Up Thank You Email Example
“Dear Mr. Johnson, I wanted to follow up on my previous email and once again express my gratitude for the interview opportunity. I remain very interested in the [Job Title] position and look forward to any updates. Best regards, [Your Name]”
6. Second Interview Thank You Example
“Dear Ms. Lee, Thank you for the second opportunity to discuss the [Job Title] role. I enjoyed diving deeper into how I can contribute to [Company Name] and am even more excited about the possibility of joining your team. Best regards, [Your Name]”
7. Informational Interview Thank You Example
“Dear Mr. Carter, Thank you for the insightful conversation during our informational interview. I appreciate the advice and guidance you provided regarding [Industry/Field]. I look forward to staying in touch and exploring potential opportunities in the future. Best regards, [Your Name]”
8. Difficult Interview Thank You Example
“Dear Ms. Brown, Thank you for the opportunity to interview today. While some of the questions were challenging, I value the opportunity to think critically about my potential contributions to [Company Name]. I’m excited to hear from you soon. Best regards, [Your Name]”
9. Group Thank You Email After Panel Interview
“Dear Ms. Richards and Team, Thank you all for the insightful panel interview today. I appreciated the diverse perspectives each of you shared and am excited about the possibility of bringing my skills to [Company Name]. Best regards, [Your Name]”
10. Rejection Thank You Email Example After Second Interview
“Dear Mr. Davis, Thank you for considering me for the [Job Title] position. After our second interview, I’ve decided to pursue other opportunities that better align with my career goals. I sincerely appreciate your time and the chance to learn more about [Company Name]. Best regards, [Your Name]”
5 Post Interview Email Templates
When you’re learning how to write an email after an interview, it’s nice to have a few templates to follow.
Check out these Mad-Libs style templates with “fill-in-the-blank” instructions in parenthesis.
1. Standard Thank You Template
“Dear [Interviewer’s Name], Thank you for [Something Specific Discussed]. I am excited about the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] because [Reason]. I look forward to [Next Steps]. Best regards, [Your Name]”
2. Group Thank You Template
“Hello [Group Names or ‘Team’], I wanted to extend my thanks for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. I appreciated our discussion on [Specific Topic] and look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name]. Best regards, [Your Name]”
3. Rejection Thank You Template
“Dear [Interviewer’s Name], Thank you for considering me for the [Job Title] position. After careful consideration, I have decided to pursue other opportunities that align more closely with my career goals. I sincerely appreciate your time and the chance to learn more about [Company Name]. Best regards, [Your Name]”
4. Virtual Interview Thank You Template
“Dear [Interviewer’s Name], Thank you for the opportunity to interview via video today. I appreciate the flexibility and enjoyed our discussion about [Specific Topic]. I look forward to the next steps. Best regards, [Your Name]”
5. Follow-Up Thank You Template
“Dear [Interviewer’s Name], I wanted to follow up on my previous email and once again express my gratitude for the interview opportunity. I remain very interested in the [Job Title] position and look forward to any updates. Best regards, [Your Name]”
Final Thoughts: How to Write an Email After an Interview
A thank you email might seem like a small gesture, but it’s a powerful one.
It’s your last chance to leave a positive impression and stand out from other candidates. Whether or not you get the job, a well-crafted thank you shows respect, professionalism, and genuine interest.
Your email could be the deciding factor in landing your next big opportunity.
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