How to Write a Job Interview Thank You Note

You did a great job at your job interview. Congratulations! You’re not done yet. The next step is to write a great thank you note. Here’s how to write a job interview thank you note.

How to Write a Job Interview Thank You Note

Send a handwritten note and an email:

I’ve heard a lot of people debate whether to write a handwritten thank you note or send an email. I think that you should send both. Write a thank you email and send a handwritten thank you note. The handwritten thank you note may arrive after they’ve made the decision so be sure to send an email right away so that they know you followed up and are interested in the position. If you feel awkward writing the handwritten note as well just say something like, “I just wanted to follow up with a handwritten note…”

Write the email from a professional-sounding email address and your note on professional-looking stationery:

It is fine if your email address is SK8erGurl23@gmail.com. This is a judgment-free zone. Just be sure to send your thank you emails from a professional-sounding email address such as your school email address or make a “grown-up” account address with something like first name last name @gmail.com. If you already have a job do not send the thank you notes from your work email address. The people who hire you in the future will want to know that you will work at work and not apply for jobs at work. Your stationery can show your personality but make sure that it is professional and appropriate.

Write an email and a letter to every person you met during the interview:

If you meet with multiple people you should write each person an individualized thank you note and email. When you mail the letters, mail them each individually and not in one big envelope. Additionally, if a secretary or assistant helped you to schedule the meeting write him or her a note as well.

Multiple interviews: 

A lot of companies will have multiple interview rounds. I always send notes after every round. Even if you only speak with the human resources person for the phone screening, I recommend writing them throughout the entire process.

Air on the side of formal:

Address people as Mr., Ms., or Mrs. unless they tell you to call them by their first name.

What to Include in a Job Interview Thank You Note

Thank them for their time: The person who interviewed you is busy. Thank them for their time.

Mention something you learned during the interview: Mentioning something that you learned during the interview shows that you were listening to them. You can say something like, “I enjoyed learning more about the position and how you decided to work at X company.”

Reiterate your interest in the company and why you are a good fit: This is your time to shine. You can also add in anything you may not have had time to mention during your interview. 

Thank them again and mention that they can ask you any questions: Say something like, “Thank you again for taking the time to interview me for X position. Please let me know if I can answer any further questions. I look forward to hearing from you.”

End with a professional signature: This is not the time for XOXO, or Love instead close with Sincerely, or Best.

Check for grammar and spelling: You can’t say you are detail-oriented without proving that you are detail-oriented. Check and make sure that you spelled everything correctly (including names!) and used proper grammar. Also, don’t send the wrong letters to the wrong people like Rebecca Bloomwood from Confessions of a Shopaholic. 

Two Job Interview Thank You Note Templates

Dear BLANK,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the content strategist role. I enjoyed learning more about the position and your experience at [Company Name]. I think that my experience with content creation, branding, community management, and relationship management would allow me to make contributions to the team right away.

Please let me know if I can answer any further questions. Thank you again!

Best,

Elana

Here is an example of an email to the HR person:

Dear BLANK,

It was a pleasure meeting you today. Thank you for speaking with me, and for recommending that I meet with BLANK and BLANK. I enjoyed learning more about the content strategist role and working at [Company Name]. After speaking with the team, I believe that I have the professional experience necessary to succeed as a content strategist at [company name]. I am extremely interested in this opportunity and hope to continue with the interview process.

Thank you again. I hope that you have a great Thanksgiving.

Best,

Elana