Should you write a thank you letter after an interview? Actually, there’re lots of differences in opinion over this practice. While some employers believe a thank you letter signifies superb corporate etiquette, others consider it a waste of time.
By my personal opinion, it’s an individual choice. As jobseeker, it’s your decision whether or not to send a thank you letter after an interview.
However, if you decide to send a thank you letter after an interview, here’re some writing tips and samples thank you letters that would prove useful.
Do’s and Don’ts for Thank You Letter After Interview
Before I provide tips for writing Thank You letter after interview, here’re somethings to bear in mind.
- Some employers don’t encourage follow-up of an interview. Hence, sending a thank you letter can disqualify you for the job.
- A few employers explicitly mention they won’t entertain further correspondence regarding a job application. Be careful not to send a thank you letter since the company will view this as breach of the rule and disqualify you for the job.
- Generally, candidates aren’t expected to send a thank you letter after a walk-in interview. Hence, don’t send one.
- You can send a thank you letter, if your interview went very well or very wrong. However, the contents of both of these letters will differ.
- Sending a thank you letter is excellent if you’re applying for a very senior position at a top company. Since there’ll be only few contenders for the post, a thank you letter speaks well about your corporate etiquette.
- A fresher applicant can send a thank you letter to the interviewer in general.
Tips on How to Write Thank You Letter After Interview
Now that you’re aware of the do’s and don’ts for sending a thank you letter after an interview, here’re some tips on how to write thank you letter after interview.
1. Your Name & Address
Clearly mention your name and address on top of the email or letter. Since most communications nowadays are by email, you can follow the same practice.
That’s because the interviewer might have shortlisted you for another interview or even the job. Hence, they need to know who’s sending the email.
2. Interviewer’s Details
Always address the interviewer by name and designation. And write the company’s name and exact postal address too. If there’s a panel, you can mention that later, in the body text of the thank you letter.
Therefore, remember to get the name and designation of the main interviewer very clearly. And if that’s unavailable for any reason, address the letter to the official that sent you the call to interview.
3. Date
Writing the date is of utmost importance. You should send a thank you letter to the interviewer on the same day or at most, on the next day.
Never send a thank you letter two or more days after an interview because it imparts a negative impression.
4. Subject
The subject line should be very clear. All you can say is “Thanks for the interview.” There’s no need to write any creative subject lines because they might sound absurd or laughable.
It doesn’t often matter whether or not you send a thank you letter. And if you do, mentioning the reason in the subject line is the best thing to do.
5. Body Text
You can start the body text of the thank you letter with words such as “Dear Ms. XYZ,” or “Dear Mr. ABC.” If you don’t have any names, just use the term “Dear Messrs.”- which is plural of Miss and Mister.
You can also use “Dear Messrs,” to address the entire interview panel.
Keep the body text as short and simple as possible, as I will show you with the sample thank you letters after interview.
Here’re two very vital tips: Do not sound too anxious about getting the job. And secondly, don’t enquire about the status of your application and interview. A thank you letter shouldn’t seem or sound like a follow-up to the interview.
Sample Thank You Letters After Interview
Sample 1 (General)
Your Name
Full Address Date:
Interviewer’s Name
Designation
Company Name
Full Address
Subject: Thanks for inviting me for an interview
Dear Ms./ Ms./ Messrs.,
This is further to my interview on……………. for the post of ……………… at your offices (or venue).
Kindly accept my heartfelt thanks for the time, effort and other resources your organization invested on my interview.
Should you require any further details, I’ll be happy to provide them by email, post or discuss personally or on phone as per your convenience.
Please accept my thanks and wishing your organization all the best in its endeavors.
Truly Yours
Sample 2 (Junior Position)
Your Name
Full Address Date:
Interviewer’s Name
Designation
Company Name
Full Address
Subject: Thanks for the Interview & Opportunity
Dear Ms./ Ms./ Messrs.,
This is further to my interview on……………. for the post of ……………… at your offices (or venue).
I wish to thank all members of the interview panel and you personally for shortlisting my application and taking the time to interview me for the post.
I sincerely hope I was able to respond fairly to every question at the interview.
If you need further details about my academic qualifications, experience or skills, kindly revert by email or phone. Alternatively, we could discuss the same at your offices.
Once again, thanks for your time and efforts.
Thanks & Regards
Truly Yours
Sample 3 (Poor Interview)
Your Name
Full Address Date:
Interviewer’s Name
Designation
Company Name
Full Address
Subject: Thanks for Your Time
Dear Ms./ Ms./ Messrs.,
This is further to my interview on……………. for the post of ……………… at your offices (or venue).
As you’re aware, I wasn’t able to fare quite well at the interview because of various reasons. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to your organization due to my inability to match your high standards.
I would love to work with your organization at this post or any other. Therefore, I hope you would consider my future applications, without any bias.
Once again, my sincere apologies for faring poorly and thanks for the interview.
Thanks & Regards
Truly Yours
Sample 4 (Fresher)
Your Name
Full Address Date:
Interviewer’s Name
Designation
Company Name
Full Address
Subject: Thanks for the Memorable Interview
Dear Ms./ Ms./ Messrs.,
This is further to my interview on……………. for the post of ……………… at your offices (or venue).
As a fresher, this was the first interview I’ve attended as jobseeker. Hence, I will cherish memories of this interview. I learned a lot about the interview process and what employers look for, during our interaction.
I genuinely hope I’m suitable for the job, despite being a fresher. Also excuse any errors or mistakes that I may have committed due to inexperience.
Should you require any further details, I’ll be happy to provide them by email, post or discuss personally or on phone as per your convenience.
Hope to stay in touch in future
Warm Regards
Truly Yours
Sample 5 (Highly Experienced)
Your Name
Full Address Date:
Interviewer’s Name
Designation
Company Name
Full Address
Subject: Thanks for the Interaction
Dear Ms./ Ms./ Messrs.,
This is further to my interview on……………. for the post of ……………… at your offices (or venue).
As a professional in…………industry, it was indeed my pleasure to interact with you and others. The interaction has definitely enriched my understanding of our career and the needs of your organization.
The interview was also an excellent platform to understand the role I would play at ………… if selected for the post.
Overall, I view this interview as a success for me.
In this context, I would love to work with people with your experience and skills. Therefore, let’s also remain in touch as industry professionals.
Thanks & Regards
Truly Yours
In Conclusion
Before concluding, I’ll repeat that sending a thank you letter after the interview depends upon several factors, as you can see above. Therefore, use your discretion before sending one.
And finally, I recommend you send a thank you letter after an interview by regular mail instead of email. There’re better chances of someone opening and reading postal mail nowadays.
