You nailed the interview, shook hands (or logged off Zoom), and now you’re wondering what comes next. The answer? A well-crafted thank you email.
It might seem like a small detail, but sending a thoughtful note can set you apart from other candidates—and even influence the final hiring decision.
Let’s break down why thank you emails matter, what to include, and how to make yours memorable.
Why Thank You Emails Still Matter
Hiring managers notice who follows up. According to a study by TopResume, 68% of hiring managers say that a thank you note matters when evaluating candidates. Yet, a CareerBuilder survey found that only 57% of candidates actually send one.
That means sending a thank you email doesn’t just show professionalism—it gives you a competitive edge. In a world where candidates often blend together after back-to-back interviews, a timely and personal message can remind the hiring team exactly why you stood out.
Here’s what a good one can do:
- Reinforce your enthusiasm for the role: Reaffirming your interest helps keep you top of mind and shows that you’re invested.
- Reiterate how your skills align with the team’s needs: A thank you email gives you another shot at tying your experience to the employer’s challenges and goals.
- Add clarity or context to something discussed in the interview: Maybe you stumbled on a question or thought of something better to add—this is your chance.
- Build a personal connection with the interviewer: Referencing a shared moment or insight from the interview helps build rapport.
In short, it’s not just a courtesy—it’s a strategic move.
What to Include in a Great Thank You Email
You don’t need to write an essay—just a few clear, intentional paragraphs can go a long way. But the content should be thoughtful and personalized.
1. A Personalized Greeting
Start with the interviewer’s name. Use “Hi [Name]” or “Dear [Name],” depending on the tone of the interview. Double-check the spelling—this is a small detail that matters.
2. Genuine Gratitude
Don’t just say “thank you for your time.” Be specific about what you appreciated: Was it the insight they shared? The welcoming energy? The overview of the team culture? The more specific, the more memorable.
3. A Reaffirmation of Fit
Reiterate how your background, skills, or values align with the company’s mission or the role’s requirements. This reminds the interviewer that you’re not just excited—you’re qualified.
4. A Callout from the Conversation
Reference a particular moment from the interview to show that you were engaged and reflective. Maybe the interviewer mentioned an upcoming project that excites you, or you connected over a shared interest—include it.
5. A Closing Statement
Wrap up with a warm, professional sign-off. Let them know you’re available for any follow-ups and that you’re looking forward to next steps.
Example Thank You Emails
After a First-Round Interview
Subject: Thank You – [Your Name], Interview for [Role Title]
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for speaking with me today about the [Job Title] role at [Company]. I really enjoyed learning more about the position and appreciated the chance to discuss how my background in [Your Field/Skill] could contribute to the team.
I’m excited about the opportunity to join a company that values [specific quality or value they mentioned], and I look forward to potentially working together.
Please let me know if you need anything else from me. Thanks again for your time and insight!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
After a Second-Round or Panel Interview
Subject: Thank You – [Your Name], Second Interview for [Role Title]
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you again for the opportunity to speak with the broader team during today’s interview. It was great to hear different perspectives and to get a better sense of the collaboration and energy at [Company].
I especially enjoyed our discussion about [specific project or challenge mentioned] and appreciated the chance to share how I’ve approached similar work in the past. It’s clear that [Company] fosters a thoughtful, high-impact environment, and I’d be excited to contribute to your goals.
Thank you again, and I’m happy to provide any additional information you may need.
All the best,
[Your Name]
After a Final or Executive Interview
Subject: Thank You – [Your Name], Final Interview for [Role Title]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. It was a pleasure learning more about [Company]’s long-term vision and leadership approach. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss how I could contribute to your mission and help drive results in this role.
Our conversation confirmed that [Company] is not only aligned with my professional goals but also with my values. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my experience in [Key Skill or Initiative] to your team and help make a meaningful impact.
Please let me know if there’s anything else I can share to assist in your decision-making process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Pro Tips to Make Your Email Stand Out
Send it within 24 hours. The sooner you send your email, the more relevant it feels. Aim to follow up the same day or first thing the next morning.
Proofread. Nothing undercuts professionalism like a typo. Read it out loud before hitting send, or ask a friend to review.
Send individual notes if you interviewed with multiple people. Each person you met should receive a personalized email. Mention something specific you discussed with each of them.
Don’t copy and paste a generic message. Hiring teams can spot a template from a mile away. Make small customizations based on your interview.
Use email, not LinkedIn messages. Email is the expected format for professional follow-ups. LinkedIn can be used for a casual connection later, but stick with email for your thank you.
Use a clear subject line. Something like “Thank You – [Your Name]” or “Great to Speak With You Today” works well and ensures your message doesn’t get lost in the inbox.
Final Thoughts
A thank you email isn’t just a formality—it’s an extension of your personal brand. It demonstrates your communication skills, professionalism, and attention to detail. Done well, it can tip the scales in your favor.
In a tight hiring race, the little things matter. So after your next interview, don’t just wait and hope. Send a thank you that feels sincere, specific, and strong—and remind them why you’re the right person for the job.
