So you nailed your interview.
You know it’s totally the job and company for you.
Now there’s nothing left to do but wait for the offer.
In this video, we’re going to go over a critical last step after an interview that will help you stand out because not everyone does it, and how to do it. We’re talking about Thank You messages.
What’s the Purpose Of Sending A Thank You Message After An Interview?
So why do we want to send a thank you message following an interview?
Aside from exhibiting that we’re polite people, the thank you note really reaffirms that we WANT the role, and folks who hire love to hire people who really want the job.
Next, it can be a great way to stay top of mind. After 10 interviews in one day, people and details start to blur together. Remind the interviewer of why you’re qualified and a fit for the role.
Now one thing I want to make sure is clear is a thank you note makes the biggest difference when you are one of 2 or more candidates who are equally qualified.
If you aren’t as qualified as those who you’re competing against, the thank you note won’t make a difference.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t send the thank you note. You never know if someone more qualified than you might pull themselves out of the running, or if their background check comes back with some red flags, or another similar opportunity opens up.
Sending a thank you note is insurance, and just good manners.
What To Avoid When Sending A Thank You Message After An Interview?
So is there a right or wrong way to approach thank yous? I believe there is.
First, there’s how you actually send it and who you send it to.
If you watched my video on asking clever questions at the end of the interview, you’d recall that one of the final questions I recommend asking is “Is it OK to follow-up with you?” at which point you’d hopefully get a business card.
This is your green light to follow-up directly with the interviewer or hiring manager.
But we don’t always get this green light.
If you watched that video, you’ll also remember that I mentioned a hiring ecosystem.
In many cases, a recruiter or talent acquisition professional will be in charge of coordinating hiring for the job.
When that’s the case, and you didn’t get the green light to reach out to your interviewing hiring manager directly, you should be sending all messages through your recruiter.
They are your champion and advocate on the inside, and they are the liaison between you and the hiring manager.
And while you’re thanking the hiring manager, don’t forget to thank your recruiter too!
Secondly, we want to make sure we’re not asking for feedback on our interview, nor an update for where in the process the hiring is.
This comes across as very self-serving which is the opposite of what we want to convey in a thank you message.
It also creates more work for the already very busy recruiter or interviewer.
We never want to create more work. We want to make it easy and seamless to hire us.
How To Write A Thank You Message After An Interview?
First, let’s talk about the method of sending your thank you note after an interview.
Email is more than sufficient. If you want to send a handwritten thank you note, you certainly can, but it’s not necessary. And definitely don’t send a box of donuts or a sandwich. Hello, what if they’re on keto!
Now for the actual writing part.
I like to recommend following the formula of T.H.A.N.K.S. when writing your thank you note after an interview. Let’s take a look at this formula.
T is for Timely
We want to send our thank you notes within 24 hours of our interviews.
H is for (Re)Highlights Strengths
We want to remind the interviewer of our strengths that we’ll bring to the role.
A is for Affirms Fit
We want to let the interviewer know that we can see ourselves in the role for which we interviewed, and we’re really excited about it too.
N is Nudging With Gratitude
This is particularly important in follow-up messages after your original thank you message.
Just the very act of sending a polite and professional thank you or follow-up message is a great nudge.
K is for Keeps It Brief
Thank you notes aren’t the time to regurgitate your resume.
They are a quickly touching base.
S is for Signs Off With An Offer For More Information
You always want to keep your door open.
The easiest way is to offer up more information if they need it to support your application or candidacy.
Template For Your Thank You Message After An Interview
So how does this all sound in action?
First, we want to open with an expression of gratitude, for example:
“Thank you for your time yesterday. I appreciate having the opportunity to connect with you and learn more about the [position name] role at [company name].”
Next, we want to rehighlight our strengths with something like:
“It was great to hear about all of the exciting initiatives that [company name] has on the horizon. Particularly when you mentioned [really cool thing they’re doing that the interviewer told you]. With my strengths in [core skill/strength 1], [core skill/strength 2], and [core skill/strength 3], I can contribute considerable value and make a difference with this [project/initiative].”
Now, we want to affirm that this is the right move for us and express excitement for it with something like:
“Our conversation yesterday reaffirmed that the [position name] role at [company name] is the right fit and next step for me in my career.”
And finally, we want to sign off keeping the door open to future connection with something like:
“Please let me know if there’s any further information I can provide you to support my application.
Thanks again for your time!”
Now what if you don’t hear back after a week or two. Is it OK to follow-up?
Absolutely!
Make sure to download my free Thank You message guide and templates by signing up for it. The link is in the description below.
Thanking The Interviewer After Being Rejected?
Want to really blow the interviewers’ socks off and do something that no one else does? If you are passed over for the job and get a “thanks but no thanks” message, make sure to reply with a thank you.
WHAT?! How could I possibly recommend doing that? Thanking someone for rejection???
Yes, that’s what I’m saying, and hear me out.
A lot could happen between the hiring decision being made, and the hired candidate showing up on day 1, or still being there after the probationary period is over.
They could get another offer. The fit might be lacking once they’re in the job. A whole host of possibilities.
So why not be the candidate who kept the door wide open for possibly working with your target employer in the future?
My free guide includes a template for this thank you message as well.
Thank you notes after an interview won’t necessarily change a hiring decision, but they will make you stand out as a potentially great future coworker, and stay top of mind with your interviewers. Being in their face, so to speak, makes you unforgettable.
Do you write thank you messages after your interviews? Do you think they’ve helped you land your jobs? Tell me all the juicy details in the comments below.
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