How to Write a Thank-You Email After a Job Interview

Landing your dream job often comes down to the smallest details. One staffing expert reveals why a brief, well-crafted message after the interview can carry surprising weight.

When you walk into an interview, the goal is to set yourself apart from the other candidates and prove you're the ideal person for the job — but your efforts don't have to end there. A sincere, well-thought-out thank you note or email after the interview can make a world of difference.

A follow-up thank you email may feel redundant, especially since you already expressed your appreciation before leaving the interview. Still, it's a valuable chance to rise above the competition and make a memorable impression on the hiring manager.

"Writing a good thank you note is never going to be a negative for a candidate," says Tracy Cashman, partner and general manager of the information technology group at staffing firm Winter, Wyman & Company. "It's one more way to sell yourself. It shows initiative and an interest in the position."

Employers value more than just the politeness and traditional etiquette a thank you note shows. "A lot of my clients, even for technical positions, are more and more interested in a candidate's writing skills," says Cashman.

She notes, "They have to write project plans, documentation and training manuals. The thank you note could be one of the ways a job seeker is judged, so you shouldn't take it lightly, and you should make sure it's properly written."

Before you start typing that draft, here's what to keep in mind:

• Be prompt: Send your thank you note within 24 to 48 hours of the interview.
• Keep it succinct and specific: Cashman says post-interview thank you notes shouldn't run much longer than three paragraphs. A note that runs too long risks being skimmed or left unfinished by the hiring manager.
• Address specific points you and the hiring manager discussed: Express your gratitude in the first paragraph, reiterate why you're the perfect candidate in the second, and in the final one, reinforce your interest in the position and the company while making it clear you’d be glad to continue the conversation.
• Check your spelling and grammar: A thank you note riddled with spelling and grammatical errors can completely undermine your job search efforts.

It's also important to avoid sounding desperate. Convey your gratitude for the interview and your enthusiasm for the role without begging for consideration, and do so with the self-assurance of someone who knows they're qualified.

Finally, don't forget to ask the hiring manager for her contact information so you can follow up with an email or handwritten thank you note, says Cashman. She adds that it's perfectly appropriate to request the hiring manager's business card at the end of the interview.

Ready to fine-tune the rest of your application? Find out whether your resume is too long.