Showing appreciation is generally underrated in today’s world, and even more in the professional domain. When going through a job hunt, it’s essential to make the most of your application, make sure your CV is exhaustive and get fully prepared for the interview. This step helps you to stand out from all the other applicants, it is crucial to leave a good impression, no matter the qualities presented on paper. Writing a post-interview thank-you email is a way to go if you want to leave a mark as a potential coworker. 

Why You Should Send That Post-Interview Thank-You Email        

This seemingly small gesture can do wonders for your professional life. The simplicity of expressing appreciation can leave a smile long after it was received even if it’s only a few sentences. 

However, not many candidates send a post-interview thank-you email, mostly because not many of them know all the benefits it can bring. By acknowledging people for their time and effort is a powerful tool you can use in your personal life, but even more in your professional life.  

So, what will an interview thank-you email do for you? 

It will demonstrate professionalism.

Simply put, it means you take the job seriously. No matter the outcome of the interview, it will show you are committed. 

It can affect the process of decision-making.

Research shows that a simple appreciation note can be a big plus in the process of decision-making. Recruiters will sometimes dismiss a potential candidate because they did not receive an interview thank-you email.  

It will put you ahead of the competition.

Only half of the applicants will send an interview thank-you email, which already puts you far ahead in the game. 

It shows personal qualities.

Sending an interview thank-you email shows your interest in the job, but also that you have good manners. It shows you are polite, thoughtful, and grateful. These are some of the few characteristics that separate a replaceable employee from a future leader. 

It shows your short-form communication skills.

By sending an interview thank-you email, they will see how you might interact with other clients in the future. Demonstrating your ability to connect with customers and partners is a huge advantage in any professional environment.  

It enhances networking.

Coming in contact with a potential employer will let them know you are interested not only in a job but also in a professional long-term relationship. An interview thank-you email will maintain professional contacts and show you are open for future collaboration, inside or outside of that particular job. 

It is an opportunity to keep the door open for future opportunities. 

First of all, with a simple interview thank-you email; they will certainly remember you. Therefore, if there is a future professional opportunity, they will have you on their mind. An interview thank-you email shows you are a valuable contact and ready to work. It is an excellent opportunity to build rapport, which is imperative for long-term success in your work field. 

How to Write the Perfect Post-Interview Thank-You Email

The few things to keep in mind when writing a thank you email after an interview is to be polite and concise with your message. Here are some tips and tricks. 

Clearly state your subject.

The first thing to do in an interview thank-you email is to let your potential coworkers know why you are reaching out to them. State you are writing them to thank them, and let your first sentence be all about that.   

Address the recipient personally but appropriately. 

If more than one person interviewed you, send each person a separate interview thank-you email. Regardless of whether they stay in their job or ever leave, you want to keep personal contact as much as you can. 

Watch your tone and language.

Use language properly and adequately. Be professional but try to be pleasant too. Be positive but remain sincere. Don’t go overboard; people, especially those who are responsible for hiring, will see right through any fabrication. 

Give memorable details of the interview. 

By doing this in your thank you email after the interview will not only show you are an active listener, but it will remind the interviewer of the good aspects of your candidacy. 

Restate your goals.

If you are clear about your goals, people will offer assistance. An interview thank-you email is a great vehicle to express your business development objectives that you would work towards when they hire you. You can even make an offer, briefly explain how your experience can help with their upcoming projects and tasks. 

Reaffirm your interest in the job.

Be open about your desire for the job position and how eager you are to join the company. However, if you realized the job is not right for you, a post-interview thank-you email is a perfect way to let them know. The hiring manager will appreciate your honesty and respect you for saving them time.  

Point out your qualifications.

If you consider yourself a vital asset to the company’s pursuit of specific goals, demonstrate you are not just another potential employee. In your thank you email after the interview restate how your unique skills and experience are directly tied to the company’s needs. Help them remember the most substantial aspects of your candidacy.

However, if you think you have said or done something in the interview that might have compromised your candidacy, directly address it in the interview thank-you email, and try if you can reframe it in a positive context.  

Ask about the next steps.

It will show you are interested in taking any further measures for a continuous relationship and let you know what to expect in return. In this way, you can plan to take future action for potential future success. 

Make sure not to send it too late but not too early. 

Twenty-four hours is an excellent window of time. Do not send it over the weekend. 

Keep it brief.

A couple of paragraphs are sufficient. 

Lastly, conclude your thank you email after the interview on a positive note, and don’t forget to give your contact information.  

By checking off these guidelines, you will undoubtedly leave a permanent mark in the interviewer’s mind. A good post-interview follow-up will guarantee you all the possible benefits, which if done continuously, in time will get you very far in your professional career. Now get ready and write your way to success!