How to Write a Job Interview Thank You Letter

So, you finished either a phone or video interview for a potential new position. (Even if the interview is in-person, most of the tips covered in the two articles apply.) Here’s where you can cement your status as the top candidate with a small gesture﹘a thank you letter. Now, perfecting this seemingly simple letter form is harder than you think. Here’s how to write a job interview thank you letter.

Do I Have to Write a Thank You Letter?

The answer is, yes and no. While some employers don’t mind forgoing this practice, others expect it. As Indeed points out, this gesture illustrates good manners—an important factor for soft skills—and reinforces your interest in the role. So, it doesn’t make sense risking your candidacy for a kind gesture that won’t take up too much of your time.

What Do I Include?

Here are some basic requirements of a thank you letter:

Subject line
Personal greeting
Illustrating appreciation
Briefly highlight why you’re qualified for the position
Include any connection/experience you shared in the interview
Restate your interest in the position
Contact information

Subject Line

There is a writing adage that’s applicable for your subject line—K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple, silly). Get to the point and remind them who you are. For example, a strong subject line is, “[Insert Name] Job Interview Thank You Letter.” There’s no need to create a sense of mystery for these emails.

Personal Greeting

Next, insert the person’s name who you met with. (And, of course you remember what their name is. You practiced active listening throughout the interview, so you could answer every question thoroughly.) So, you can say, “Dear, [insert their first name]:”

Appreciation

Then, you want to do what the whole purpose of this letter is—thank them. You should write, “Thank you for taking the time today to discuss the [insert job title] position with me.”

Your Qualifications

Now, you don’t want to recap your whole resume when you’re writing your thank you letter. However, a one sentence reminder of why you’re best suited for the job will refresh their memory. (On average, every corporate job opening gets 250 applicants, so a refresher will be appreciated.) This sentence should look like, “As someone who [insert relevant experience, training, or education], I can bring my knowledge to this role.”

Shared Experience

Also, to make your thank you letter even more personalized, include an inside joke, shared experience, or any connection you two had. Remember, companies hire people for jobs, so show your humanity. “It was so reassuring to see a fellow Baylor University graduate works at the organization!”

Ask for the Position

Now, you should reinforce your interest in the role. You don’t have to directly ask for the job, but you should emphasize how you want to be a part of the team. For example, you can include, “I hope to join the team and make a positive contribution to the organization.”

Contact Information

Finally, make sure you include a way they can reach you. Yes, they have your email address, but you should also include a phone number. “Thank you! [insert your name] {insert email address] [insert your number]”

If you follow this guide on how to write a job interview thank you letter, you may be ready for the job offer negotiation! Also, if you’re looking for a job, you should consider using Applied Resource Group, Atlanta’s premier staffing agency. When you work with our staffing agency, you get highly trained experts who have perfected the art of matching candidates with their ideal company. Either way, happy job hunting!

Here’s a downloadable thank you letter template.