How to Say Thank You after an Interview

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:

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.

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.

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.