Imagine ... you have just walked out of an interview, feeling pretty good about how it went. You answered their questions with confidence, had a great conversation with the interviewer, and maybe even cracked a joke that got a genuine laugh. Now, all that’s left to do is wait, right? Not quite.
There’s one final touch that could set you apart from other candidates - a well-crafted thank you letter. But how do you write one that feels unique, personal, and not just another formality? Let’s break it down.
Should I Write a Thank You Letter?
Absolutely! While it’s not a strict requirement, it’s a powerful way to show gratitude, reinforce your enthusiasm, and remind the employer why you’re the best fit for the job. Many candidates skip this step, so taking the time to send a thank you letter can make you stand out.
A well-written thank you letter can leave a lasting impression, and in some cases, it might even be the deciding factor between you and another equally qualified candidate.
Why is a Thank You Letter Important?
A thank you letter serves several purposes:
Shows appreciation – Hiring managers take time out of their busy schedules to interview you. A thank you note acknowledges their effort.
Reiterates your interest – It’s a great way to confirm that you’re excited about the role.
Allows you to stand out – Many candidates don’t bother sending one. This small effort could put you ahead.
Gives you a chance to clarify something – If there was a question you wish you had answered better, this is your moment to subtly address it.
Makes you more memorable – Interviewers often meet multiple candidates in a day, and it can be hard to remember each one. A thank you letter, especially with a unique personal touch, helps reinforce your presence in their minds.
What’s the Best Format for a Thank You Letter?
The format depends on the type of company and how formal the interview process was. Here are the best approaches for different scenarios:
1. Handwritten Note (For Local Companies)
If you’re applying to a small, local business, a handwritten thank you note can feel incredibly thoughtful. It adds a personal touch that an email just doesn’t have. Want to go the extra mile? Take a photo in front of the company’s building and include it in your note. It’s an unforgettable way to show them that you can already see yourself working there. This can also be a game-changer because hiring managers often meet many candidates and may forget what each one looked like. By adding a photo, you ensure they remember exactly who you are!
2. Email (For Larger Companies or Remote Roles)
For larger businesses or remote roles, email is the way to go. It’s fast, professional, and ensures your note reaches the interviewer promptly.
3. Video Message (For Creative Roles)
Want to stand out in a truly unique way? A short, well-edited video thanking the interviewer could be an incredible touch - especially for creative or media-related positions.
4. Text Message, Phone Call, or Social Media (For Less Formal Settings)
If you had a very informal interview - perhaps for a part-time job or a position at a startup where communication was primarily through WhatsApp or LinkedIn—sending a quick thank you message via text or social media could be appropriate.
However, this method is generally not recommended for more formal positions, as it might come across as too casual or unprofessional. If choosing to send a text, keep it brief and professional.
A phone call could be suitable if you had a particularly strong rapport with the interviewer, but keep it concise and professional.
What Should Be Included in a Thank You Letter?
A great thank you letter should include:
A warm greeting
Expression of gratitude for their time
Mention of something specific from the interview (e.g., a topic you discussed, a shared interest)
Reiteration of your enthusiasm for the role
A final note of thanks
Bad vs. good Example
Here’s an example of a very basic thank you email:
Subject: Thank You for the Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I really appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the team and the role.
I enjoyed our conversation, and I’m even more excited about the possibility of joining your team. Please let me know if you need any more information from me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Not bad, but not particularly memorable either. Now, here’s an example of a highly personalised version:
Subject: Thank You – Excited About the Next Steps
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for our conversation today. I really enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the [Job Title] role. Our discussion about [specific topic] was especially insightful, and I loved hearing about [something unique they mentioned].
I was particularly excited to hear about [specific project or company initiative]. The way you described how the team collaborates on [specific task] resonated with me, as it’s something I truly value in a work environment. I also appreciated your insights on [another discussion point from the interview], and it gave me an even clearer picture of how I could contribute to the team.
Reflecting on our conversation, I was especially intrigued by [mention a challenge or goal the company is working on], and I’d love the opportunity to bring my experience with [relevant skill] to help with that. Our chat about [shared interest or lighthearted moment] was also a highlight—it’s always great to connect on a personal level as well as a professional one.
I also remember you mentioning that you’re heading to [holiday destination] soon! I actually visited [specific city or attraction] last year, and I highly recommend checking out [specific place, restaurant, or experience]. I hope you have an amazing time—it’s a fantastic place to unwind and explore!
Again, I truly appreciate your time and consideration. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information from me.
Looking forward to what’s next!
Enthusiastically,
[Your Name]
Here are 4 further creative ways to stand out in your thank-you letter:
- Attach a mini project – If you discussed a challenge in the interview, include a brief proposal or mock-up of how you'd solve it.
- Share a relevant article or resource – If a topic came up in conversation, send a link to a great resource, showing your enthusiasm.
- Record a short voice note – If appropriate, send a brief audio message recapping the key takeaways and excitement.
- Include a testimonial – Mention a previous client, colleague, or boss’s feedback that directly relates to the job's needs.
Final Thoughts
A thank you letter is a simple yet powerful tool that can leave a lasting impression. Whether handwritten, emailed, recorded as a video, or even sent as a quick text in informal settings, the key is making it personal and memorable.
So, next time you walk out of an interview, don’t just sit back and wait—craft that perfect thank you letter and make your mark.
If you know someone who might find this helpful, don’t keep it to yourself—please share it.
You never know how much of a difference it could make in someone’s life.
Liked what you read? I'd appreciate if you bought me a coffee - it encourages me to keep writing helpful articles like this one. Just click the link below to send a small tip my way. It's quick and secure! Thank you very much!
Comments
Post a Comment