Job Interview Thank-You Letter Template

After an interview, it’s important to follow up with a thank-you note as soon as possible. Your thank you note gives you a chance to reiterate your interest in the job, highlight important qualifications, and follow up on any details you were unable to mention during the interview.

A thank you note also shows your interviewer that you appreciate their time and are eager to hear from them soon. Read below for tips on how to write a thank-you letter after an interview.

Then use the template below to start your thank-you note. Simply replace the generic information in the template below with your information.

What to Include in Your Letter

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Use the first paragraph to thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Mention your interest in the job and how enthusiastic you are about it. You might also mention something small about your interaction to jog the employer’s memory about you (for example, if you found out you are from the same hometown, or that you root for the same sports team).

The second paragraph of your thank-you letter should (briefly) include the reasons why you are an excellent candidate for the job. List specific skills that relate to the job you interviewed for. The more detailed you are, the more the interviewer will remember about your qualifications.

The third paragraph (optional) can be used to mention anything that you didn't bring up at the interview that you'd like the employer to know. You can also elaborate on a point you felt needed more time. This gives you another chance to make a good impression, especially if you remembered something you should have said after the interview. If you feel that the interview did not go well, you can also use this paragraph to (briefly) explain why you were off your game, or to re-answer any questions you struggled with in the interview.

In your closing paragraph, reiterate your appreciation for being considered for the job and let the interviewer know you are looking forward to hearing from them soon.

Sincerely,

Your Signature (hard copy letter)

Your Typed Name

Tips for Writing a Thank-You letter

Send it quickly. Send your thank-you note as soon as you can after the interview—you want it to be received while the employer is still considering candidates. Your well-written message or letter may be what secures you a second interview or a job offer.

Email vs. Letter. If time is of the essence, send a thank-you letter via email. When you are sending your thank-you letter via email, the subject line of the message should include your name and the job for which you interviewed. The subject should also include the phrase “Thank you,” so the recipient knows the purpose of the email. For example, the subject could be “Firstname Lastname, Position XYZ – Thank You.”

If you have a little more time, send your thank-you message in the mail. You can either send a letter in the form of a formal business letter, or you can send a more personal thank-you note on a notecard.

Read samples and templates. When writing a thank-you letter, check out some sample thank-you letters to get a sense of what you might include in your letter. You can also use the template below to help you write a thank-you letter after a job interview. The template includes tips and advice on what to write in each paragraph of your message.

Edit, edit, edit. Before sending, be sure to proofread your letter. If possible, have someone else do so as well. Double-check name spellings and titles. Sending a sloppy letter will not enhance your chances of getting called back.

Job Interview Thank-You Letter Template

This is an example of a job interview thank-you letter. Download the thank-you letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sending an Email Thank You

If you are sending a thank-you via email, you can remove the contact information and date at the top of the letter. You also only need to include a typed signature at the end of the letter. Beneath your typed signature, include your contact information (at least your email and phone number).

Sending a Handwritten Thank-You Note

If you are sending a handwritten thank-you note in a notecard, you do not need to include the contact information and date at the top of the note. You also do not need to type your signature at the end. However, make sure your signature is legible, so the recipient knows who you are.