Similar to a first date that went well, you need to follow up an interview with some sort of correspondence. But what do you say and how do you say it? Assuming that you did your research about the position and the company before your interview, the thank you note is easier than you think.
Here are a few sample thank you letters for different interview scenarios:
The informational interview/ 30 minute phone interview
This thank you can be handwritten, but because it was more of a discovery meeting, sending an email on the same day as the interview is appropriate:
Hi Jane-
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today about ABC Company. From my research and information that you shared with me I think I would be a great fit for the position because of my track record in XY and Z. I am very excited about the possibility to work on your team and would love to come to the office and meet with everyone in person.
Again thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you!
Elyse
The formal face to face interview
This thank you note can be done either snail mail or email; I prefer hand written for face to face though. A sure way to make sure the letter will get to your recipient quickly is to have a note with you and have an intro already penned. That way when you are leaving, or sitting in your car you can finish the thank you note with details that would pertain to your interview. After you sign and seal the letter, run it back in to the reception desk. For my Brightwing thank you letter to Adam Conrad, I dropped it off at my friend Matt Glynn’s house to ensure next day delivery.
Jane-
It was so nice to meet you in person today and see who I have been emailing with the past few weeks! After meeting with you I definitely think I would be a great fit for XYZ position because of the 3 years experience I have in supporting EFG. I have also spearheaded ABC project where I managed a talented team of 5 people.
As I said today, I have been interested in working for ABC Company for several years and would be elated to work on your team! The culture seems to be one I would fit in and thrive.
I look forward to hearing back from you!
Elyse
The face to face interview with multiple people
If you are asking yourself, “Wait I need to write a thank you letter to everyone I met with?” Then you definitely needed to read this blog. Absolutely you should send a thank you to everyone you met, not a group thank you note. That seems like you are either too cheap, lazy or ran out of stationary. The same timing applies with the multiple thank you letters as the single in person thank you letter. If you weren’t planning on seeing multiple people, it’s ok to wait until you get home to write and send the thank you notes. The example above would be fitting, just adjust the note to match the kind of conversation you had with each interviewer.
The second round interview
If you have reached this point, and are looking to write your second round, etc, interview thank you letter then great job! You’re obviously on the right track. With your second, third, etc round interview, the thank you note should continue to emphasize your enthusiasm for the position, the company and why you are the best fit for the position based on your experience.
Peter-
It was great to meet with you for a second interview today! My enthusiasm for the position and working for ABC Company is only growing. In my first interview, meeting with the team was great! I really feel that we would get along personally and professionally.
I still think that I would be a great fit for this position because of XYZ. I showed leadership through ABC and saw success through DEF.
As I have said, I have wanted to work for this company for some time now and am excited to have had the opportunity to interview for this position.
Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me, and I look forward to hearing back from you!
Elyse
About the Guest post author:
Elyse Lopez is a writer and researcher for Brightwing, a recruiting and learning solutions company that specializes in company culture and workplace management. She likes to make Detroit look good, Notre Dame Football, running, dogs, and strategically placed one liners.
We wish you the best of luck in your interview process, and if you need any advice don’t hesitate to call Brightwing.