Writing a Thank You Email After a Job Interview

While the majority of job candidates do not write a post-interview thank you, writing a short but well-written thank you email could only help your chances.  Worst-case scenario, the thank you is ignored and deleted.  Best-case scenario, it impresses the employer, makes you stand out, and shows communication skills, courtesy, sincere interest, and enthusiasm.    

What To Include

• Important information you forgot to mention during the interview
• A reference to something that you “connected” with the interviewer about (common interests, hobbies, sports, schools, etc.)
• Reiterate why you are the best candidate for the position
• Refer to specific parts of your conversation
• Enthusiasm about the possibility of attaining the job
• Readdress your answers to questions with which you were not satisfied

Make It Short But Well-Written

• The email should be no more than two to three paragraphs
• Be sure to proofread your email more than once!  It is very important that there be no spelling or grammatical errors
• Even if the interview was informal, do not be casual in writing.  Do not use emoticons or text-speak

Who And When

• Send the thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview while you are still fresh in his/her mind
• Send an email to each person you met with and personalize each one
• Consider sending a short thank you to anyone who was part of your interview experience, like the secretary or assistant—it never hurts to be kind to and appreciative of other employees as well

Here is a sample thank you email you can use as a template for your own:

Dear Mr. Johnson [Mr./Ms. Last Name],

        Thank you for taking the time [yesterday/today] to speak with me about the third grade teacher opening [job title] and to interview me for the job.  It was a pleasure meeting you and learning more about Lillie B. Haynes Elementary School [name of company/organization], and I am enthusiastic about the possibility of teaching there [enthusiasm about possibly obtaining the position].

        After our conversation, I am confident that my previous teaching experience has qualified and prepared me with the classroom management skills, enthusiasm, and teamwork and collaboration skills that the LBH third grade team and students need [reiterate why you are the best candidate for the job].  As we discussed, I agree it is critical for teachers to collaborate and work well together in order for the students to receive the best education possible and for the school to be run smoothly with unnecessary obstacles.  I am positive that I would be an asset to the third grade team and would work to help unify the staff and avoid unnecessary conflicts, as have unfortunately been an issue for you in the past [refer to something specific/important from your conversation].

I am very excited about this position and look forward to hearing back from you.  Do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information.  I hope you enjoy the Giants game this weekend—let’s hope Bumgarner throws twelve strikeouts again! [refer to something you “connected” with the interviewer about]

Best regards,

        Lucie Larsen

        [LinkedIn Profile URL]

        [Phone number]

Don’t stress if you don’t hear back right away—employers are often delayed in the hiring process for reasons beyond the candidates.  However, if weeks go by and you have not heard anything, follow up to see if progress in the decision-making process has been made.

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