Congrats, you just crushed the interview! What’s next? Don’t underestimate the opportunity you have for connection after the interview is over. Whether your interview was virtual or in person it is always important to take note of the people who spent time getting to know you and hearing about your skills. A follow-up thank you note is more than a courtesy, it’s imperative. A well-written thank you note is a chance to showcase your communication skills and demonstrate the art of follow-through.
We want to address some common questions that people have when it comes to sending thank you notes after an interview.
Who should I send my thank you note to?
Every interviewer gets a note. Each person you meet with should receive an individual note that includes something unique from your conversation. If you are in an in-person interview before you shake hands and say goodbye, be sure to request the interviewer’s business card so that you have their correct contact information. For virtual interviews, ask the team to put their name and email address in the chat.
Should my thank you note be handwritten or sent through email?
Depending on the hiring pace, a hand-written thank you might not arrive until the position has been filled. In most industries, a well-crafted email version is more than appropriate. If you are adamant about sending a hand-written note, send both.
How should I craft my greeting?
Many candidates will use “Hi Mr. XXX or Mrs. XXX” as their intro. You wouldn’t call your boss Mr. or Mrs., so address the interviewer by their first name. Also, “Hi” is too casual,. so always start with “Dear XXX….”
How long should my thank you note be?
Brevity is key when writing an interview thank you note, don’t fill your letter with fluff. Avoid using filler words and keep the conversation specific and professional.
Check out this sample thank you note to get a better idea of what yours could look like:
Dear Samantha,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview with [insert company name] yesterday. The details you shared about the Financial Analyst role and how this position fits into the greater organization were invaluable. I was equally impressed by the way you built out the finance department and by your strategic vision for the group. During our interview, you mentioned that you are seeking someone who is highly analytical. Throughout the course of my career, I’ve frequently performed budget vs. actual analysis and presented my findings to senior management, reinforcing that I am both detail-oriented and analytical.
I am a team player who consistently delivers work accurately and in a timely manner. My education, coupled with my work experience and passion for nonprofits will enable me to be a success in this role. I would like to reiterate that our meeting reinforced my sincere interest in the position and I look forward to hearing more about the next steps in the hiring process.
Sincerely,
Leonardo DiCaprio
Download our complete Guide to Getting Hired for more suggestions on how to grow your skills and confidence to clearly communicate your story and work experience to get you hired. We know our Guide to Getting Hired will help you land the perfect job in today’s competitive job market. Now, click send and keep your positive energy up by preparing for your successful career transition.
