Write a Post-Interview Thank You Email!
While handwritten notes on personal stationery once ruled professional correspondence, today's fast-paced hiring environment demands speed without sacrificing thoughtfulness. A well-crafted email sent within 24 hours demonstrates both professionalism and respect for the interviewer's time—qualities that can differentiate you from other candidates who skip this crucial step entirely.
A strategic thank you email accomplishes multiple objectives beyond basic courtesy. Here's what every effective post-interview message should include:
- thanking them for taking the time to interview you
- why are you impressed with the interviewer and their organization
- remind them you are a good fit, affirm your strengths
- provide additional information touched upon in the interview (URLs, etc.)
- offer to expand on a topic covered during the interview or answer any questions
- Inquire about the next steps
- keep it short (around three paragraphs) and send it within 24 hours of leaving the interview
Think of this email as your final pitch—a chance to reinforce your qualifications while addressing any concerns that may have surfaced during your conversation. Here's a sample structure that hits all the right notes:
Hi ___________,
Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me on Wednesday.
I am very impressed with your team's design standards and the projects you shared with me. Your vision for the department and your company's culture made it clear what a great fit this opportunity would be for me.
I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps and would be happy to answer any other questions you may have or expand on any topic we discussed. Also, here's the link to my award-winning project we talked about at the interview!
Sincerely,
Essential Thank You Email Components
Acknowledge the interviewer's investment in meeting with you
Demonstrate genuine interest in the company and role
Reinforce your strengths and qualifications for the position
Include URLs, portfolio links, or documents discussed during interview
Show willingness to provide more details or answer questions
Demonstrate continued interest and professionalism
Email Structure and Timing Guidelines
Keep it concise
Limit your thank you email to approximately three paragraphs for maximum impact and readability
Send promptly
Dispatch your thank you email within 24 hours of leaving the interview to maintain momentum
Include relevant links
Attach portfolio URLs or project links that were discussed during the interview conversation
Sending your thank you email within 24 hours demonstrates professionalism and keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind during their decision-making process.
Your vision for the department and your company's culture made it clear what a great fit this opportunity would be for me.