Wouldn't it be great to have a thank-you email template for after the interview? I don't mean a boilerplate that makes all your thank-you emails sound alike; but a template that guides you through the process of writing a different thank-you note each time.
My "Past-Present-Future" Thank-You Formula
I have a Past-Present-Future formula for what to say in your thank-you email. It runs like this:
Past: Thank you for the interview
+ Present: Here's what I'm thinking now
Future: The next step in your hiring process
By talking about the past, present, and future in your message, you'll keep the conversation going. Add a "thank you" to all that and you've got a great thank-you email for after the interview.
My Thank-You Email Template for After the Interview
Using the formula above, here's my thank-you email template:
Dear ______,
Paragraph #1: Begin your email with a "thank you" for the interview you just had. (That's the past.)
Paragraph #2: Move on to say what you're thinking about or doing since the meeting. For example, you're making a list of ways you'd like to contribute to the company's project. (That's the present.)
Paragraph #3: Drop a hint or blatantly ask for what you'd like to have happen next. For example, another meeting. (That's the future.)
Thank you!
Your Name
How to Use This Thank-You Email Template
You can use this template over and over without creating the same thank you message over and over. Here's how:
- Copy and paste this template from this blog post into a Word document (where you'll have the benefit of Spell Check).
- Use the suggestions in the template to compose your new email, paragraph by paragraph.
- Then copy and paste your finished thank-you note into the body of your email message.
- Click Send and you're off and running!
4 Comments
I was always reluctant about using these kind of “Thank you” emails. Perhaps I should re-consider that idea altogether.
Daly, yes try them and tell us what you think. It’s really just a guideline for what type of thing to say in each of three paragraphs.
I failed to ‘thankyou’ email after interview.I am yet to recieve joining letter.Till then I wish to thank HR.please give some guideliness on this.
Chris, I’m not sure how long it’s been since you had the interview. If you think the job is still open, send a thank you email NOW. As the saying goes, better late than never.
It’s very possible the hiring manager is still weighing the pros and cons of each of the candidates he interviewed. Your thank you note might be just the thing that pushes his decision in your direction.
Go for it!