Job etiquette: Thank you for the opportunity to interview
You went to the interview, talked with your potential new manager, and feel confident the role is a good fit. What to do now?
It’s good etiquette to follow up with an email thanking the hiring manager for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the role. A thank you email after the interview is a good way to reinforce the rapport you built with the hiring manager and leaves a positive lasting impression.
In this article, we cover why saying thank you after an interview is important, the benefits to you, and some tips and examples on how to write the perfect thank you message.
Why should you send a thank you interview email?
Whether it’s an interview for a job, a work experience opportunity, a place at university, expressing gratitude is an important part of the process. Sending a post-interview thank you email is a simple gesture that can make a big impression. It’s not just about being polite; it’s about standing out and showing genuine appreciation. It shows that you’re courteous, thoughtful, and have attention to detail. A thank-you email can help keep you fresh in the interviewer’s mind and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
Benefits of sending an interview thank you email
A small expression of gratitude can go a long way, especially in the workplace. Here are some of the benefits of sending an email thanking the interviewer.
Leaves a good impression
Following up after your interview with a short thank-you email shows you value the interviewer’s time and effort. It’s a token of appreciation that gives the impression of a thoughtful and polite person, and can keep you top of mind – which is crucial during the early stages.
Demonstrates interest and investment
A thank-you email shows that you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity. It’s a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm and can be an additional opportunity to remind the interviewer why you are a great fit for the role. It’s also a chance to ask any questions you may have missed during the interview.
Acknowledges the opportunity
Even if you don’t get the job, the interview process itself is a valuable experience. Thanking the interviewer acknowledges this and leaves the door open for future opportunities. It helps build a positive relationship, so they may remember you when similar positions become available.
Three tips for sending a thank you email for an interview
You want to send an email expressing your gratitude, but aren’t sure where to start. Knowing what to say and how to say it can be tough. Here are some handy tips to help.
1. Timing is everything
Ideally, you should send your thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview. This way you’re still fresh in the interviewer’s mind, and it shows that you’re proactive and well-organised. Whether you’ve just had an interview, received help from a colleague, or have completed a project, a thank-you email is always a nice gesture of goodwill. Knowing the right moment to express your gratitude can make a big impact:
After an interview: within 24 hours
After receiving help from a colleague: within one to two hours
After completing a project: within one to two days
2. Show your personality, professionally
Let a little bit of your personality shine through your message, while still keeping it professional. Adding a bit of character to your message can make your email more memorable and personable. For example, during the interview you may have realised you have a shared love for a local sports team. You could keep the email professional, then end with a P.S. Go Pies!
3. Tailor it to your situation
Rather than send a generic thank-you email, tailor it to your specific interview. Address it to the hiring manger by name, cc anyone else who was in the interview, mention the specific title you’re applying for, and consider reiterating why you think you’re the best person for the job.
More things to consider when saying ‘Thank you for giving me this opportunity’
Here are a few quick pointers for how to say thanks in different scenarios.
When thanking interviewers:
Be specific about what you appreciated.
Mention something you talked about during the interview or a particular part of the role that excites you. This shows that you were paying attention in the interview and are genuinely interested.
If you’re expressing gratitude to co-workers and supervisors in the workplace:
Do so in person at the time, or by email.
Be sincere in your thanks, and provide an example of how their help impacted you.
During an internship:
Express gratitude by thanking them in person and again once the internship ends.
Extend your thanks to supervisors for their guidance and colleagues for their support.
During a meeting:
Thank anyone who made contributions to the meeting.
Express gratitude for their time, attention and input.
Examples of 'Thank you for this opportunity'
Your thank you message should always be sincere and to the point. Here’s some short thank-you example phrases you could use:
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the [job title] position.”
“Thank you for sharing insights about the role and the team.”
Depending on the situation, you might need a more formal tone. Here are examples of both more formal and more casual thank you messages. The main thing to remember is to be sincere and personalise your message.
Formal:
Dear Ms. Garcia,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the manager position at The Tree Company. I appreciate the time you took to discuss the role and share more about your team. It sounds like a great place to work, learn and grow professionally, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to interview for the role.
Thank you again for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Junyar Yee
Informal:
Hi Seamus,
Thanks so much for chatting with me today about the junior developer role. It was great to learn more about the team and the projects you’re working on. I’m really excited about the chance to be a part of Coding Company.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,
Ricky
Saying thank you for the opportunity may seem minor, but it can make a big impact. Expressing gratitude helps build positive relationships and can leave a positive lasting impression during a crucial time in the interview process. But you don't need to wait for a job interview to be thankful for an opportunity; you can say thanks for an internship, work experience, or help on a team project. Taking the time to say thank you can set you apart and help you build strong working relationships with colleagues throughout your career.
FAQs
Is it necessary to send a thank-you note after an interview?
While it’s not necessary, it’s recommended to send a thank you message after an interview. It shows your appreciation and professionalism, and can help you stand out from other applicants, leaving a positive impression.
How soon after an interview should I send a thank you note?
You should aim to send a thank you email within 24 hours after the interview. This way you’re still fresh in their minds and can reinforce the points you covered in the interview.
Should I send a handwritten or email thank you note?
Sending a thank you by email is generally the best way to go. This ensures that your message is received by the interviewer quickly and doesn’t get lost in the post. However, a handwritten note can add a personal touch if you know the interviewer well or if it fits the company culture.
What should I include in my thank you note?
The thank you note should:
Be addressed to the interviewer by name
Include a sincere expression of gratitude
Mention something specific you discussed during the interview
Reiterate your interest in the position
Be clear and concise
Can expressing gratitude really influence hiring decisions?
Yes, a well written thank you message can reinforce your interest and enthusiasm in the position and leave a positive impression. It shows the hiring manager that you are courteous, professional, and genuinely interested in the role, which can put you in good stead.
