The objective of the thank you email is to get back in touch with your interlocutor. This shows that you are still interested in the position.. It also leaves a professional impression, which is often appreciated, especially when several profiles are still being analyzed.
Sending this email after a job interview is also a way to enhance your relational skills. Giving thanks for the time given, in a clear and personalized way, reveals a certain sense of contact.
Sometimes it's hard to express everything you wanted to say during an exchange. Thanks to this email, you can specify a point raised, or come back to a poorly worded element. This may be about an assignment, a question, or even an important detail for the proposed position.
This email allows you to reinforce the following elements :
- A forgotten interview experience
- Additional information useful for your application
- A clearer formulation of a point raised orally
- A direct connection between your profile and the challenges of the position
This type of message shows that you are taking the opportunity seriously. And it can weigh in the recruiter's final decision, especially if the application is still being evaluated.
With a thank-you email sent within a reasonable period of time, you're not only relaunching the recruiter: you're confirming your motivation and leaving a positive impression on their mind.
When and to whom should I send a thank you email?
The right time to send a thank-you email is usually between 24 and 48 hours after the interview. This delay shows that you have taken the time to think, without letting too many days pass.
If your message is sent too quickly (right after the exchange), it may seem prepared in advance. On the other hand, an email sent more than 3 days after the interview often loses its impact as the ideas from the interview are no longer fresh in your mind or in that of the recruiter. Balance is still important.
Warning: this type of message should not be perceived as a reminder. You are not looking for an immediate response. It simply helps to maintain a professional relationship and to show that you are following the process.
Sending it to the right person is as important as the content: feel free to use the direct address of the person you met.
Before sending, check these key points :
- The subject of the email should mention the position or the date of the interview
- The recruiter's name must be spelled correctly
- The tone of the message should remain professional, without overdoing it.
- The content should be clear and without spelling mistakes
This email alone is not enough to convince, but it increases your chances of making a good impression. It is often this type of detail that makes the difference between two applications.
What should a thank you email contain?
The content of a thank you email should show that you fully understood the expectations of the interview. This message helps to keep in touch and reiterate your interest in the position, while leaving a clear and structured impression on the recruiter.
The elements that must be included
The thank you email allows you to resume the thread of the interview with a clear message. It complements what has been said. This type of response shows that you are taking the time to structure a professional approach.
- The object gives a frame to the message. By indicating the job title or the date, you facilitate the job of the recruiter. It builds your credibility from the first line.
- One Introductory sentence is enough to express your thanks, without trying to say too much. The tone should remain calm. Politeness gives coherence to the message.
- Confirm your interest for the job shows that you are still committed. Alluding to a point in the project or a mission mentioned helps to anchor the message in a clear memory.
- Mention that you are staying disponible to meet any additional demand reinforces the continuity of the exchange. It also proves your responsiveness, without the need to formulate it directly.
- La signature End the email with the right items. It should include your first name, last name, email address and telephone number. This format remains simple, but essential if the recruiter wants to contact you again.
Mistakes to avoid
Here is a list of the most common mistakes that should not be repeated:
- Some details can weaken a thank you email: a strange wording, an inaccurate structure, spelling mistakes...
- Pay attention to the tone you use: try to stay as close as possible to the tone you used in the interview. The right balance is between a message that is too distant and a text that is too personal.
- Reframing each point raised creates an over-bidding effect. However, you are not trying to complete your arguments, but to express a new idea and to thank your interlocutor.
- Reread your text: if the recruiter sees a mistake in the name, date, or text, this will obviously hurt your hiring.
- Finally, a thank you email should never be used as a reminder. The aim here is not to get an immediate response, but to show that you are following the recruitment process with motivation and seriousness.
How do you stand out and make a difference?
In reality, few candidates send thank-you emails: you can therefore make an impression on the recruiter.
On top of that, the idea is to be different in your approach: every word counts at this stage. This message does not serve to convince, but to show that you have understood the company's expectations.
A difference could be found in What links to include : a link to a portfolio, a magazine, a video related to the job or what was said during the interview for example. The recruiter may find it a certain originality.
The tone of the message should remain consistent with that of the interview. If the exchange was formal, a structured message is needed. If the conversation was freer, a slightly more direct sentence might make sense. The important thing is to stay in sync with your goal.
For internship candidates, or cross-border profiles, talking about your availability can reinforce the impact of the message. It shows that you are already ready to integrate.
Conclusion
Writing a thank you email requires little time, but a lot of attention. This short message is still a great way to promote your application. You should pay attention to the tone of the exchange and be sure to read everything carefully before sending it.
By following advice and drawing inspiration from a good example, you show your motivation as well as your ability to adapt.
It is often this level of care that allows you to succeed and get a job in the best conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always send a thank you email after an interview?
Yes, it is a recommended practice. This shows your seriousness and reinforces interest in the position.
Can I send the same email to several people?
No, it's best to personalize each message because every interview and every person is different. Even slightly, to take into account everyone's role in the interview.
Is it frowned upon to send an overly enthusiastic message?
Yes, if the tone seems exaggerated or out of place. It is better to remain professional while expressing genuine motivation.
