Job Seeker Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know About Writing a Thank You Note

So, you feel like you nailed that job interview, and now you’re faced with a tough choice. Do you write a thank you note? Do people still do that anymore? And if so, what should you say?

The answer is, yes, people still write thank you notes after interviews – but not as often as you might think. Writing a thank you note following your interview could make you a stand-out applicant. Writing a sincere thank you note does more than express your gratitude: it also gives you the chance to show that you were engaged during the interview, and you continued to think about the experience even after it was over. Here’s what we recommend.

Recap the Experience

Use the thank you note as a chance to recap your meeting and remind the interviewer about your strengths. Mention your name and the position you’re seeking. Your interviewer may have had a lot of interviews that day, so providing context can be helpful. 

Discuss one or two things that came up during the interview. Hopefully there were memorable moments during the conversation that you can refer back to in the card. Maybe you made personal chit-chat before the interview started, or perhaps you connected over a similar job experience. Draw upon something that stands out from your interview, and mention it in your thank you note. Use the note to highlight your related experience, and recap some of the best bits of information from your resume.   

Show Your Gratitude

Don’t forget to actually say “thank you.” Your interviewer took the time to get to know you and to read your resume. Show your gratitude to recognize their effort. 

Let Them Know You’re Still Interested

Are you still interested in the position? Let the interviewer know without being too pushy. Say things like, “Please let me know if you need any more information. I’d be happy to answer any follow-up questions you might have.”

Be Professional

Finish with a professional salutation, like sincerely, or best regards. Use professional language throughout – even while you express some warmth and friendliness as well. 

Thank You Note as an Email or Card? You Decide

Some choose to write a thank you email while others send an actual card in the mail. The choice is yours. Emailed notes arrive faster, which can be helpful if you’re the last person being interviewed. In a corporate environment, a thank you email is culturally appropriate. Some businesses are more traditional and will look more favorably upon a physical card. Consider this as you make your choice. 

About the Author: Kathryn Elwell grew up in the Midwest. She has experience in management and human resources, and has been writing on these topics and more for 12 years.