Mastering Post-Interview Etiquette: The Art of Writing a Stellar Thank You Email

An increasing number of individuals are coming to appreciate the profound impact a well-written thank you email can have in the grand scheme of the interview process. In the bustling arena of job hunting, it becomes critical to take every opportunity to stand out. Not convinced yet? Perhaps this anecdote will shed some light on the matter.

A few years ago, HubSpot, a leading sales and marketing platform, found itself on the ropes trying to decide between two equally qualified job applicants. The task was arduous, considering both had aced their interviews, had impressive CVs, and fit the organization’s culture. However, one applicant sent a thoughtful and personalized thank you email the day after the final interview. This demonstrated not just courtesy, but also the candidate’s attentiveness and initiative. As a result, HubSpot went with the candidate who did the extra work. Thus, this thank you email became the ticket to a dream job.

However, one common predicament that job seekers find themselves in is whether a follow-up email is really necessary. According to recent data, a corporate job opening attracts an average of 250 resumes. Making it to the final interview stage implies you’re amongst the 2% of applicants. With more firms embracing remote hiring, competition has doubled due to a more significant global candidate pool. This increases the necessity of a post-interview thank you email— a seemingly small gesture that might tip the scales in your favor.

Much like the thank you notes we were taught to write after birthdays and holidays, a thank you email following an interview serves a similar purpose. It demonstrates manners, appreciation, and elevates your candidacy status, pulling an emotional cord with the hiring manager.

To set this process in motion, start by ensuring you have the names and contact information of the interviewers. Keep a mental note (or jot down) significant points discussed during the interview. You would ideally want to dispatch this email within 24 hours of the interview. Longer, and you run the risk of being forgotten; shorter, and you may come across as insincere. The tonality should be professional yet cordial, and try to limit the text to a single screen’s worth, with relevant points included.

When penning down a thank you email that outshines, start by refreshing your research on the company and the interviewer(s). Use this information to create a personalized touch. Utilize the ‘storytelling’ approach— share relevant stories from your career that underline your aspirations and fitment to the role. Lastly, underscore the value you can bring to the position by aligning your skills with the job’s requirements.

As we conclude, it’s crucial to remember the power a well-crafted thank you email commands. It can be the cherry on top of an exceptional interview performance, casting you in a memorable light. However, bear in mind, as much as a standout thank you email can set you apart, it should complement a strong interview display and qualifications requisite for the job. Ignite your post-interview etiquette today, and you might just find yourself in the seat of your dream job; it could boil down to a stellar thank you email!