The Thank-You Note You Need to Send After an Interview
When you know you have nailed an interview, the feeling you get is hard to beat. But, even if you have a strong inclination to believe they are going to offer you the position, that doesn’t mean your work is done.
While it’s perfectly fine to take a moment and revel in the excitement, or even contact a friend, family member, or member of your network to let them know how it went, you also need to prepare for your next critical step in the hiring process: The thank-you note.
Even if it isn’t a formal requirement for getting a job, sending a well-crafted thank-you note allows you to express your appreciation to the hiring manager while ensuring you leave a great final impression before they make a decision. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some tips for writing an exceptional thank-you note.
Address the Hiring Manager by Name
Since you met with the person directly, you should know their name, so make sure to include it in the salutation. If you interviewed with a panel, it is wise to create a separate email for each person, giving you a chance to address them specifically instead of as part of a group.
Show Appreciation
Once the greeting is in place, it’s time for the opening paragraph. Here, you should show your gratitude for meeting with you, taking the time to answer your questions, and letting you discuss the company and position.
To make this paragraph pop, start by saying it was nice to meet them, thank them for their time, and express your excitement about the role or workplace, such as “This seems like a great role/company.” Then close with a sentence that mentions something you appreciated specifically. For example, you could say, “I particularly loved learning about [an interesting point about the role or company].” This adds a small level of detail that many other thank-you notes lack, helping to set you apart from other candidates.
Assert Your Interest in Learning More
The second, and final, paragraph should reiterate your interest in not just the job, but the company as a whole. For example, you can begin by saying, “I look forward to hearing from you about this exciting opportunity or any other openings [in the department/with the company] that match my skills and experience.”
Use the Write Closing
As you prepare to sign off, make sure you close the email properly. You can choose to write “thank you” before adding your name, or a simple “sincerely” will do the trick. Alternatively, “best regards” may be appropriate, as well as “gratefully.”
The point is to keep it professional and appropriate, so choose an option that most accurately coincides with the nature of the relationship.
Send It Quickly
In most cases, it only takes a few minutes to craft a great thank-you email, so make sure to send one off within a few hours of your interview ending. That way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting, and the hiring manager can receive a quick reminder as to why you are such a great candidate.
If you want to learn more or are looking for a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to see how our services can work for you.
