The interview might be over, but the hiring process isn’t. What you do after the conversation can influence the final decision just as much as how you perform during it. One of the most overlooked, yet powerful gestures you can make is following up with a thoughtful thank-you email.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the etiquette of what to say after an interview—and more importantly, how to say it in a way that leaves a strong and lasting impression.

• Why Follow-Up Emails Matter
• When to Send Your Thank-You Email
• What to Say in Your Email
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Bonus: What if You Interviewed by Multiple People?

Hiring managers meet many candidates. A well-timed and personalized thank-you email can be the reason your name stays at the top of their list. It shows that you care, that you're truly interested in the role, and that you respect the interviewer's time.

It also gives you a final chance to clarify anything that didn’t come out right, reinforce your fit for the position, or highlight something you wish you'd emphasized more.

The best time to send your thank-you email is within 24 hours of your interview. Ideally, send it the same day—while the conversation is still fresh in your mind (and theirs). Keep in mind the interviewer's timezone and working hours, especially if it's a global company.

There’s no perfect script, but there are a few essentials every thank-you note should include:

1. A Genuine Thank You

Start by expressing appreciation for their time and for the opportunity to speak with them.

2. A Specific Reference to the Conversation

Mention something you discussed that stood out to you. This shows attentiveness and sincerity.

3. Reiterate Your Enthusiasm for the Role

Clearly state your interest in the position and the company. Employers want to hire people who genuinely want to be there.

4. A Reminder of Your Strengths

Briefly reinforce why you believe you're a strong fit. You don’t need to repeat your resume—just connect your skills to their needs.

5. A Professional Sign-Off

Close with a respectful note, such as “Looking forward to next steps” or “Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions.”

• Sending a generic email to everyone: Personalize your message for each interviewer.
• Waiting too long to follow up: Time matters. Send it promptly.
• Being too casual or overly formal: Match the tone of the interview.
• Turning it into a second pitch: Keep it concise and polite, not salesy.

If you met with more than one person, send individual thank-you emails. Personalize each one—reference your specific conversation with them rather than sending a copy-paste message.

A well-written thank-you email is a simple but powerful way to stand out. It shows that you respect the process, value relationships, and communicate thoughtfully.

Not sure how to phrase it? We’ve created a bundle of easy-to-use thank-you email templates tailored for different roles and situations. Whether you're writing to a recruiter, a panel, or a hiring manager, we've got you covered.

Download the Thank You Email Template Bundle now and feel confident about what to say, every time.

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