Thank You Letters

Your job interview is your chance to make a good first impression on a potential employer, and writing a prompt thank you letter afterwards continues that good impression. Even if you think you may not have done as well as you’d hoped or if you have decided you may not want to work at the company for which you interviewed, it is still important always to send a thank you. You never know when or if you may cross paths again with your potential employer, and you want to always follow best practices for the interview process – and that includes writing a thank you letter right away.

A good rule of thumb is to write to thank your interviewer within 24 hours after your interview. An even better practice is to write it the same evening so that the letter is in your potential employer’s inbox the next morning. This promptness is an example of your ability to address things in a timely manner as well as your sense of good etiquette and protocol.

How you write your thank you letter is as important as when to do so. Stick to the same formal, direct tone that you used in your cover letter. Avoid addressing your contact informally or using the kind of tone or language you might use in a text message to a friend. Remember: this letter is still part of the formal job-application process.