How to Write a Post-Interview Thank You Note That Will WOW Any Employer

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This post is all about how to write a post-interview thank you note that will stand out and help you land the next step of the interview process.

First off, Congratulations on getting an interview! That's honestly the hardest part of applying for jobs so pat yourself on the back!

The interview went well and now you're wondering what to do next, right?

I've got you covered.

I've worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies and in the last 10 years, I've landed every job I interviewed at. That's why I say, getting the interview is the HARDEST part! Getting your resume seen is much harder than acing an interview.

Today, we'll discuss exactly what you need to do after an interview to land the next step.

What to Do After an Interview

People often forget that what you do after an interview is just as important as during the interview.

Employers are still watching and taking note of your actions to determine if you're a good candidate for the job.

In fact, when I interview people, I'm certainly looking at what happens after the interview. Did they reach out to me? How bad do they want the job? I'm looking for certain behaviors.

Therefore, you want to make sure you continue to make a good impression.

Follow up the interview with a thank you note. You can write it via email or (for extra bonus points), you can take it in person. (If you're applying for a service job, taking a hand written note in person is something I guarantee they've never seen before. You'll probably be a shoe in!)

The key here is to stand out. You are competing against hundreds, if not thousands, of people for the same job.

How can they remember you?

If you can go in with a hand written thank you note, they are sure to remember you! If you can't, write it in an email.

Let's discuss exactly what to say that will wow them and help you land the next step in the interview process.

How to Write a Post Interview Thank You Letter

After the interview, you'll want to write a thank you note the SAME DAY as the interview.

Don't wait until the next day.

Show the employer you are extremely interested in the job by writing a thank you note as soon as possible.

The thank you note doesn't need to be long, but it should include the below items, each as individual sentences.

Here's what to include in your post-interview thank you note.

1. Address Them Correctly

This is pretty straight forward, but for some it may not be. This also may be your first time writing a post interview thank you note so don't feel bad!

Address them by with the name they introduced themselves with. If they introduced themselves as Mr. Green, your letter will say Mr. Green. If they introduced themselves as Jeff, you'll want your thank you email to use Jeff.

2. Thank Them For Their Time

The first thing you should do when writing a thank you note is open up by thanking them for their time.

They took time out of their jobs and picked you (amongst hundreds of other candidates) to speak to.

Therefore, you want to be very thankful for the time they spent with you.

Here's an example: “Thank you very much for your time today.”

That's it. It's as simple as that!

3. Show Appreciation

This person is considering giving you money in exchange for your hard work, so you definitely want to butter them up a little bit.

Show appreciation for the time they spent with you. You want them to know how much you value this opportunity and feel grateful for the interview.

You want to show them that you enjoyed meeting them and learning about the role.

Here's an example: “It was a pleasure meeting you and learning more about XYZ Company.”

4. Reflect on a Discussed Topic

In the next sentence, reflect on something discussed in the interview.

It can be anything.

It can be something personal that was shared, something about the company, something about the role, something that happened, etc.

It really can be anything, but the goal is to remind them of the interview to jog their memory on how it went.

Here's an example: “I especially enjoyed hearing more about the administrative responsibilities of the role as my skill set falls right in line with the objectives we discussed.”

5. Remind Them Why You're the Best Candidate

In this next sentence, remind them why you'd be the best woman for the job!

This is your time to shine!

I like to do a summary of my best qualifications and characteristics to remind them why they need me on their team.

You can reflect on your work experience, your personality traits, how well you'd work with them or the team, how your qualities align with the company's mission, etc.

Here's an example: “Based on our discussion of the role, I feel I'd be a fantastic candidate for this position. My marketing and project management experience along with my enthusiasm and will to succeed sound as though I'd be a great addition to the team.”

6. Show Excitement for the Position

Nobody wants to hire someone that doesn't care if they get the job or not.

Therefore, show them you're excited about the position. Employers want to hire someone that's enthusiastic, positive, and excited over anyone else.

All of my employers always love me because I'm enthusiastic no matter what. You want me to go do a mundane task that's pointless and a waste of time? Absolutely, I'm right on it! (with a smile)

No one wants an employee that questions everything or seems like they don't care.

Therefore, show them how excited you are.

Here's an example: “I'm very excited about this position and look forward to the opportunity of working for you.”

7. Ask for the Next Step

DO NOT FORGET THIS STEP!!

This is the MOST IMPORTANT step of them all.

You want to “close”. This means that you need to ask for the next step in the interview process.

You need to not only understand what that next step is, but you'll want to know what it entails and try to get it scheduled on the calendar.

(Side note: My goal when in an interview is to get the next step before I leave the interview. If I don't get a next step on the calendar, I don't plan on them ever calling me. This isn't always the case as sometimes HR needs to schedule additional interviews, etc. However, always aim to have that next step scheduled while you're in the interview.)

In your thank you note, ask for the next step of the interview process. If you already know the next step, then mention that you look forward to it.

Here's an example if you don't know what the next step is: “What is the next step in the interview process?”

Very simple and easy to do. However, you're engaging the employer and forcing him to respond.

Here's an example if you know what the next step is: “I understand the next step in the interview process is to meet with Mr. Brown. When should I expect to hear from Mr. Brown on his availability for an interview?”

8. Wrap it Up

Now wrap up the thank you note quickly and efficiently.

Here's an example: “I look forward to it. Have a great day!”

Here's another example: “Thank you again. Have a wonderful rest of your day.”

9. Sign Your Name

Then, just sign your name and you're good to go!

Post-Interview Thank You Note

I hope that was helpful and hope it helps you land the next step in the interview process!

You've got this!! =)

If it helped you land the next step, let me know! I love to hear success stories! Good luck!!