Writing a Simple Job Interview Thank You Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample job interview thank you letter as a template for your formal thank you letter.
Last updated on August 27th, 2023
Many job applicants don’t realize the importance of a follow-up thank you letter after a job interview. In many cases, it can make or break the applicant’s chances of getting the job. The applicant may be a great fit for the company, but failing to send a thank you letter after the interview shows a lack of courtesy and appreciation.
These qualities are viewed by most employers as essential for good company culture. This is the way for candidates to reinforce their interest in the position and differentiate themselves from the other candidates.
The method used to send the thank you may depend of the culture of the company. According to Accountemps, 87 percent of employers consider an email as an appropriate way to express thanks after a job interview. However, if the company culture is more traditional, a hand written note or typed letter that is sent through the mail is more appropriate.
Some people consider hand written notes outdated, so a typed letter or email is the best option. The one thing most employers don’t appreciate is a phone call. This is considered intrusive. Another thing that is not at all appreciated and may even work against the candidate is a text message.
Ask for Interviewer's Business Card
The letter should include the hiring manager’s name, spelled correctly and the title of the open position. It is recommended to ask for the interviewer’s business card at the time of the interview, so the candidate has all the correct information. The letter should also express the candidate’s interest in the position and some specific point from the interview.
It is recommended for the candidate to write down a few important points from the interview immediately after, so they’ll have specific points to add to the letter as well as for a second interview.
Finally, the candidate should express appreciation for the time given and that he or she understands the next steps in the hiring process. The candidate should include contact information even though the information is on the application. This makes it easier for the hiring manager.
Timing is very important. Thank you letters should be sent the same day as the interview. If the candidate waits several days to send the letter he or she risks that the interviewer has forgotten about them, that other candidates have sent thank you letters earlier, and that they may appear to be too casual about getting the job. If the interview was arranged by a friend or colleague, they should also be sent a thank you note after the interview is complete.
For those who aren’t familiar with sending a thank you letter, there are some things they should avoid:
- They should not be overeager and send several follow-up emails, text messages and voice messages. If after one email, a printed letter after a few days and a phone call at the time they gave for a decision, the candidate gets no response, they should move on.
- They should never visit the company in person after the interview unless they are invited including to deliver a thank you note in person.
Here is a sample thank you letter for a job interview. If the candidate participated in several interviews, he or she should send a personalized letter to each person who interviewed them. This letter can be sent by email or written in formal business style and sent by mail. If it is sent by email, the candidate should be very careful not to include any texting language or emoticons. It should still be formal with correct spelling and grammar.
Sample Job Interview Thank You Letter
To: [email protected]
Subject: Thank you for the interview for Head Pastry Chef on DATE
Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs Last Name of Interviewer:
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the time you took to interview me for the position of Head Pastry Chef in your esteemed restaurant. I appreciate the opportunity to meet you and your staff, visit your kitchens and learn more about this job.
As we discussed, I have worked as an under chef for the Head Pastry Chef at Name of Restaurant, as well as taken a certified course in pastry making. I believe with my experience and qualification, I could make a beneficial contribution the excellent reputation of your restaurant. In the interview, when you mentioned the importance of fresh, local ingredients, it resonated with my own preference for environmentally sustainable products.
I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of working for you. Please do not hesitate to call or email me if you have any more questions or would like more information.
I look forward to hearing from you within the next 10 days. I can be reached at Phone Number or by reply to this email.
Thank you again for the opportunity to meet you and visit your restaurant.
Sincerely,
Name of Candidate
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a Job Interview Thank You Letter?
Answer: A Job Interview Thank You Letter is a formal communication sent by a job candidate to express gratitude for the opportunity to interview for a position within a company. It is typically sent after the job interview has taken place and serves as a way to thank the interviewer(s) for their time and reiterate the candidate's interest in the position.
Q: Why is sending a Job Interview Thank You Letter important?
Answer: Sending a Job Interview Thank You Letter is important because it demonstrates professionalism, appreciation, and enthusiasm for the position. It allows you to reinforce your interest in the role, reiterate key points from the interview, and leave a positive impression on the interviewer(s). Additionally, it provides another opportunity to showcase your communication skills.
Q: When should I send a Job Interview Thank You Letter?
Answer: It's best to send a Job Interview Thank You Letter within 24 to 48 hours after the interview. Sending it promptly shows that you're proactive and interested in the position. This timeframe also ensures that your interactions during the interview are fresh in the minds of the interviewers.
Q: What should I include in a Job Interview Thank You Letter?
Answer: In your Job Interview Thank You Letter, you should express gratitude for the interview opportunity, mention specific points from the interview that highlight your qualifications and enthusiasm, reaffirm your interest in the role and the company, and provide any additional information that could be relevant to your candidacy. Be concise, professional, and sincere in your tone.
Q: Should I send a separate thank-you email to each interviewer?
Answer: Yes, it's recommended to send a separate thank-you email to each interviewer you met during the interview process. Personalizing each email allows you to reference specific points of discussion with each interviewer and shows that you value their individual contributions to the interview.
Q: Can I send a Job Interview Thank You Letter via email?
Answer: Yes, sending a Job Interview Thank You Letter via email is common and convenient. It's a quick way to deliver your message, and it allows the recipient to receive and read it promptly. However, if you believe that a handwritten letter aligns better with the company's culture, you can choose that option as well.
Q: What are some tips for writing an effective Job Interview Thank You Letter?
Answer: To write an effective Job Interview Thank You Letter, keep it concise, express genuine gratitude, reference specific aspects of the interview, reiterate your qualifications and interest in the role, and maintain a professional tone. Proofread your letter to ensure it's free of errors and communicates your message clearly.
Q: Can a Job Interview Thank You Letter influence the hiring decision?
Answer: While a Job Interview Thank You Letter alone may not be the sole factor influencing the hiring decision, it can definitely contribute positively to the overall impression the interviewer(s) have of you. A well-crafted letter reiterates your enthusiasm and showcases your professionalism, potentially setting you apart from other candidates.
Q: What if I forgot to send a Job Interview Thank You Letter?
Answer: If you forgot to send a Job Interview Thank You Letter, it's better late than never. Send the letter as soon as you can, expressing your apologies for the delay in communication. While sending it late might not have the same impact as sending it promptly, it can still demonstrate your appreciation and interest in the position.
Q: Should I mention any negatives or weaknesses in my Job Interview Thank You Letter?
Answer: No, your Job Interview Thank You Letter is not the appropriate platform to discuss negatives or weaknesses. Keep the letter positive and focused on expressing gratitude, enthusiasm, and your qualifications for the role. Addressing weaknesses should be reserved for follow-up conversations or discussions if the topic arises later in the process.
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To: [email protected]
Subject: Thank you for the interview for Head Pastry Chef on DATE
Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs Last Name of Interviewer:
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the time you took to interview me for the position of Head Pastry Chef in your esteemed restaurant. I appreciate the opportunity to meet you and your staff, visit your kitchens and learn more about this job.
As we discussed, I have worked as an under chef for the Head Pastry Chef at Name of Restaurant, as well as taken a certified course in pastry making. I believe with my experience and qualification, I could make a beneficial contribution the excellent reputation of your restaurant. In the interview, when you mentioned the importance of fresh, local ingredients, it resonated with my own preference for environmentally sustainable products.
I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of working for you. Please do not hesitate to call or email me if you have any more questions or would like more information.
I look forward to hearing from you within the next 10 days. I can be reached at Phone Number or by reply to this email.
Thank you again for the opportunity to meet you and visit your restaurant.
Sincerely,
Name of Candidate
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a Job Interview Thank You Letter?
Answer: A Job Interview Thank You Letter is a formal communication sent by a job candidate to express gratitude for the opportunity to interview for a position within a company. It is typically sent after the job interview has taken place and serves as a way to thank the interviewer(s) for their time and reiterate the candidate's interest in the position.
Q: Why is sending a Job Interview Thank You Letter important?
Answer: Sending a Job Interview Thank You Letter is important because it demonstrates professionalism, appreciation, and enthusiasm for the position. It allows you to reinforce your interest in the role, reiterate key points from the interview, and leave a positive impression on the interviewer(s). Additionally, it provides another opportunity to showcase your communication skills.
Q: When should I send a Job Interview Thank You Letter?
Answer: It's best to send a Job Interview Thank You Letter within 24 to 48 hours after the interview. Sending it promptly shows that you're proactive and interested in the position. This timeframe also ensures that your interactions during the interview are fresh in the minds of the interviewers.
Q: What should I include in a Job Interview Thank You Letter?
Answer: In your Job Interview Thank You Letter, you should express gratitude for the interview opportunity, mention specific points from the interview that highlight your qualifications and enthusiasm, reaffirm your interest in the role and the company, and provide any additional information that could be relevant to your candidacy. Be concise, professional, and sincere in your tone.
Q: Should I send a separate thank-you email to each interviewer?
Answer: Yes, it's recommended to send a separate thank-you email to each interviewer you met during the interview process. Personalizing each email allows you to reference specific points of discussion with each interviewer and shows that you value their individual contributions to the interview.
Q: Can I send a Job Interview Thank You Letter via email?
Answer: Yes, sending a Job Interview Thank You Letter via email is common and convenient. It's a quick way to deliver your message, and it allows the recipient to receive and read it promptly. However, if you believe that a handwritten letter aligns better with the company's culture, you can choose that option as well.
Q: What are some tips for writing an effective Job Interview Thank You Letter?
Answer: To write an effective Job Interview Thank You Letter, keep it concise, express genuine gratitude, reference specific aspects of the interview, reiterate your qualifications and interest in the role, and maintain a professional tone. Proofread your letter to ensure it's free of errors and communicates your message clearly.
Q: Can a Job Interview Thank You Letter influence the hiring decision?
Answer: While a Job Interview Thank You Letter alone may not be the sole factor influencing the hiring decision, it can definitely contribute positively to the overall impression the interviewer(s) have of you. A well-crafted letter reiterates your enthusiasm and showcases your professionalism, potentially setting you apart from other candidates.
Q: What if I forgot to send a Job Interview Thank You Letter?
Answer: If you forgot to send a Job Interview Thank You Letter, it's better late than never. Send the letter as soon as you can, expressing your apologies for the delay in communication. While sending it late might not have the same impact as sending it promptly, it can still demonstrate your appreciation and interest in the position.
Q: Should I mention any negatives or weaknesses in my Job Interview Thank You Letter?
Answer: No, your Job Interview Thank You Letter is not the appropriate platform to discuss negatives or weaknesses. Keep the letter positive and focused on expressing gratitude, enthusiasm, and your qualifications for the role. Addressing weaknesses should be reserved for follow-up conversations or discussions if the topic arises later in the process.
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