Thank you email after an interview
Should you send a thank-you email after an interview? Yes. It takes five minutes, most candidates don't bother, and it's one more chance to show you were listening.
Send it within 24 hours, ideally the same day. Write a separate email to each person who interviewed you, and mention something specific each of them said.
Email template builder
Thank you email after an interview: 9 to copy
1. Classic
Hi [Name], Thank you for meeting with me today about the [job title] role. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic], and it confirmed how much I'd like to join the team. If you need anything else from me, just let me know. Best regards, [Your name]
2. Short, after a phone interview
Hi [Name], Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. I enjoyed learning more about the [job title] position and I'm excited about the next steps. [Your name]
3. Video interview
Hi [Name], Thank you for the video interview this afternoon. It was great to hear how the team approaches [topic], and I'd love the chance to contribute to [project]. Looking forward to hearing from you. [Your name]
4. Panel interview (send one to each)
Hi [Name], Thank you for being part of my interview today. I particularly appreciated your question about [question], and it's something I'd enjoy digging into in this role. Best, [Your name]
5. Second interview
Hi [Name], Thanks for having me back today, and for introducing me to [names]. Hearing about [challenge] made me even more confident I'd be a good fit. I'd bring [one relevant strength]. I look forward to the next steps. [Your name]
6. Adding something you forgot
Hi [Name], Thank you for the interview today. I realized afterwards I didn't mention [relevant experience], which is directly relevant to [requirement]: [one or two sentences]. Thanks again for your time. [Your name]
7. Internal position
Hi [Name], Thank you for interviewing me for the [job title] role. I've enjoyed working at [Company] for [time], and I'm excited about the chance to take on [responsibility]. Thanks again, [Your name]
8. Informal company
Hi [Name], Thanks for a great chat today! I loved hearing about [thing]. Really hope to work with you all. Cheers, [Your name]
9. To the recruiter
Hi [Recruiter's name], Thanks for arranging my interview with [hiring manager] today. It went well, and I'm very interested in the role. Let me know if there's anything else you need. [Your name]
Subject lines
- Thank you – [Job title] interview
- Thank you for your time today
- Great speaking with you today
- Thanks for the call
- Thank you for the second interview
- Following up on today's interview
When to send it
Same day, a few hours after the interview, is ideal. Next morning is fine. After 48 hours it starts to look like an afterthought. If you interviewed late on a Friday, send it Friday evening or Monday morning.
What to write
- Thank them for their time.
- Mention one specific thing from the conversation.
- Restate your interest in the role in one sentence.
- Close simply.
Under 120 words. No attachments unless they asked for something.
Next steps
If the decision date passes with no word, use our interview follow-up emails.
Frequently asked questions
Should I send a thank you email after an interview?
Yes. It's polite, it's expected by many hiring managers, and it reminds them of you while they're deciding.
How soon should I send a thank you email after an interview?
Within 24 hours. Same day is best.
Should I send a thank you email to every interviewer?
Yes, a short separate email to each one, mentioning something they said. Don't send one group email.
Can a thank you email hurt your chances?
Only if it has typos, the wrong name, or is very long. Proofread it and keep it short.