How to write a thank you email after a job interview

The build-up to a job interview is always intimidating, but once it’s over a massive weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Without question, the interview process for a potential employee is always difficult but it’s important to recognise the effort an employer is making when they’re viewing your application.

Less thought goes into how the employer feels about the process, granted it’s their job to handle it well, however, a little recognition goes a long way.

Why it’s important

It may appear needy and not needed, but it’s a good gesture to send a thank you email to the employer you’ve been interviewed by. Typically it’s not required, but some employers expect a thank you email from an interviewee. This will show them that the candidate is firmly interested in the vacant job role, and they’re showing eagerness to position themselves in a situation where they are noticed. 

Sending a thank you email shows a great deal of gratitude towards an employer. It connotes the respect you have towards them and the time you have taken to have an interview with them. Little things like this go a long way and can potentially influence the employer's decision, so we strongly encourage you to make this gesture. 

What to include 

Now you have recognised the importance of a thank you email to the employer, the next step is structuring the email so it has an impactful effect on them. Planning your email so it includes certain sections will include many benefits, but mainly it will get your message straight to the point and it’s clear for the employer to see.

Subject line

Firstly, it’s good to begin with a subject line as this opens up the email with a brief introduction and reminds the employer of the interview you had with them. They will instantly recognise what the message is about so keep it straightforward so they can follow it easier. A few good examples of an opening subject line are ‘thank you for the interview’, ‘thank you for taking the time to interview me today’, ‘many thanks for interviewing me today. ‘It was great to meet you and thank you for interviewing me today’.

Greeting

Including a greeting in the message is a subtle and smart way of speaking to the employer. Addressing them formally is a nice touch and shows respect towards them, whilst also making it easier for the employer to follow the email correctly. If you wish to be more formal when addressing the email, then we suggest you mention their title or address. For example, ‘Dear (title) (employer surname). 

Note of appreciation

The main part of your thank you email is you showing your appreciation of the employer taking the time to interview you. This will shine a light on you to the employer as they will understand and recognise the opportunity you have taken to find out more about the job role/company. This further expresses your interest in the vacant position and places you in a good position for the employer to consider you.

A great example of this you can say is ‘thank you for taking the time to meet me yesterday. It was a pleasure to meet you and great to speak about the vacant cv writing consultant position’. Being polite and well mannered in your message showcases your personal qualities to the employer and further sheds light on how you present yourself when meeting new people. Small details like this will go in your favour if you execute them correctly.

Experience and education recap

The interviewer most likely remembers your previous experience and current qualifications you hold, but briefly highlighting your most eye-catching skills will place a reminder in the employers head you’re worth considering. It showcases to them that you’re confident in your own ability and plays to your strengths. All employers love confidence in a candidate, so if you show evidence of this you will be noticed and remembered.

You can write something like ‘I firmly believe that my long and dedicated experience as a senior cv consultant would allow me to flex my wide range of skills, handling multiple clients and meeting deadlines’.

Closing statement/contact information

Finally, a closing statement in a thank you letter will include a sentence promoting the employer to hire you. We advise you to mention that you can provide further references for the experience you have gained over the years. This will enlighten the interviewee on how genuine you are and the length you will go for a job vacancy. 

You could consider writing ‘I look forward to hearing your response, and if you wish to learn about my references don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more information’. Then, end the letter by saying ‘regards’ or ‘sincerely’ with your contact information following after that.