Guide
Thank You Email After an Interview
A short, genuine thank you email after an interview isn't just politeness, it's one more real opportunity to reinforce why you're the right fit, while you're still fresh in the interviewer's mind.
When to Send It
Within 24 hours of the interview, ideally the same day. Same-day is especially worth prioritising if you're one of several candidates being interviewed close together, since it keeps you top of mind while the interviewer is still comparing notes.
Thank You Email Template
Reference something specific from the conversation, generic thank-you notes are noticeably weaker than ones that show you were actually listening.
- "Subject: Thank You — [Job Title] Interview"
- "Dear [Interviewer's Name],"
- "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] role. I particularly enjoyed our discussion about [specific topic from the interview], and it confirmed how well this role aligns with [something specific about your experience or goals]."
- "Please let me know if there's any further information I can provide. I look forward to hearing about next steps."
- "Kind regards, [Your Name]"
If You Interviewed With Multiple People
Send an individual email to each interviewer if you have their contact details, briefly personalised to what you discussed with them specifically, rather than one identical email copied to everyone.
Following Up If You Haven't Heard Back
If the interviewer gave you a timeline for a decision, wait until it's passed before following up. If no timeline was given, a week is a reasonable default. Keep the follow-up brief: restate your interest, ask if there's an update, and thank them again for their time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after an interview should I send a thank you email?
Within 24 hours, ideally the same day, especially if you're one of several candidates being interviewed close together.
What should I include in an interview thank you email?
A specific reference to something discussed in the interview (not a generic thank you), a brief reinforcement of your fit for the role, and an offer to provide any further information needed.
Should I send a separate thank you email to each interviewer in a panel?
Yes, if you have their individual contact details — a short, personalised note to each is stronger than one identical email sent to everyone.
How long should I wait before following up if I haven't heard back after an interview?
Wait until any timeline the interviewer gave you has passed. If no timeline was given, a week is a reasonable default before a brief, polite follow-up.
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