Job interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience. You spend hours preparing, researching the company, practicing your answers to common questions, and hitting the dreaded weakness question out of the park. After the interview, the waiting game begins, and you may find yourself endlessly wondering, “Did I make a good impression? Will they hire me?”
While you can’t control the hiring decision, you can take proactive steps to leave a lasting positive impression and increase your chances of landing the job. One of these crucial steps is sending a well-crafted thank-you email after the interview. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the art of the job interview follow-up and delve into the nuances of crafting the perfect thank-you email that will set you apart from other candidates.
Before we dive into the details of crafting the perfect thank-you email, let’s understand why it’s essential in the first place. Sending a thank you email serves multiple purposes:
First and foremost, a thank-you email is a polite way to show your gratitude for the interviewer’s time and consideration. It’s a simple yet powerful gesture that reflects positively on your character and professionalism. According to gratitude expert, Christopher Littlefield, following up with a thank you not only demonstrates that you grasped the key takeaways of the meeting, but that you appreciate the interviewer’s time and efforts.
By promptly sending a thank-you email, you communicate your continued interest in the position and the company. This can reinforce your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
In a competitive job market, standing out is crucial. A well-crafted thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates who may neglect this step or send generic messages. One study found that only one out of four candidates sent thank you messages after their interviews, yet 80% of HR managers said those messages were helpful when reviewing candidates.
A thank-you email is an extra touchpoint with the employer. It keeps the lines of communication open and provides an opportunity for you to address any concerns or provide additional information.
In some cases, a thoughtful thank-you email can tip the scales in your favor. Hiring managers may view it as a positive sign of your professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to the role.
Now that we’ve established the importance of sending a thank-you email let’s explore the key elements of crafting a perfect one.
A well-crafted thank-you email is more than just a polite gesture; it’s a strategic tool to enhance your candidacy. Follow these steps to create a thank-you email that leaves a lasting impression:
Step 1: Be Prompt
Timing is crucial when sending a thank-you email. Aim to send it within 24 hours of your interview. This ensures that the interviewer still has a fresh impression of you in their mind and reduces the risk of you being confused with other candidates they may have interviewed.
Delaying the thank-you email can diminish your perceived enthusiasm for the job, which is not the impression you want to convey. So, as soon as you can, sit down and start crafting your email.
Step 2: Be Specific
Begin your thank-you email by expressing your gratitude for the interviewer’s time. However, don’t stop at a generic, “thank you for the interview.” To make your message memorable, be specific about what you appreciated during the interview.
For example, you might write something like, “I really enjoyed learning about your company’s software tools during the interview,” or “Hearing about your company’s values was extremely interesting and gave me a clearer sense of what the position entails.”
Being specific demonstrates that you were actively engaged during the interview and that you genuinely care about the company and the role.
Step 3: Restate Your Strengths
One of the advantages of a thank-you email is that it provides you with an opportunity to reiterate the skills and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the job. This time, you can do it from the comfort of your home, free from the pressure of the interview room.
Select one or two key competencies that were highlighted by the employer during the interview. Then, succinctly illustrate how you developed or showcased these competencies in your prior professional roles. Emphasize the direct relevance of these competencies to the accounting manager position you are interviewing for.
For instance, you could compose a statement such as, “During our discussion, you emphasized the significance of strong leadership in this role. In my previous position at [Previous Company], I showcased my leadership abilities by successfully overseeing a team of accountants, leading them through complex financial projects, and achieving exceptional results that positively impacted the company’s bottom line.” The goal here is to leave a lasting positive impression and remind the employer why you are the best fit for the job.
Step 4: Address Loose Ends
The thank-you email is also an opportunity to tie up any loose ends or address concerns that may have arisen during the interview. Think of it as a continuation of the interview process, where you can address any issues or questions that you may not have had a chance to properly discuss.
For instance, if the interviewer emphasized the importance of advanced financial modeling skills for the senior finance analyst role, and you acknowledged during the interview that you haven’t used a particular financial modeling software, you can address this in your thank-you email. You might write something like, “I want to emphasize my dedication to this role. While I haven’t had the opportunity to work extensively with [specific financial modeling software], I am fully committed to mastering it if I’m selected for the position. I recognize its significance in enhancing the analytical capabilities required for this role.”
Similarly, if there were any areas where your qualifications or experience didn’t align perfectly with the job requirements, use your thank-you email as an opportunity to demonstrate your proactive approach. For instance, if the interviewer mentioned the preference for a candidate with a specific industry certification, and you don’t currently hold it, you can express your intent to obtain that certification and provide a timeline for accomplishing it. This proactive attitude showcases your determination to bridge any knowledge or qualification gaps to excel in the senior finance analyst role.
Step 5: Express Enthusiasm
Convey your eagerness and enthusiasm for the role in your thank-you email. Let the interviewer know that you are excited about the possibility of joining their team. This is also an opportunity to express your dedication and willingness to put in the maximum effort to excel in the position.
However, it’s important to strike a balance here. While enthusiasm is appreciated, avoid being overly enthusiastic to the point of coming across as desperate. Just like in dating, people can sense neediness and desperation from a mile away. Maintain a professional and composed tone in your email.
Step 6: Invite Further Communication
Wrap up your thank-you email by inviting further communication. Let the interviewer know that you are open to answering any additional questions they may have or providing any further information they require. This shows that you are proactive and responsive, qualities that employers value.
For example, you can write, “Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any more questions or need additional information. I am here to assist in any way I can.”
Step 7: Sign Off Politely
Conclude your thank-you email with a polite sign-off. Thank the interviewer once again for their time and consideration. A simple, “Thank you for your time and consideration” followed by your name is an appropriate way to close your email.
Step 8: Proofread and Review
Before hitting the send button, take a moment to proofread and review your thank-you email. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, as these can detract from your professionalism. Ensure that your message is clear and concise.
Step 9: Choose the Right Subject Line
The subject line of your thank-you email is the first thing the recipient will see. Make it concise and relevant to the email’s content. A subject line like “Thank You for the Interview” or “Appreciation for the Interview Opportunity” is appropriate.
Truly, the most important thing to remember is that this is your opportunity to stand out and make another impact. Everyone here at Clarity Recruitment has at least one story about how a smartly or creatively worded note of appreciation helped to tip the scale in a candidate’s favour. Put some thought and consideration into writing yours, and you may find yourself needing to send another one shortly – along with a signed contract.
We know a lot of great companies looking for passionate finance professionals like you to join their team, and we’d love to help you land another interview.
