Tips for Crafting a Post-Interview Thank-You Note

One of the most important pieces of interview advice is to remember your manners—and by that I mean, write thank-you notes. Sending your interviewer a quick thank-you note is an easy way to make a great impression and show your interest in the position. Below are some tips to help you navigate this interview must-have.

Be prompt.

You should send your note within 24 hours of your interview so your name and interview is still fresh in their minds. Be sure to ask for business cards during your interviews so that you have each person’s contact information. If you do not have the interviewer’s contact information, consider reaching out to the recruiting contact who set up the appointment, look on the firm’s website under the interviewee’s bio, or check on LinkedIn.

Make it personal.

To maximize your chances of making an impression, send a separate thank-you note to each person who interviewed you. Be sure to personalize each one. Mention some specific topics you discussed so the interviewer understands how engaged you were in the meeting. For example, if you discussed one of the interviewer’s current matters/projects or a particular firm/company initiative, include it and indicate why that discussion has cemented your interest in the firm.

Also, never send the same thank you note to multiple people in an organization—your interviewers may share your thank-you notes with each other.

Stay focused.

Your thank-you note should be brief and include three main components: Thank the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you, touch upon an item from your conversation that stood out, and reiterate your interest in the position. Consider the following example:

Dear Anne,

Thank you for taking the time to interview me for your firm’s summer associate program. It was wonderful learning more about your trial work, and I am excited about the opportunity to gain stand-up experience early in my career, as you described. I also enjoyed hearing about your recent panel event for the Women’s Affinity Group as well as the myriad mentoring resources offered by the group—the firm’s commitment to diversity is impressive. I am excited to work for a firm that has such a strong litigation practice and truly values inclusion, and I look forward to hearing from you. 

Best,
Jane

Keep it simple.

You may have heard stories of people sending elaborate thank-you packages, with flowers, a witty poem, or some other attempt to “wow” the recruiting team. Employers don’t expect you to deliver them a box of chocolates that spells out “Thank You.” Instead, focus on writing a meaningful note that truly expresses why you are interested in the firm/company and why you enjoyed speaking with the interviewer. Sending this note by email is customary nowadays, so don’t overthink the delivery aspect.

A thank-you note may seem like a formality, but it is actually a valuable opportunity to stand out from other applicants by making personal connections and expressing your sincere interest in the firm. Get writing, and good luck!

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