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How to write an interview thank you email.
Write a standout email that builds rapport with your interviewer.
What is an interview thank you email?
Email can be a nerve-wracking medium, as knowing how to introduce yourself in email is difficult. The great thing about an interview thank you email is that you’ve already met the interviewer. Instead of trying to make a first impression, you’re reinforcing the positive impression you made earlier.
This important email is a brief way to show your appreciation for being brought into this important part of the hiring process. Sending this email shows that you are respectful and professional. It also demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and builds a relationship with the hiring manager. You can use this email as an opportunity to ask a follow-up question and continue the conversation.
How to write an interview thank you email.
When you’re interviewing for internships or part-time and full-time jobs, you’ll often be sitting for several interviews at the same time. To make sure your interview thank you email doesn’t slip through the cracks as you jump between appointments, create a thank you email template.
Use the following steps to learn how to write an interview thank you email after an interview.
Step 1: Start with a subject line and greeting.
A simple, straightforward subject line sends a message. You can say something like “Thank you for your time” or “Good to meet you today.” For your greeting, avoid generic intros like “To whom it may concern.” Instead, use the interviewer’s name. Avoid overly casual openers, such as “Hey.”
Step 2: Include all essential information.
A comprehensive interview thank you email template will include spaces for all the important information you want to share in your email. While you may choose to add additional sections, your email should include at least the following information:
- Name and contact information. Remember that interviewers speak with many applicants. Remind them who you are. Share this either at the top of your email as a header or at the very end of the email as a footer.
- Interview call back. Mention something unique and specific that you spoke to the interviewer about during your interview. This detail will help them remember you and may set you apart from other applicants.
- Expression of gratitude. Say the literal words, “Thank you.” Show your appreciation for having been selected for an interview and for the time and attention the interviewer offered to you.
- Qualifications. Quickly mention what makes you a great fit for the position. This shouldn’t be an extensive list. Just a sentence or up to three bullet points.
- Your signature. Include a signature to give your email a personal touch. You can use a digital signature or a digital version of your handwriting.
Step 3: Send the email.
Send the thank you email the same day as your interview — or at least within a day or two after the interview — so that you and the interviewer can easily remember the details.
You can use Adobe Acrobat to create a PDF thank you email template and make updates with an online PDF editor. If you need to change your format down the line, you can always convert PDF to Word.
4 examples of interview thank you emails.
Thank you emails come in four types: formal, informal, detailed, and short. Find the type below that feels right for you, and use the sample thank you email after interview to craft your responses or templates.
Formal thank you email sample.
A formal thank you email is appropriate in industries that lend themselves more to official correspondences like legal and finance.
Subject line: Thank you for the interview
Mrs. Williams,
Thank you once again for your willingness to speak with me today about the position as an engineering intern. I found our conversation insightful, and it was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your company and your unique approach to this important industry.
The details you shared about the position and your future goals for an intern’s individual growth and development made me feel strongly that this role is an ideal match for my qualifications. I believe that my research on magnetism and time spent teaching under Professor Gauss, a leader in this field, would allow me to make a valuable contribution to your team.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you,
[Name]
[Email]
[Mobile phone number]
Sample informal thank you email.
An informal thank you email is appropriate if you already know your interviewer or if you are applying with a company or in an industry that prefers casual communication.
Subject line: Great to chat with you
Hi Susan,
Thanks so much for chatting with me today about the engineering internship. I enjoyed learning more about the day-to-day workings of the program.
I’m excited about the prospect of working with you. My college research experience makes me an ideal candidate for the role. I’m also happy to share an additional recommendation from Professor Gauss, for whom I am currently a TA.
Please reach out if there’s anything else you’d like to know from me.
Thanks,
[Name]
[Email]
[Mobile phone number]
Sample detailed thank you email.
A detailed thank you note shares an in-depth explanation of what you discussed in the interview and includes specifics.
Subject line: Thanks for meeting today
Hello Susan,
Thanks again for meeting with me this afternoon. I really appreciate you taking the time to speak with me. I enjoyed talking about the engineering internship and learning more about how it would prepare me for future opportunities with the company. I also appreciated your insights into how the engineering and product marketing interns work together across departments.
I’ve been thinking more about your question on how I prefer to receive feedback. In addition to my previously stated answer (that I prefer to have a face-to-face conversation), I also appreciate peer reviews. I’d love to get feedback from other interns and not just supervisors. Is this something you see as a possibility this summer?
This internship sounds exactly like what I am looking for. My college research on magnetism and time as a teaching assistant for Professor Gauss, a leader in this field, has prepared me to make valuable contributions to the team.
I look forward to hearing more from you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any other questions.
Thanks,
[Name]
[Email]
[Mobile phone number]
Sample short thank you email.
A short thank you email is straightforward. It briefly includes the important details in a quickly digestible way.
Subject line: Thanks for meeting today
Hello Susan,
Thanks again for meeting with me this afternoon. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me. I enjoyed talking about the engineering internship and learning more about how it would prepare me for future opportunities with the company.
This internship sounds exactly like what I am looking for. My college research and coursework have prepared me to make valuable contributions to the team.
I hope to hear from you soon. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any other questions.
Thanks,
[Name]
[Email]
[Mobile phone number]
Frequently asked questions.
How soon should you send a thank you email after an interview?
How do you thank someone for the opportunity to interview?
Is sending a thank you email required?
Can I ask questions in my thank you email?
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